This page has information about the Child and Family Program’s Gait Clinic for Children.
Gait ClinicÂ
The aim of the Gait Clinic is to improve function and independence for infants, children and adolescents who have developmental, neurological or orthopaedic needs related to their lower limbs. Gait Clinic is a joint appointment with Physiotherapy and Podiatry, to assess and manage any concerns with gait (walking), running, balance and any lower limb concerns (leg, foot, knee, hip). This is achieved through age-appropriate, evidence-based therapy and family focussed practice. Community Physiotherapists and Podiatrists in Monash Health are funded to see children with mild or moderate issues.
What we do
Gait Clinic assesses and manages:
- Developmental concerns around walking, running, balancing, co-ordination
- Movement difficulties (pain, injury, post-surgery, lack of strength, flexibility or restricted movement of legs (foot, knee, ankle, hip)
- Asymmetrical or unusual gait, foot or leg posture (walk on toes, walk with their toes or legs turned in or out, babies with feet that turn in or unusual shape, shoes that wear out unevenly, stiff painful or very flat feet)
Our team
Child and Family Physiotherapists and Podiatrists are highly skilled in working with children. They are linked to universities and share their expertise by providing education to many undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Who can use this service?
People who can use these services?
- Children and families who live, work, study, attend pre-school or child-care in the City of Greater Dandenong, City Of Casey, Shire of Cardinia.
- Clients under are 18 years old
People who cannot use these services?
- Clients who are eligible for Early Childhood Intervention, Specialist Schools, NDIS, WorkCover, or TAC, including clients with a developmental diagnosis i.e. Cerebral Palsy, Asperger’s, Autism, global developmental delay. We cannot offer them services unless the referral is related to an acute injury or illness which is unrelated to their disability. They should be able to receive therapy support through the programs or funding bodies already mentioned.
How to refer
Anyone can make a referral to community Physiotherapy.
For referrals please:
Phone: (03) 8572 5631
Email: iCareAccess@monashhealth.org
Cost
The charge is based on the family’s income level.
Where our services are delivered
Our services are delivered at Springvale, Dandenong, Cranbourne, Pakenham Community Health centres and Doveton College.
Operating hours
We are open Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm
Contact us:
For more information or assistance with a referral please contact us by email at: childandfamilyprogram@monashhealth.org
Help contacting us
For people who need help with English or an interpreter: : TIS: 131 450
For people with hearing or speech loss: TTY: 1800 555 677
Speak and Listen: 1800 555 727
Internet relay: National Relay Service: www.relayservice.gov.au
Other useful resources and alternative services
It will be challenging to find a private Physiotherapist and Podiatrist working together- so search each profession separately
Alternative Private paediatric Physiotherapy services
- Visit Find a Physio on the Australian Physiotherapy Association webpage
- select your “Location” and how far you are prepared to travel to servicesÂ
- select “Refine your search” then Â
- click the “Select Specialist Area” box then choose “Paediatric” from the list Â
Alternative Private paediatric Podiatry services
- Visit Find a Podiatrist on the Australia Podiatry Association webpageÂ
- select your “Location” and how far you are prepared to travel to servicesÂ
- click the “Member Interest Area” box then choose “Paediatrics” from the listÂ