Paediatric Strength Training

A young girl in a physiotherapy strength training session, with her physio guiding and supporting the girl as she jumps over a small hurdle set up on the floor, surrounded by colourful exercise mats and cones.

Building stronger, more independent children

Strength training is an excellent way to develop and build muscle to increase stability for functional movements and independence. At Kids' Therapy Works, our specialist paediatric physiotherapists design safe, age-appropriate strength training programmes that help children with various conditions develop the physical strength they need for daily activities, improved mobility, and greater confidence.

What is Paediatric Strength Training?

Strength training for children involves structured exercises and activities designed to improve muscle strength, power, and endurance. At KTW, strength training can be completed with the child's bodyweight or additional equipment such as medicine balls, resistance bands, or specialised equipment within our Spider Cage.

Unlike adult strength training focused on muscle mass, children's programmes emphasise movement quality, functional strength, and enjoyment whilst ensuring safety through developmentally appropriate techniques. Every programme is carefully tailored to each child's age, ability, medical condition, and personal goals.

Who Can Benefit from Strength Training?

Anyone can benefit from strength training, particularly children who experience weakness leading to difficulties when completing functional tasks, such as walking. Strength training also has a positive impact on spasticity and posture.

Specific Conditions We Support:

Neurological Conditions:

  • Cerebral Palsy - improving functional strength for mobility and independence

  • Muscular Dystrophy - maintaining strength and slowing decline where appropriate

  • Acquired Brain Injuries - rebuilding strength and retraining movement patterns

  • Spina Bifida - maintain and build strength for daily living

Developmental Challenges:

  • Developmental Delays - building foundational strength for motor milestones

  • Hypermobility Syndrome - developing muscular support around joints

  • Global Developmental Delay - supporting overall physical development

  • Coordination Difficulties - improving strength for better movement control

Physical Rehabilitation:

  • Post-surgical recovery - rebuilding strength after procedures

  • Sports injuries - safe return to activity programmes

  • Fracture rehabilitation - restoring function and preventing re-injury

Our Strength Training Approaches

Equipment and Methods

Bodyweight Training:

  • Age-appropriate exercises using the child's own resistance

  • Functional movements that translate to daily activities

  • Progressive difficulty levels as strength improves

  • Play-based activities making exercise enjoyable

Additional Equipment:

  • Medicine balls - building power and coordination

  • Resistance bands - providing controlled resistance for all abilities

  • Spider Cage equipment - advanced suspension and resistance training

  • Balance tools - combining strength with stability training

Age-Appropriate Programming

Younger Children (2-8 years):

  • Play-based strengthening through games and obstacle courses

  • Animal movements (bear walks, frog jumps, crab crawls)

  • Playground-style activities adapted for strength building

  • Parent-child activities for home continuation

Older Children and Adolescents (9-18 years):

  • Progressive resistance training using appropriate equipment

  • Sport-specific strength development

  • Functional movement patterns for daily life

  • Independence training for long-term fitness habits

Benefits of Our Strength Training Programmes

Physical Improvements

  • Enhanced muscle strength and power for daily activities

  • Improved stability and balance reducing fall risk

  • Better posture and alignment supporting spinal health, benefitting hips and shoulders

  • Increased endurance for sustained activities

  • Reduced spasticity in children with neurological conditions

Functional Benefits

  • Greater independence in daily living activities

  • Improved mobility and walking ability

  • Better sports participation and playground activities

  • Enhanced ability to use assistive equipment when needed

  • Reduced fatigue during everyday tasks

Psychological Benefits

  • Improved confidence and self-esteem

  • Better body awareness and movement quality

  • Enhanced motivation for physical activity

  • Reduced anxiety about physical challenges

  • Greater willingness to try new activities

Safety in Paediatric Strength Training

Our qualified paediatric physiotherapists ensure all strength training is:

  • Medically appropriate for each child's condition

  • Age and ability appropriate with proper progression

  • Closely supervised with qualified professionals

  • Evidence-based following current research guidelines

  • Family-supported with home programme education

Integration with Other Therapies

Our strength training programmes work seamlessly with:

  • Hydrotherapy - using water resistance for additional strengthening

  • Occupational Therapy - building strength for fine motor and daily living skills

  • Gait training - improving walking patterns through targeted strengthening

  • Equipment training - building strength to use mobility aids effectively

Getting Started

Our strength training assessment includes:

  1. Medical history review and goal setting

  2. Current strength evaluation using age-appropriate testing

  3. Movement quality assessment identifying areas for improvement

  4. Programme design tailored to individual needs and interests

  5. Safety instruction and home exercise education

Contact Us

Ready to help your child build strength, stability, and independence?

Phone: 01206 212 849
Email: info@kidstherapy.works
Locations: Copford, Stanway & Brentwood

Our experienced paediatric physiotherapists will design a safe, effective, and enjoyable strength training programme tailored to your child's specific needs and goals.