Isabella Lindsay (15), Mackenzie Papalia (1), Nicole Pates (paediatric physio), Lauren Esser (physio)Charlotte Hogan (10) and Emily Braining (occupational therapist).
Camera IconIsabella Lindsay (15), Mackenzie Papalia (1), Nicole Pates (paediatric physio), Lauren Esser (physio)Charlotte Hogan (10) and Emily Braining (occupational therapist). Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey www.communitypix.com.au d489377

SHOP LOCAL: Western Kids Health treats kids and young adults

Denise S. CahillWestern Suburbs Weekly

THE team at Western Kids Health have one aim – getting kids back to doing what they love doing most.

This can be climbing the monkey bars, playing throw and catch, doing a cartwheel or re-joining their teammates playing their favourite sport.

Director and paediatric physiotherapist Nicole Pates opened the Mt Hawthorn practice offering physiotherapy, psychology, dietetics and occupational therapy with business partner Rob Gordon in October last year.

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Ms Pates, of Scarborough, said she noticed a gap in the market that provided a range of treatments for babies through to teenagers and up to young adults in the one facility.

“When I had my son, my health experience was really disjointed,” she said.

“There’s a focus on what’s wrong with your child and I want to focus on a child’s strengths.”

Western Kids Health patients range from young people with autism, chronic pain and juvenile arthritis to sports injuries.

Ms Pates also works as a senior physiotherapist at Perth Children’s Hospital.

She said her team of professionals shared a goal of making treatment fun so the young patients wanted to work with therapists and their parents to improve their health.

She said her team already worked with schools to support patients outside of the practice and educate young people about common injuries, particularly concussion.

The former West Coast Eagles physiotherapist now wants to work in the community by supporting sporting teams with warm ups and injury management education.