For Healthcare Professionals:
Referrer Portal
Referral Information
We accept all referrals from any source including GPs, Paediatricians, Occupational Therapists, Neurologists and more
Children do not need any medical imaging before their appointment, but if they have had any relevant scans for the presentation, it would be helpful for these to be included in the referral. We are also able to refer for imaging if required after our assessment
We accept children of any age, with any intellectual level or communication ability. We regularly work with children with complex behaviours or communication needs, and are well versed in Augmented Alternate Communication (AAC).
We have a walking hoist and transfer hoist, and are happy to see children who require hoist transfers
We work with children through a range of funding models, including CDMPs, Private Health insurance, PIT funding, TAC and more.
We have referral pads available for your clinic, if you require these or need some extras, please get in touch
Conditions you might refer for:
Delayed milestones (walking, crawling, jumping etc)
Scoliosis and postural concerns
Gait abnormalities – in-toeing, out-toeing, genu valgum/varum, toe walking
Flat feet and orthotic input
Diagnosed or suspected conditions such as genetic disorders, cerebral palsy, ASD etc.
Complex physical disability (ongoing therapy, equipment support)
Children whose family requires assistance to apply for NDIS support
Acute and ongoing management of sporting injuries
Management of hypermobile children (e.g. connective tissue disorders, Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder)
Growth related conditions such as traction apophysitis (Sever’s, Osgood Schlatter’s)
Post-operative rehabilitation
Infant packaging conditions – torticollis, plagiocephaly, talipes equinovarus and more
Equipment needs, such as wheelchairs, walking aids or supportive seating
Treatment modalities/services we offer:
Infant head shape assessments using the Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index (CVAI)
Dry needling
Turtle Bracing (re-mouldable thermoplastic splints for ankles and elbows)
Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI)
Graduated exercise programs
Standardised gross motor assessments (such as the Alberta Infant Motor Scale AIMS, Test of Gross Motor Development TGMD, BOT-2 and more)
Equipment prescription (and application under NDIS) for seating, wheelchairs, standing frames, walking aids and more
Assessment reporting and reports in support of application to the NDIS
Play based therapy
Soft tissue massage/ joint mobilisations
Taping
Orthotic input for insoles, Supra Malleolar Orthoses (SMOs), Ankle-Foot-Orthoses (AFOs) and more
Footwear recommendations
Short term loan/hire of equipment from our own equipment library (including seating, wheelchairs, strollers and more)
Clinic based sessions (access to treadmill, hoist and walking hoist, climbing gyms, Pilates reformers and more)
Home, school or kinder based visits (environment specific assessment and treatment)
Aquatic physiotherapy
Group classes
Frameworks we work with:
We are experienced with the Chronic Disease Management Plan framework and work collaboratively with General Practitioners to achieve outcomes in infants and children with conditions which persist for 6+ months.
Stepping Forward Therapy Services has been delivering therapy support under the NDIS framework since 2017, when the Scheme rolled out in our area. We work closely with the other supports for each participant (child) and their families and are in regular communication with Local Area Coordinators. Stepping Forward Therapists are experienced working with the NDIS and provide therapy support under Self-Managed and Financial Intermediaries. We provide ongoing therapy support in clinic or in home/school/community. If you have a patient who you feel may be eligible, please enquire below.
Post-Acute Care — Short-term intensive physiotherapy for children who have undergone surgical procedures. This program is set up and implemented prior to discharge. Should you feel that this is appropriate, please discuss with the Discharge Coordinator.