About physiotherapy in neonatal care
Neonatal physiotherapists play a vital role in supporting the health and development of infants and their families. Working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams across neonatal units and follow-up services they employ both universal interventions to optimise care for all babies, and targeted therapies for those with specific needs, aiming to achieve the best possible outcomes for every baby.
Key areas of practice include:
- Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of posture, muscle tone, movement quality, joint range of motion, and reflexes to identify early signs of atypical neurology, developmental concerns, or musculoskeletal conditions.
- Targeted and specialist intervention: Implementation of therapeutic handling and positioning strategies to optimise neurodevelopment and respiratory function, prevent complications such as deformities and contractures, and identify infants who may benefit from early intervention.
- Developmental Follow-Up: Screening and assessment of developmental milestones and neurological status to monitor progress and support long-term developmental trajectories.
- Parent Education and Support: Empowering families through guidance on safe handling, positioning, and play-based developmental activities to enhance infant outcomes and confidence in care.
Professional Groups
The Neonatal Committee of the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists (APCP) is part of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, the professional body for physiotherapists in the UK.
The Neonatal Committee
- Promotes neonatal physiotherapy nationally and works with Neonatal Network Lead Physiotherapists across England and representatives from the devolved nations.
- Advocates for equitable service provision across the UK and collaborates with government bodies on neonatal critical care reviews and implementation plans shaping physiotherapy services.
- Provides support and guidance to neonatal physiotherapists, including advice leaflets for carers and best practice documents for professionals.
- Worked collaboratively with government bodies to develop a neonatal physiotherapy career pathway with aligned foundation and enhanced education programmes to support workforce development at each stage.
- Maintains strong links with the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) and other stakeholders.
- Learn more: Neonatal Committee | Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists
- Contact: [email protected]
Neonatal Standards
To inform workforce planning and service delivery, the APCP has developed staffing recommendations for neonatal physiotherapy services, formally endorsed by BAPM.
Neonatal Staffing Recommendations | Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists
The APCP Neonatal Committee has also published a consensus document outlining best practice guidance for physiotherapy management of neonates—both preterm and term—within neonatal units and during follow-up care.
Transitional Care Physiotherapy Best Practice
