children's physiotherapy in Cheltenham
Trusted physiotherapy for growing bodies that need the right kind of care
children's & Teenage sports physiotherapy
Children and teenagers are full of energy, and sports injuries can quickly get in the way of the activities they love. At Straight Back Physio in Cheltenham, our our HCPC registered specialist children’s physiotherapists provide friendly, age‑appropriate care that helps young people recover with confidence. Whether it’s a sprain, strain, growing‑related pain or an overuse injury from training, we offer clear assessment, personalised rehab and a supportive environment where your child feels understood, encouraged and ready to get back to moving well.
For the past nine years, we’ve delivered physiotherapy services for Cheltenham College, giving us deep experience in treating active, growing bodies. Kids and teens love to run, jump, and compete — but rapid growth and developing muscles can make them vulnerable to sports injuries. Our role is to help them heal well, move better, and keep enjoying the activities they love.
Children's Sports Injury Treatment
NICE‑aligned guidance supports a clear, step‑by‑step approach to children’s sports injuries. It begins with early assessment to understand which structure has been irritated — whether it’s a muscle, tendon, ligament or joint — and to provide reassurance that nothing serious is going on. From there, recovery focuses on staying gently active, restoring comfortable movement and gradually rebuilding strength through structured, progressive exercise. Manual therapy can be included, but only as part of this wider exercise‑led plan. This evidence‑based pathway helps young people recover safely, confidently and with the support they need to get back to the activities they love.
Common Teenage Sports Injuries
- Sprains and strains in children (ankle, knee, wrist).
- Growing pains in young athletes like Osgood-Schlatter disease (knee pain) or Sever’s disease (heel pain).
- Overuse injuries in children from repetitive training (e.g., tennis elbow, shin splints).
- Fractures or dislocations from falls or contact sports.
- Postural issues linked to rapid growth or poor technique.
“By working with a Chartered Physiotherapist, young people can learn the skills and knowledge they need to stay healthy and active throughout their lives. As a parent, it's a good idea to add physiotherapy to your child's healthcare routine. It can make a big difference in their physical and mental health and well-being.”
Stuart Fossella, Founder and Lead Physiotherapist
Benefits of childrens physiotherapy
Helping Children and Teens Stay Active and Injury‑Free
We all love seeing our children and teenagers succeed in sport — whether they’re scoring goals, running races, or simply enjoying being active. But growing bodies can be vulnerable, and injuries are common during these busy, energetic years.
Physiotherapy helps young people move better, feel stronger, and stay confident in their activities. By working with us, your child can build strength, flexibility, and endurance, improving their performance while reducing the risk of injury. And if they do get hurt, physiotherapy supports a faster, safer recovery so they can get back to the sport they love.
Stronger, Safer Young Athletes
By focusing on targeted strengthening exercises, physiotherapists help children build stronger muscles and joints — making them far less prone to injury. This is especially important for young athletes, where good conditioning supports safer movement and better performance.
In many cases, preventing sports injuries can be as simple as adjusting technique or equipment. A physiotherapist might recommend changing the grip size on a tennis racquet, improving running form, or tweaking training habits to reduce strain and avoid problems like tennis elbow.
Improving posture for growing bodies
Poor posture can have a real impact on a child’s wellbeing — leading to back pain, neck pain, headaches, and even sports‑related injuries. Physiotherapy helps children develop healthier movement habits, reducing strain and supporting better posture as they grow.
Physiotherapists use targeted exercises, stretches, and hands‑on techniques to correct postural issues. By identifying the underlying causes — whether weakness, tightness, or movement patterns — we help children build strength, improve alignment, and move with confidence.
Helping Children Recover Stronger
Treating the initial injury is only the first step — what truly helps children return quicker and stronger is a well‑planned, engaging rehabilitation programme. The right rehab not only restores movement and strength but also builds confidence and reduces the chance of future injuries.
Our rehabilitation exercises for children are age‑appropriate, fun, and sport‑specific. While adults may stick to a routine, children thrive when rehab feels like play. We weave games, challenges, and interactive activities into their sessions to keep them motivated and make every step of recovery enjoyable.
A comprehensive, engaging rehabilitation plan doesn’t just support physical healing — it helps children develop a positive attitude toward injury management and long‑term injury prevention.
Why Choose Us
No other local physiotherapy clinic can match our level of expertise and rehabilitation services, thanks to our extensive experience and in-house gym facilities.
We offer affordable physiotherapy in Cheltenham, providing caring, high‑quality treatment that supports your recovery without stretching your budget.
Insured
For insured clients we can either work directly with your insurance provider or offer receipts for cash-based plans, allowing you to reclaim your expenses.
Not Covered by Insurance
If you’re looking for one of the most trusted physiotherapists in your area, you’re welcome to book an appointment at our Cheltenham clinic — no need for a physiotherapy referral from your GP.