Paediatric Physiotherapy

Full Potential Physiotherapy is a small team of dedicated, experienced physiotherapists. Specialising and focused entirely on paediatric care, from prenatal through to young adulthood. Children require care and rehabilitation specific to their physiological, developmental and psychological needs.

We work collaboratively with families to develop practical and realistic treatment plans that are fun for your child. We understand that not one approach fits all and are passionate about finding the most suitable intervention, strategies and supports for your child.

Our Paediatric Physiotherapists specialise in the following:

• Cerebral Palsy
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Plagiocephaly
• Torticollis
• In-toeing/out-toeing
• Toe walking
• Low muscle tone
• Hypermobility
• Genetic disorders
• Developmental Delay
• Gross Motor delay
• Charge Syndrome
• Neurological disorders
• Movement Disorders
• Brain injury (acquired and traumatic)

Specialised treatment approaches include:

• DMI Therapy
• CME
• Hydrotherapy
• Serial Casting
• Equipment prescription
• Running Training
• Functional Electrical Stimulation
• Sensory Dynamic Orthosis SDO measurements/fittings

Contact a Paediatrician

For any queries or for further information on our range of Sports Performance & Testing services please contact Sydney West Sports Medicine on 1300 13 SWSM.

Your Paediatricians

Sydney West Sports Medicine is owned and operated by a team of high profile sports medicine professionals. Our practitioners at Sydney West Sports Medicine are recognised as leaders in their field across many different sports. The team possesses an extensive client network at an elite and amateur sporting level, while also working with the general community on their health, disability, chronic conditions, and rehabilitation.

Bec McDonald
Paediatric Physiotherapist

Bec is a physiotherapist with extensive experience working with children, having worked at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick for over 20 years. She was the Clinical Lead in Rehabilitation for 18 years, and has recently 'retired' from this role to focus on FPP. She continues to have a strong link with the hospital.

Bec specialises in assessing and treating children with acquired and traumatic brain injuries. She also has a particular area of interest and expertise is Early Intervention, specifically gross motor delay (babies not achieving milestones) and plagiocephaly/ torticollis (babies with misshapen heads and head turning preference).

​“I have a special interest in strength, balance and gait retraining, but also love helping any child achieve their gross motor milestones! It’s a privilege working in partnership with children and families to help them achieve their best outcomes and goals. I am passionate about maximising a child’s potential and ensuring they are active participants across all domains in life. I love my job!”

She enjoys working closely with families to build their confidence in promoting opportunities for movement, learning and play.  

Bec is registered DMI (Intro Level A, B & C) practitioner. Bec is currently only one of the ten therapists (so is Deb!) in NSW certified to use PIASTM technique. Bec is also a certified NISE-Stim Level 1 and TASES trained practitioner.​

Bec lives in the Inner West with her husband and two boys, Lachlan and Oliver. They love playing cricket and all sorts of games together, as well as cooking up storms and entertaining friends.

Bec McDonald
Danielle Iacono
Paediatric Physiotherapist

Danielle completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2020 at Australian Catholic University.

Upon graduating, Danielle mainly worked in acute hospital settings, working with infants, children and adults in a wide range of settings including orthopaedics, ICU, cardiothoracic, oncology, neurology, general surgery and in maternity and special care nursery.

Danielle has always enjoyed working with infants and children most, and has lots of experience with DDH, talipes and plagiocephaly. She is also passionate about working with children with all different abilities and maximising their participation.

Danielle is a registered DMI (Intro Level A) practitioner.

Before studying physiotherapy, Danielle also completed a Diploma of Nursing, and two dance teaching Diplomas (in tap and jazz dancing). She still loves to dance and teaches dancing in my spare time.

Danielle Iacono
Debbie Bell
Paediatric Physiotherapist

Debbie has been a Physiotherapist for over 25 years, with over 20 years experience in Paediatrics, having graduated from LaTrobe University in 1993.
Debbie is passionate about children and strongly believes that a child’s potential should not be limited by their diagnosis or what is said in their medical appointments. She has seen so many children exceed their expectations over the years and is driven to ensure all the children who come to Full Potential Physiotherapy can achieve this.  

She enjoys working with the whole family to set goals and is a strong advocate for children in the school and community settings.

Debbie has significant experience in working with children with Cerebral Palsy and other movement disorders, Charge Syndrome, plagiocephaly, torticollis, gross motor delay, Development Coordination Disorder, toe walking and many other conditions.

Debbie is trained in CME (level 1), DMI (Intro Level A, B & C and Intermediate Level A) and Aquatic Therapy. She enjoys teaching bike riding to children who are typically developing as well as to kids with special needs. Debbie is currently only one of ten therapists (so is Bec!) in NSW certified to use PIASTM technique. Deb is also trained in NISE-Stim Level 1 and 2.

Debbie is a mother of two children and understands the typical challenges of motherhood and the impact a child with special needs or development delay can have on a family.

Debbie Bell
Diya Valand
Paediatric Physiotherapist

Diya is a passionate and dedicated physiotherapist who thrives on making a positive impact in children's lives.

Since graduating from the Australian Catholic University in 2023, she has gained valuable experience working across various acute hospital settings, including orthopaedics, ICU, cardiothoracic, neurology, and maternity care.  

Diya has always enjoyed working with infants and children. Diya is committed to helping children of all abilities reach their full potential by creating personalised treatment plans that support their growth and development.

Outside of work, she loves unwinding with a good book, taking peaceful walks by the beach, and experimenting with new recipes as a self-proclaimed foodie.

Diya Valand
Emily Zdanowicz
Paediatric Physiotherapist

Emily completed an Honours Degree in Physiotherapy at the University of South Australia in 2022. Emily has worked rurally within a diverse caseload including rehabilitation, hand therapy, amputees, neurological, concussion, vestibular, orthopaedics, home visits, exercise classes and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Emily is completing a Master of Public Health and a Master of Global Development to help people from diverse backgrounds to reach their goals. She is passionate about providing excellent physiotherapy services to people of all backgrounds.

Emily has worked in numerous areas including piano and violin teaching, and swimming instructing. She is looking forward to using these skills within the paediatric world.

Emily's Christian faith is central to her life and she values spending time with her church family. Emily loves running, hiking, boxing and swimming. She also enjoys a good book and time with friends.

Emily Zdanowicz
Shivank Sharma
Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Shivank is a seasoned occupational therapist with over 13 years of experience. He deeply understands and appreciates the uniqueness of each child. Shivank believes families are experts on their children, and endeavours to empower them to attain their desired outcomes.

Shivank’s contributions to the team are unique, as he shares his cultural, educational, and life experiences with both team members and families. He takes pride in his work ethic and continuous pursuit of knowledge.

Over the years, Shivank has developed specialised skills in occupational therapy areas such as:

  • DIR Floor time model
  • Sensory Integration
  • Trauma-sensitive approach
  • Neuro-developmental therapy

Outside of work, Shivank likes plane spotting, cycling, and doing DIY projects. Shivank likes to travel and has an interest in modern history. Shivank loves to play board games, and his all-time favourite board game is Monopoly.

Shivank Sharma