Children in the UK are facing severe and potentially irreversible consequences due to alarming delays in accessing physiotherapy treatment, experts warn. Physiotherapists have expressed grave concern about the detrimental impact of prolonged waiting times, highlighting that children as young as four years old are enduring waits of up to 18 months for critical care. This delay in treatment not only hinders children’s development but may also result in lifelong trauma and health complications, according to the latest findings.
The survey, conducted by the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists (APCP), which represents professionals working with babies, children, and teenagers, sheds light on the devastating repercussions of the NHS backlog. The findings indicate that children suffering from chronic pain, particularly teenagers, are at risk of enduring long-term trauma from untreated conditions. As a result, some young individuals may experience lifelong physical and mental health struggles stemming from a lack of timely physiotherapy care.
The impact of this crisis is especially troubling for families. Many are being forced to travel vast distances—sometimes over 200 miles—to access physiotherapy services, while others are left with no choice but to pay for private treatment. This scenario exacerbates the financial strain on families, leaving many children unable to receive the urgent care they need unless they can afford to go outside the public healthcare system.
According to the APCP survey, 155 paediatric physiotherapists across the UK were consulted, revealing the depth of concern within the medical community. One of the most alarming reports came from a physiotherapist working with children under the age of six, who recounted the case of a four-year-old child forced to wait a staggering 18 months for treatment. Another physiotherapist, who has dedicated over two decades to the profession, warned that these delays would lead to “a whole generation of adults with poor physical health and dire mental health.”
The shortage of qualified physiotherapists and lack of new posts to meet growing demand for care is cited as the primary driver of these delays. The healthcare workforce is overstretched, and staffing shortages are compounded by cuts to services, leaving physiotherapists struggling to keep up with demand. The survey found that a staggering 94% of physiotherapists expressed serious concerns about the lack of access to timely treatment for children. The resulting delays are causing significant harm, distress, and frustration for both children and their families.
Sara Hazzard, assistant director at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, emphasized the unacceptable nature of the situation. “Children waiting for rehabilitation for illnesses and injuries are experiencing harm and distress that could last a lifetime,” Hazzard said. She further stated that the scale of the problem, affecting families across the UK, is a direct result of systemic failures within the NHS to adequately address the overwhelming need for physiotherapy services.
The situation is made worse by the fact that children’s bodies are still growing, and delays in treatment can have lasting effects on their physical development. Experts warn that early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term complications. Failing to provide timely rehabilitation can not only affect children’s health but also set the stage for broader social and economic issues as they transition into adulthood.
One physiotherapist working in neurodisability services highlighted the “severe understaffing” within their department, noting that their team was “overwhelmed” and unable to meet the demand for care. They explained that the situation was becoming “unsustainable,” leaving children without the essential rehabilitation they need for proper development. This lack of support is particularly concerning for children with lifelong conditions like cerebral palsy, as well as those recovering from strokes or long-term injuries.
Georgina Ashdown, vice-chair of the APCP, described the situation as a “devastating gap” in the healthcare system, with critical physiotherapy services for long-term conditions such as musculoskeletal therapy, stroke rehabilitation, and cerebral palsy treatment suffering due to understaffing and resource shortages. Ashdown lamented that families are now bearing the consequences of these gaps, with children facing health setbacks that could have been avoided with timely treatment. “What is currently available across acute and community settings simply isn’t enough,” Ashdown said.
The survey results paint a stark picture of the situation, with paediatric physiotherapists expressing deep frustration over the lack of action to address the crisis. “For us as paediatric physiotherapists, it’s an agonising reality,” Ashdown said. “We are acutely aware that by failing to provide timely treatment, we are not just risking children’s health today, but laying the foundation for far-reaching health, social, and economic problems tomorrow.”
The effects of delayed treatment are not only physical but also psychological. Children suffering from untreated chronic pain can experience mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma, exacerbating the challenges they already face. For many children, pain management and rehabilitation are essential for improving their quality of life and preventing long-term complications. However, without timely intervention, these children face the very real prospect of living with the consequences of untreated conditions for the rest of their lives.
While the situation is dire in much of the UK, there are some positive developments. In Wales, for example, the government has introduced a target waiting time of 14 weeks for children to begin physiotherapy treatment, with 98% of children being seen within that time frame. This offers a glimmer of hope for families in Wales, where waiting times are more manageable than in other parts of the UK. The Welsh government’s efforts have been praised by physiotherapists, who argue that such initiatives could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar issues.
In Scotland, health authorities have also taken steps to address the crisis, with the health secretary noting a 27.5% increase in the number of physiotherapists working in the country over the past decade. While this is a positive development, there is still a need for more resources and greater access to physiotherapy services for children, especially in rural and underserved areas.
In Northern Ireland, health officials acknowledged the concerns raised by physiotherapists and pledged to improve access to services. Similarly, the Department of Health and Social Care in England expressed its commitment to addressing the backlog and ensuring that all children receive the care they need, even in the face of challenges within the NHS system.
Despite these efforts, the UK’s paediatric physiotherapy system remains under significant strain. Experts warn that unless urgent action is taken to address staffing shortages, increase funding, and improve access to services, children will continue to suffer irreparable harm. Families should not be forced to choose between private care and essential healthcare services for their children.
In conclusion, the current state of paediatric physiotherapy in the UK is a national crisis that demands immediate attention. Delays in treatment are having a profound impact on the health, development, and well-being of children, with potentially lifelong consequences. As experts have made clear, the time for action is now. Governments must prioritize funding, staff recruitment, and the expansion of physiotherapy services to ensure that every child in the UK receives the care they need without delay. The lives of countless children depend on it.