Better together
Physiotherapy groups reduce wait times and expand access

Niagara Children’s Centre is transforming its physiotherapy services, introducing innovative group screenings and treatment programs to reduce long waitlists and improve efficiency. These new initiatives not only streamline assessments but also create engaging environments where children can develop their skills alongside peers in a natural play setting.

A longstanding challenge facing families has been lengthy wait times for accessing services. Recognizing these challenges, the Centre set out to reduce wait times through a tiered model of service delivery. This approach ensures that children receive the right level of intervention based on their specific needs. Also incorporating CanChild’s F-words framework—focusing on fun, fitness, and friendships—new physiotherapy groups were designed to provide timely and effective support while encouraging social connections.

One of the most significant changes has been the introduction of the Physiotherapy Group Screening Clinic. Traditionally, children waited long periods for one-on-one assessments, often experiencing delays before receiving the care they needed. The new screening clinic offers a more efficient approach by assessing multiple children at once in a structured but playful environment. Since August, more than 60 children have participated in group physiotherapy screening, significantly reducing the backlog. The clinic, designed for children over two years old who are already walking, brings together small groups of four to five children for a one-hour session. Physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants observe how children move and interact, making real-time assessments in a setting that closely mirrors their daily activities.

This model has led to shorter wait times for assessments, fewer missed appointments, and a great setting for observing motor skills. It also allows therapists to spend their time more efficiently. Since launching the clinic, some children have been discharged with only requiring home programs, while others have been referred to group-based treatment or one-on-one therapy, ensuring that each child receives the most appropriate level of care.

Building on this success, we expanded our physiotherapy treatment groups to support children at different developmental stages. For preschool-aged children, programs like Jump & Jive and Wiggles & Giggles provide an interactive way to develop foundational motor skills. For school-aged children, new programs such as Skip & Squat and Zip & Dip are designed to improve balance, coordination, strength, and endurance.

Skip & Squat, a six-week after-school program, focuses on helping children build confidence in movement through activities like basketball, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, and dance. Divided into two age groups—four to seven years old and eight to twelve years old—the sessions provide a structured but playful environment where children can challenge themselves while having fun. Physiotherapists track changes in balance, coordination, and endurance from the beginning to the end of the program.

We will continue to evaluate the needs of the children by offering a variety of groups throughout the year.