Welcome to Bloomwise Physiotherapy, providing specialised paediatric clinic services in Ashburton and mobile home visits across Doncaster and Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
At Bloomwise, we believe that healing is a shared journey — not only for the child, but for families and therapists alike. Rooted in compassion, guided by insight, and inspired by growth, our paediatric physiotherapy practice supports every child’s unique path while nurturing wisdom and resilience in everyone involved.
By honouring each child’s rhythm and potential, we foster strength, growth, and connection — helping every individual bloom.
Together, let us bloom in wisdom.
Contact Bloomwise Physiotherapy to arrange an initial assessment.
綻慧 · 讓我們在智慧中綻放
🌿Our Services
Bloomwise Physiotherapy provides specialised paediatric clinic appointments in Ashburton alongside mobile home visits across Doncaster and Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
Backed by over 25 years of clinical expertise, I offer expert developmental assessments, NDIS therapy, and early intervention guidance tailored to each stage of a child’s growth. Whether your child requires targeted support for gross motor delays, coordination difficulties, sensory-motor challenges, or complex neurological needs, these services are designed to help them thrive at every age.
🌱 Early Development Support
Babies develop through movement, exploration, nurturing relationships and a stimulating environment. Sometimes, early signs of difficulty are subtle — a baby who is unusually quiet, difficult to settle, reluctant to spend time on their tummy, consistently favours one position, or develops a flattened head shape.
Rather than simply waiting to see, early physiotherapy can help identify underlying difficulties, guide parents in supporting their baby's development, and encourage movement, confidence and exploration of the world around them.
🧠 Neurological & Genetic Conditions
Every child is unique, with different abilities, challenges, personalities and developmental needs. Effective physiotherapy goes beyond practising individual skills. It involves understanding the underlying factors that influence movement and function, and selecting appropriate strategies to support meaningful progress.
Rachel has extensive experience supporting children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), acquired brain injury, spina bifida, genetic syndromes and other neurological or neuromuscular conditions.
Drawing on over 25 years of paediatric experience, Rachel combines clinical reasoning with a range of therapeutic approaches, including soft tissue techniques, reflex integration, neurodevelopmental facilitation, sensory-motor training, orthotic management, assistive technology and walking aids.
Treatment is carefully adapted to each child's abilities, temperament and pace of learning, creating opportunities for successful experiences and meaningful participation in everyday life.
Every achievement matters, however small — whether it is a new movement, greater comfort, improved independence or increased participation. Every success deserves to be celebrated.
⚖️ Muscle Tone, Posture & Spasticity Concerns
Children may experience different movement challenges associated with hypotonia (low muscle tone), hypertonia (high muscle tone), spasticity, dystonia or ataxia. These difficulties can affect not only motor development, balance and coordination, but also posture, joint alignment and musculoskeletal growth.
Effective physiotherapy requires more than practising exercises. Even during a simple walking activity, the way a child is supported, guided and facilitated can make a significant difference. Different movement patterns and underlying conditions require different therapeutic strategies.
Rachel provides individualised assessment and intervention to improve movement efficiency, postural control, strength and functional abilities, while helping to minimise the risk of secondary muscle tightness, contractures and skeletal deformities.
Early identification and timely management are important. This may include individualised standing programmes, positioning strategies, orthoses and splinting, assistive technology, and appropriate equipment recommendations. Rachel also supports families with hip surveillance and consideration of specialist interventions such as botulinum toxin injections (Botox) or selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), in collaboration with the child's medical and multidisciplinary team.
The goal is not only to support what a child can achieve today, but also to protect their comfort, mobility and opportunities for participation as they grow.
📏 Alignment & Structural Concerns
Children's posture, joint alignment and skeletal structure change naturally as they grow. While some variations are part of normal development, others may require closer assessment, monitoring or early intervention.
Rachel assesses a range of concerns, including torticollis, plagiocephaly (flattened head shape), spinal asymmetry, scoliosis, rounded posture, flat feet, in-toeing, out-toeing, bow legs, knock knees and other lower limb alignment difficulties.
The feet, knees, hips, pelvis and spine work together during movement. Changes in one area may influence movement patterns and loading elsewhere. A comprehensive assessment
considers skeletal alignment, joint mobility, muscle tone, strength, postural control, gait and functional abilities, alongside the child's age and stage of development.
Management is tailored to the underlying findings and may include targeted exercises, stretching, strengthening, postural training, manual therapy, footwear advice, orthoses, and practical strategies for everyday activities.
Early assessment can identify subtle alignment differences and contributing factors before difficulties become more established. Timely, individualised strategies aim to optimise movement patterns, support healthy musculoskeletal development and reduce the risk of secondary complications as children grow.
🌀 Sensory Motor Development
Rachel's interest in sensory-motor development began during her Master of Physiotherapy (Paediatrics) programme at the University of Queensland, where she had the privilege of learning from Dr Pauline Watter, Yvonne Burns and Julie McDonald.
Through clinical observation and Neurosensorymotor Developmental Assessment, particularly involving children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), she developed a deeper understanding of how sensory processing, motor coordination, neurological development and behaviour are interconnected. This assessment framework has continued to guide her clinical practice for over two decades.
Her curiosity led her to explore a broader range of approaches, including sensory integration, vestibular rehabilitation, infant massage, craniosacral therapy and somatic approaches such as Somatic Experiencing. These experiences have enriched her understanding of how sensory experiences, physical movement, body awareness and emotional responses interact throughout a child's development.
In practice, Rachel considers how sensory responses, body awareness, postural control, motor planning and emotional regulation influence a child's movement, learning and participation. Physiotherapy may incorporate sensory-motor activities, movement exploration, vestibular and proprioceptive experiences, and individualised strategies to support motor development and participation in everyday activities.
This approach complements occupational therapy and other developmental services, with a particular focus on the interaction between sensory experiences and movement.
🤾♂️ Developmental Coordination Disorder
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects approximately 5–6% of school-aged children — around one or two children in a typical classroom. Despite being relatively common, DCD often goes unrecognised, and children may be misunderstood as clumsy, careless or simply not trying hard enough.
Some children struggle with everyday movements that seem effortless to others. They may appear clumsy, fall frequently, run awkwardly, or find it difficult to learn skills such as catching a ball, skipping, riding a bicycle or swimming.
Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) often experience difficulties with motor planning, coordination, balance and learning new movement skills. Despite their efforts, they may be misunderstood as careless, lazy or simply not trying hard enough.
These challenges can extend beyond physical abilities. Repeated difficulties may affect a child's confidence, willingness to participate in sports, friendships and enjoyment of physical activities.
Rachel takes an individualised approach to understanding each child's movement difficulties, identifying underlying challenges in postural control, balance, motor planning, bilateral coordination and sensory-motor integration. Physiotherapy focuses on developing functional movement skills through carefully graded activities, meaningful practice and opportunities for success.
The aim is not simply to improve coordination, but to help children recognise their abilities, build confidence and enjoy participating in activities that matter to them.
Reference: The prevalence of developmental coordination disorder in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis (2024). PubMed
🌸 兒童物理治療服務｜繁體中文
Bloomwise Physio 於墨爾本 Ashburton 設有兒童物理治療診所，並提供上門服務，主要涵蓋 Doncaster、Doncaster East、Templestowe、Templestowe Lower、Box Hill、Blackburn、Balwyn 及鄰近地區。上門服務視乎地點及預約安排而定。
由擁有超過25年兒童物理治療臨床經驗的物理治療師主理，並獲澳洲物理治療協會授予 APA Titled Paediatric Physiotherapist 專業資格。曾於香港的醫院、兒童發展中心及學校工作，並創辦及經營私人兒童物理治療診所長達11年，期間為眾多孩子及家庭提供支援，陪伴孩子走過不同的成長階段，見證他們一步步的進步與發展。其後於澳洲非牟利機構工作，為有不同發展需要的兒童及 NDIS 參與者提供物理治療服務，現於墨爾本開展私人兒童物理治療服務。
我們重視每位孩子的獨特需要，不單著重動作技巧的訓練，更會了解影響孩子動作發展、姿勢控制及日常生活能力的各種因素，制定合適的治療方案。
服務範圍包括：
嬰幼兒早期發展及動作發展遲緩
動作協調障礙（DCD）、平衡及動作計劃困難
腦性麻痺、神經系統及遺傳性疾病
肌肉張力異常、痙攣及姿勢控制困難
扁平足、內外八字腳、脊柱及骨骼排列問題
感覺動作發展、身體協調及動作學習
步態分析、運動訓練、矯形鞋墊及輔助器材建議
我們相信及早識別、適時介入及與家長合作，能為孩子創造更多成長、獨立及參與日常活動的機會。
提供廣東話、普通話及英語服務。
我們相信，每個孩子都有獨特的潛能。透過適時的專業支援、用心的連繫與陪伴，讓每一位孩子在健康成長與動作發展的道路上，自信地綻放潛能。
聯絡及預約
電話／WhatsApp：0490 072 470
電郵：info@bloomwisephysio.com.au
預約及查詢可透過電郵或 WhatsApp 聯絡。治療期間未必能接聽電話，請優先使用文字訊息。
🌷 儿童物理治疗服务｜简体中文
Bloomwise Physio 在墨尔本 Ashburton 设有儿童物理治疗诊所，并提供上门服务，主要覆盖 Doncaster、Doncaster East、Templestowe、Templestowe Lower、Box Hill、Blackburn、Balwyn 及周边地区。上门服务视具体地点及预约安排而定。
由拥有超过25年儿童物理治疗临床经验的物理治疗师主理，并获得澳大利亚物理治疗协会授予的 APA Titled Paediatric Physiotherapist 专业资格。曾在香港的医院、儿童发展中心及学校工作，并创办及经营私人儿童物理治疗诊所长达11年，期间为众多孩子及家庭提供支持，陪伴孩子走过不同的成长阶段，见证他们一步步的进步与发展。其后在澳大利亚非营利机构工作，为有不同发展需求的儿童及 NDIS 参与者提供物理治疗服务，现于墨尔本开展私人儿童物理治疗服务。
我们重视每个孩子独特的发展需求，不仅关注运动技能训练，更注重了解影响孩子运动发育、姿势控制及日常生活能力的各种因素，制定适合孩子的治疗方案。
服务范围包括：
婴幼儿早期发展及运动发育迟缓
发育性协调障碍（DCD）、平衡及运动计划困难
脑性瘫痪、神经系统及遗传性疾病
肌张力异常、痉挛及姿势控制困难
扁平足、内外八字脚、脊柱及骨骼排列问题
感觉运动发展、身体协调及运动学习
步态分析、运动训练、矫形鞋垫及辅助器具建议
我们相信及早识别、适时干预及与家长合作，能够为孩子创造更多成长、独立及参与日常活动的机会。
提供粤语、普通话及英语服务。
我们相信，每个孩子都有独特的潜能。通过适时的专业支持、用心的沟通与陪伴，让每一位孩子在健康成长与运动发展的道路上，自信地绽放潜能。
联系及预约
电话／WhatsApp：0490 072 470
邮箱：info@bloomwisephysio.com.au
预约请通过电子邮件或 WhatsApp 联系。治疗期间可能无法接听电话，请优先使用文字消息。
Meet Rachel
Rachel Chan
APA Titled Paediatric Physiotherapist
陳淑卿
澳洲物理治療協會
兒科專業資格認證物理治療師
Rachel offers specialised paediatric physiotherapy clinic appointments in Ashburton, as well as home visits across Doncaster and Melbourne's eastern suburbs, drawing on over 25 years of clinical experience.
Rachel's professional journey includes 11 years working in a hospital setting and 11 years establishing and running her own private paediatric physiotherapy clinic in Hong Kong. She later worked as a Senior Paediatric Physiotherapist in Darwin's not-for-profit sector, supporting children and families with diverse and complex needs. In 2026, Rachel relocated to Melbourne and began a new journey.
Her experience across hospitals, private practice, schools and community settings has shaped her holistic approach to paediatric physiotherapy. She has extensive experience supporting children with complex neurological and developmental conditions, including cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy and developmental coordination disorder, as well as difficulties with posture, alignment and movement. Her approach is thoughtful, compassionate and practical, drawing on years of working closely with families, educators and multidisciplinary teams.
What does APA Titled Paediatric Physiotherapist mean?
Rachel is an APA Titled Paediatric Physiotherapist, a professional credential awarded through the Australian College of Physiotherapists.
This credential recognises physiotherapists who have met formal assessment requirements demonstrating highly developed knowledge and clinical experience in their field of practice.
Qualifications & Professional Training
Master of Physiotherapy (Paediatrics) – The University of Queensland, Australia (Dean’s Commendation for High Achievement)
Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Certified Craniosacral Therapist – Apprentice Level & Level VI (USA)
Certified in Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) (USA)
Certified in TheraSuit® Method and Intensive Physical Therapy (USA)
Advanced Clinical Training: Specialty courses in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), Vestibular Rehabilitation, and Vestibular Activation.
Advanced Holistic & Trauma-Informed Training
Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training (BRMT): Specialized clinical training in natural infant rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration.
Somatic Experiencing & Trauma-Informed Approaches: Extensive advanced study including Trauma Through a Child’s Eyes.
Pre- and Perinatal Somatic Development: Advanced study of early infant development, movement patterns, and nervous system regulation from a somatic perspective.
Child Emotional & Behavioural Support: Formally trained in Directive Play Therapy, Anger Management Strategies, and Problem-Solving Skills for Children.
Multilingual Consultations
To support diverse communities across Melbourne's eastern suburbs, consultations and clinical therapy sessions can be delivered in English, Cantonese (廣東話), and Mandarin (普通话).
Professional Service & Academic Contributions
Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association (2008–2012): Executive Committee Member and Health Promotion Group Leader, Paediatric Specialty Group.
Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2012–2013): Visiting Clinical Associate, supervising physiotherapy students from Sichuan University during clinical placements (2012), and Visiting Lecturer for Sichuan University's Master of Physiotherapy programme (2013).
Professional Education & Training: Professional Education & Training: Delivered half-day to two-day clinical workshops in paediatric physiotherapy across mainland China, including Shanghai, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Huai'an and Jiamusi, as well as professional seminars and educational talks for healthcare, education and community organisations in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Professional & Community Organisations: Contributed educational sessions for organisations including the Hospital Authority, Child Assessment Service, SAHK, Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association, Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, and other healthcare, education and community organisations.
Believe in early support, meaningful connections, and giving every child the space to bloom — with confidence, strength, movement, and joy.
Move. Grow. Belong. 𐀔
FAQ
No referral is needed for private physiotherapy sessions. You can book directly with us.
For clients with NDIS funding, we would require you to fill up a referral and an intake form
You’ll need a referral only if:
You’re claiming Medicare rebates (e.g. under a GP’s Chronic Disease Management Plan)
Your child’s sessions are funded through a motor accident insurance claim or third-party scheme (Referral and pre-approval may be required)
Yes — if your child is self-managed or plan-managed under the NDIS, you can use your funding with us. We’ll provide invoices that meet NDIS requirements.
We follow the NDIS pricing guidelines. In addition to session time, we may charge for necessary non-face-to-face supports such as travel, clinical notes, reports, treatment planning or assistive technology (AT) administration. We’ll always explain costs clearly in your service agreement, and you’ll know what to expect before we begin.
We work with children from birth through to adolescence, including babies, toddlers, school-aged children, and teens.
We support a wide range of developmental, neurological, and physical needs, including:
Developmental delays
Cerebral palsy
Down syndrome
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
Low or high muscle tone
Flat feet, torticollis, clumsiness, in-toeing/out-toeing …
and more. See our Services section for details.
We begin with a comprehensive assessment of your child’s movement, sensory processing, posture, and functional skills. This includes an interview with parents or carers to understand your concerns, your child’s history, and your goals.
Every child is different — depending on their endurance, emotional regulation, or behaviour, some may need a few sessions for us to fully understand their strengths and challenges. If you have key concerns or goals, we can focus on those first to help your child feel comfortable and keep the session smooth. We’ll then tailor a personalised therapy plan that fits your child’s age, needs, and personality.
Let your child know they’ll be meeting someone who helps kids move and play. We’ll do some fun activities and gentle assessments, a bit like playing games or following instructions at school.
Please make sure your child is not too tired, too hungry, or too full. Bring a water bottle, a light snack, and a favourite toy if that helps them feel at ease. Wearing comfortable clothing—such as a t-shirt with shorts or pants—is best to help your child move around
Think about your main concerns and what you’d like help with.
Fill in the intake form before the session to give us helpful background.
Bring or email any previous reports (e.g. from OTs, paediatricians, or teachers). Some children engage better when working one-on-one.
If helpful, we may suggest you wait nearby during the session. Before it ends, we’ll always take time to share observations and discuss next steps with you.
Yes — the home environment plays a big role in your child’s development. We may suggest simple, practical activities or movement strategies to support progress at home. But we also understand that every family is different, and we’ll avoid overwhelming your routine.
We’ll work together to find what’s realistic and helpful for you. Where suitable, we can also suggest school-based strategies or fun leisure activities (like sport or movement play) that support your child’s therapy goals.
Not necessarily. While frequency, intensity, and duration do matter, doing too much can lead to strain, compensatory movement patterns, or even emotional resistance — especially when children don’t yet understand why the activities are needed.
As children grow, we aim to balance their developmental, physical, and emotional needs. We’ll work with you to find the right amount and approach — whether in therapy, at home, or at school — to ensure progress is safe, meaningful, and sustainable.
From our clients
Where Healing Takes Root and Wisdom Blooms.
Contact and Appointment
Address
405 High Street, Ashburton, Melbourne VIC 3147
Phone
0490072470ABN
90859746379
Operating Hours
WhatsApp: 0490 072 470
Clinic: 405 High Street, Ashburton VIC 3147
Clinic appointments available on Fridays. School and home visits available across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
By appointment only.
Blog
Children grow, and we grow older and wiser.
Together, we Bloomwise! 🌻
Growing Together — My Journey as a Paediatric Physiotherapist and a Mum
