Ages and Stages: The Fundamentals to School-Age Development in Children

Every child develops in unique ways — but understanding the ages and stages of childhood provides a roadmap for identifying when additional support may be beneficial.

During the school-age years (approximately 5–12 years), children experience rapid growth across physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains. These skills form the foundation for learning, independence, and participation in school, sport, and play.

At MyHealth Clinic, our Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy teams are passionate about supporting children’s development during these formative years, helping every child reach their full potential.

Understanding School-Age Development

The school-age years bring exciting milestones as children grow in confidence, coordination, and curiosity. Development at this stage typically includes:

Gross motor skills — running, jumping, balancing, hopping, and skipping
Fine motor skills — handwriting, cutting, tying shoelaces, buttoning clothes
Cognitive and learning skills — focus, problem-solving, memory, and organisation
Social and emotional skills — teamwork, communication, and self-regulation

While many children naturally develop these abilities, others may experience challenges due to developmental delays, neurological conditions, sensory differences, or injuries. Recognising these early allows for targeted intervention — and research consistently supports early therapeutic involvement for better long-term outcomes.

The Link Between Motor Skills and Learning

Motor development isn’t just about movement — it directly affects academic and social success.

A 2024 systematic review found that both gross and fine motor skills were positively correlated with academic performance, especially in areas such as mathematics, reading, and writing (Yeo et al., 2024, Frontiers in Psychology). Children with stronger fine motor control often display improved handwriting, problem-solving, and confidence in class.

Similarly, research shows that good motor development supports emotional well-being and social participation, while delayed motor skills can impact self-esteem and peer relationships (Journal of Social Education, 2023).

How Physiotherapy Supports School-Age Development

Paediatric Physiotherapists at MyHealth Clinic specialise in helping children build the strength, coordination, and confidence they need to participate fully in everyday activities.

Physiotherapy can help with:

Gross motor delays – difficulty running, skipping, or balancing
Core weakness and poor posture – challenges with sitting upright in class
Low endurance – fatigue during play or sport
Motor coordination issues such as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Neurological and developmental conditions such as cerebral palsy or autism

A large body of evidence shows that motor-skill-focused, play-based programs significantly improve children’s physical competence and confidence (Park et al., 2021, BMC Public Health).

At MyHealth Clinic, our physiotherapists use playful, age-appropriate exercises that develop balance, strength, and coordination — empowering children to enjoy movement and keep up with peers in the playground and classroom.

How Occupational Therapy Supports School-Age Development

Occupational Therapists (OTs) help children develop the skills needed for daily life — from classroom participation to self-care and social play.

Occupational Therapy can assist with:

Fine motor skills and handwriting – improving dexterity, pencil control, and grip
Sensory processing and attention – supporting children who are over- or under-sensitive to sounds, textures, or movement
Self-care and independence – dressing, feeding, toileting, and managing routines
School readiness and organisation – following instructions, managing transitions, and staying on task

Evidence shows that OT interventions targeting sensory regulation and fine motor skills improve classroom engagement and functional performance (Novak et al., 2019, Australian Occupational Therapy Journal).

At MyHealth Clinic, our OTs tailor therapy sessions to each child’s needs — combining purposeful play, handwriting programs, and sensory-based activities to build confidence and practical life skills.

A Collaborative, Child-Centred Approach

At MyHealth Clinic, we believe in an interdisciplinary approach — where physiotherapists, occupational therapists, families, and teachers work together to support every aspect of a child’s growth.

For example:

A child struggling to sit upright and focus may benefit from Physiotherapy for posture and endurance, and OT for attention and sensory regulation.
A child with messy handwriting might need OT to improve fine motor control and Physiotherapy to build shoulder and core stability.

This collaborative care ensures we’re addressing not just individual skills, but the whole child — helping them thrive in all settings: school, home, and community.

When to Seek Help

You may consider a developmental check with our Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy team if your child:

Struggles with running, jumping, or coordination
Avoids physical play or tires easily
Has difficulty with handwriting or managing small objects
Shows sensitivity to textures, sounds, or movement
Has challenges with self-care tasks like dressing or feeding
Has been diagnosed with a developmental or neurological condition

Early support prevents secondary issues such as reduced confidence, lower physical activity, or academic frustration — and empowers children to participate meaningfully in life.

Why Choose MyHealth Clinic

At MyHealth Clinic, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services for children of all ages. Our experienced team uses the latest research and family-centred approaches to:

Assess developmental strengths and challenges
Create personalised therapy plans
Collaborate with families, teachers, and healthcare providers
Promote independence, confidence, and lifelong learning

Whether your child needs help with coordination, handwriting, or confidence in play, our goal is simple: to help them move better, learn better, and live better.

Final Thoughts

School-age development is a time of tremendous growth — physically, emotionally, and cognitively. By understanding each child’s unique developmental journey and providing the right therapeutic support, we can nurture stronger, more confident learners and movers.

At MyHealth Clinic, our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists work hand-in-hand to help children build the skills they need not only for school, but for life.

If you’re concerned about your child’s development or would like a professional assessment, contact MyHealth Clinic today to book a Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy appointment.

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Understanding Neck Pain, Cervical Spine Problems, and Whiplash Injuries Introduction

November 6, 2025

Neck pain is a common problem that can affect daily life, work, and sleep. In Australia, neck pain is among the leading musculoskeletal complaints, with causes ranging from poor posture and age-related changes in the cervical spine, to sudden trauma such as whiplash. The good news is that most neck pain can be treated effectively without surgery . Evidence-based care—including physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, remedial massage, occupational therapy, and lifestyle changes—forms the cornerstone of recovery. At our clinic, we provide this comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to help you recover safely and effectively. Common Causes of Neck Pain Postural Strain Prolonged desk work, device use (“tech neck”), or poor sleeping positions can overload the muscles and joints of the cervical spine. Symptoms often include stiffness, aching, or tension headaches. Cervical Spine Degeneration Age-related changes such as arthritis or disc degeneration can lead to pain, stiffness, or nerve irritation. Sometimes, these changes contribute to arm pain, tingling, or weakness. Whiplash Injuries Often caused by rear-end car accidents or sudden forceful movements. Symptoms can include neck pain, headaches, dizziness, shoulder pain, and even difficulty concentrating. The Australian Whiplash Guidelines recommend early movement, reassurance, and conservative care rather than prolonged rest or immobilisation. Why Non-Surgical Care Comes First Like low back pain, most neck problems improve with conservative, non-surgical treatment . Surgery is generally only needed for severe cases such as major nerve compression, spinal cord involvement, or when all other approaches have failed. Research and clinical guidelines support: Physiotherapy for exercise therapy, education, and pain management. Manual therapy (including chiropractic adjustments) when used appropriately, especially in combination with active treatments. Massage therapy for short-term relief of muscle tension and pain. Occupational therapy for ergonomic adjustments and self-management strategies. How Our Clinic Can Help At our clinic, we provide a coordinated, evidence-based program for people with neck pain or whiplash: Physiotherapy Tailored exercise programs to restore mobility, build strength, and improve posture. Education on pacing, ergonomics, and safe activity. Chiropractic Care Gentle spinal mobilisation or manipulation when clinically appropriate. Aimed at restoring movement and reducing stiffness. Remedial Massage Helps reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and ease pain. Complements physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments. Occupational Therapy Workplace and lifestyle assessments to reduce aggravating factors. Training in safe daily activities to protect your neck. Dietitian Support Advice on reducing inflammation and supporting healing through nutrition. Guidance on weight management, which can reduce strain on the spine. Preventing Recurrence The best long-term outcomes come from active strategies and lifestyle changes , including: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises. Maintaining good posture at work and home. Adjusting computer or workstation ergonomics. Staying physically active to support overall spinal health. Our team works with you to not only treat pain but also build resilience against future episodes. Conclusion Neck pain, cervical spine conditions, and whiplash injuries can be distressing—but surgery is rarely needed. With the right non-surgical care, most people make a strong recovery. At our clinic, we combine physiotherapy, chiropractic, remedial massage and occupational therapy to provide a complete, evidence-based approach tailored to your needs. If you’re experiencing neck pain or recovering from whiplash, don’t wait for it to get worse. Book an appointment with our multidisciplinary team today and take the first step towards lasting relief.

Evidence-Based Back Pain Care (Australia): Why You Should Choose Conservative First

November 5, 2025

Understanding Back Pain and When to Act When you first experience back pain, your body may respond with rest, painkillers, or imaging scans. But the best approach in Australia is early assessment and conservative care , unless there are clear red flags (e.g. suspected fracture, infection, cancer, or progressive neurological loss). australian.physio+3Safety and Quality+3The Medical Journal of Australia+3 At our clinic, our clinicians are trained to perform thorough assessments—history, physical exam, and targeted neurological screening—to distinguish between non-specific back pain (most cases) and those needing urgent referral. We avoid unnecessary scans in non-specific cases, in line with Australian standards, because imaging rarely changes management and can lead to overdiagnosis and anxiety. australian.physio+2Safety and Quality+2 Why Non-Surgical Care Should Be First-Line 1. It’s Recommended by Australian Guidelines Australian best practice (Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard) explicitly states that non-surgical care such as patient education, advice to stay active, and evidence-based therapies should be the default approach. Safety and Quality+2The Medical Journal of Australia+2 2. Better Outcomes, Lower Risk Conservative therapies (exercise, manual therapy, patient education) show small to moderate benefits in pain and function, especially for chronic pain. Safety and Quality+3BioMed Central+3The Lancet+3 The risks of non-surgical care are typically minimal compared to surgical complications. Delaying conservative care may allow chronicity or maladaptive behaviours that complicate recovery. 3. Multidisciplinary Care Enhances Results Because the effect sizes of individual treatments are modest, combining therapies is often more effective. A clinic that offers physiotherapy + massage + chiropractic + occupational therapy + dietitian support can deliver a more comprehensive and tailored plan, increasing the chance of meaningful improvement. How Our Clinic Delivers Evidence-Based, Guideline-Aligned Back Pain Care Physiotherapy We use active rehabilitation, strength training, movement correction, and pain education. Exercise is one of the few treatments consistently supported in guidelines across acute and chronic settings. Safety and Quality+3BioMed Central+3RACGP+3 Chiropractic / Manual Therapy Spinal manipulation or mobilisation can be offered judiciously, in combination with exercise, when indicated and when contraindications are excluded. Many guidelines and reviews include spinal manipulative therapy as an adjunct in certain patients. BMJ+4BioMed Central+4Safety and Quality+4 Remedial Massage & Soft Tissue Therapy Massage may provide short-term symptom relief and reduce muscle tension, especially when integrated with movement-based therapy. The evidence is weaker when used in isolation, so we never rely on massage alone. Occupational Therapy Pain often impacts daily activities, workplace ergonomics, and movement habits. Our occupational therapists help with modifying tasks, posture, and environment to reduce strain, consistent with guideline emphasis on self-management and functional restoration. Dietitian & Lifestyle Support Poor nutrition, excess weight, and inflammation could contribute to back pain severity or recurrence. Our dietitians support dietary strategies for weight management and overall health, complementing physical treatments. When Surgery or Interventional Procedures May Be Considered Guidelines and recent evidence both caution that surgery or interventions are not first-line and should only be considered in specific scenarios, such as: Clear structural pathology (e.g. severe disc herniation compressing nerve roots, spinal stenosis) Failure to improve after adequate conservative care Progressive neurological deficits or red flags Even then, surgery rarely guarantees perfect outcomes, and should be considered within a multidisciplinary framework . The Medical Journal of Australia+3The Journal of Neurosurgery+3Safety and Quality+3 Recent BMJ guidance also recommends caution regarding interventional procedures (e.g. injections, ablations) for chronic non-cancer spinal pain: many lack strong evidence and should not be routine. BMJ+1 Preventing Recurrence: Building Resilience One of the strengths of conservative therapy is its focus on prevention: We teach movement patterns, posture, and core control to reduce re-injury risk. We guide clients in the progression of exercise and physical activity. We monitor psychosocial factors (stress, fear of movement) and promote healthy lifestyle choices. We schedule follow-up reviews to track progress and adapt care as needed, consistent with the Care Standard approach. Safety and Quality+2Safety and Quality+2 Realistic Expectations & Transparency It’s important to set realistic expectations: The literature suggests that many non-surgical interventions provide modest improvements , not immediate miracles. PubMed+2The Lancet+2 Some patients may not fully recover—but improvement in function, pain control, and quality of life are valid and meaningful goals. Our team will always explain the evidence, risks, and benefits clearly and tailor a treatment plan specific to you. Conclusion In Australia and globally, the standard of care for back pain is shifting away from overuse of imaging, injections, or early surgery—and toward conservative, evidence-based management first . At our clinic, we align our approach with national standards and the latest research. With physiotherapy, remedial massage, chiropractic care, occupational therapy, and dietitian support working in concert, we aim to provide you the best chance of recovery while minimising risk. If you’re experiencing back pain, start with the safest and best-supported path. Book a consultation today with our multidisciplinary team and let us help you recover with care grounded in evidence.