Physiotherapy Department

Physiotherapists are experts in how bodies move and develop. Paediatric physiotherapy is the diagnosis, treatment and management of children and young people, focusing on physical function, ability and wellbeing. Physiotherapists treat babies, children and young people from birth to 18 years or school leaving age, using a range of specialist skills and techniques to educate, support, exercise and guide recovery from injury or disease. Physiotherapists also help patients rehabilitate or improve their normal development and how their body functions and moves. The physiotherapy department comprises many teams who meet patients in the hospital, clinics, community, or sometimes in schools.

Requesting Help from Physiotherapy

The Children and Young People’s Physiotherapy service see babies, children and young people in the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, as well as in clinics and other community settings in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian.  There are various ways in which support may be offered, including:

• Reassurance, support and advice
• Signposting to other services, community resources and groups
• Assessment and specific advice or intervention if required

(Please note that physiotherapy is most effective when parents and carers include any advice or intervention into the child’s daily routine.)

Before getting in touch or requesting assistance from physiotherapy, it might be useful to have a look at our leaflets with advice about some of the most common concerns. Look further down this page for this information.

Getting in touch

Parents/carers and any professional involved (with consent from the parent/carer) can get in touch to discuss concerns about a baby, child or young person through our Physiotherapy Helpline.  Please ensure that you use the number for your locality, and the specific area of concern.

For concerns about movement skills or development please contact:

• Edinburgh Team: 0131 312 2347
• East and Midlothian Team: 0131 446 4009
  (Thursday morning helpline, 9am – 11am)
• West Lothian: 01506 522 068
  (Monday – Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm)

For concerns about muscles and bones, joint pain or recent injury:

• Edinburgh, East and West Lothian (RHCYP Physio Team)   : 0131 312 1079
• West Lothian (St John’s Hospital Physio Team): 01506 522 068
  (Monday – Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm)

You can download our Physiotherapy Helpline Guide here.

Help for Professionals

Help for Professionals

Any professional working with families, including health care professionals, teachers, early years staff or social workers can request help from Physiotherapy (with the parent/carer’s consent).  This should be done using our ‘Request for Assistance’ form.

Please review the guidance document and if required phone our Helpline for further information before completing a Request for Assistance.

Guidance for Completing the Request for Assistance Form

Request for Assistance Form

Other Useful Contacts
To rearrange or cancel an existing appointment, please contact the number on your initial appointment letter.  If this is not available, or for general enquiries please contact the main children’s physiotherapy reception: O131 3121079

For issues related to children’s orthotics (e.g. ankle foot orthotic (AFO) splints) please contact the Orthotics Service directly: 0131 5379418

For issues related to wheelchairs please contact the Wheelchairs Service directly: 0131 5379177