Physiotherapy for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy affects movement, posture and coordination and can present differently in every child. Physiotherapy plays a key role in supporting children with cerebral palsy to move more efficiently, comfortably and confidently.

Paediatric physiotherapy for cerebral palsy can help to:

   •    Improve gross motor skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling, standing and walking
   •    Develop strength, balance and postural control
   •    Support the management of muscle tone, including spasticity and hypotonia
   •    Improve alignment and quality of movement
   •    Promote independence in daily activities
   •    Support participation in play, nursery and school life
   •    Reduce the risk of secondary complications as children grow


Therapy is always tailored to your child’s abilities, goals and stage of development.

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What to Expect from Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy Sessions

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Physiotherapy sessions are play-based, engaging and functional, ensuring therapy is motivating and meaningful for children.

Sessions may include:

   •    Hands-on facilitation to support movement and motor skill development
   •    Functional task practice focused on everyday activities
   •    Strengthening and balance activities
   •    Gait training and movement re-education
   •    Postural management and positioning advice
   •    Parent and carer education with practical strategies to use at home


Families are actively involved throughout the therapy process, with clear guidance and reassurance to help you feel confident supporting your child between sessions.

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Specialist Interventions We May Use

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Depending on your child’s needs, physiotherapy for cerebral palsy may include:

   •    Strength and conditioning to support movement and endurance
   •    Gait re-education to improve walking patterns and efficiency
   •    Functional task training for everyday independence
   •    Postural management including seating and positioning advice
   •    Kinesiology taping (K-taping) to support alignment and movement control
   •    Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) where clinically appropriate
   •    Pre- and post-Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) rehabilitation, focusing on strength, mobility and functional outcomes


All interventions are evidence-based and selected according to your child’s individual presentation and goals.

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Working Alongside NHS Services


Private physiotherapy for cerebral palsy is designed to complement NHS provision, not replace it.

Families often seek private physiotherapy:

   •    While waiting for NHS therapy
   •    To access more regular or intensive input
   •    To focus on specific functional goals
   •    For additional support and reassurance


With your consent, we are happy to liaise with NHS therapists, schools and other professionals involved in your child’s care.

Who We Support

We work with:

   •    Babies, children and young people with cerebral palsy
   •    All types and levels of cerebral palsy
   •    Families seeking early intervention, ongoing support or targeted input

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Areas We Cover

We provide children’s physiotherapy for cerebral palsy across Somerset, including:

   •    Cheddar

•   Taunton

    •    Yeovil
   •    Bridgwater
   •    Frome
   •    Surrounding towns and villages

If you are unsure whether we cover your area, please get in touch.

About Strong Steps

Strong Steps is led by HCPC-registered paediatric neurological physiotherapists with experience supporting children with cerebral palsy and complex neurodevelopmental needs. Our approach is compassionate, evidence-based and focused on helping children reach their individual potential.

Get in Touch

If you are looking for private physiotherapy for a child with cerebral palsy in Somerset, we would be happy to discuss how we can support your family.

📩 Contact us to arrange an initial discussion or assessment.