Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Specialist Certificate Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy 

Julianne is an experienced Paediatric Physiotherapist.  She studied at The University of Melbourne and earned a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2000.  She has postgraduate qualifications in Public Health and Paediatric Orthopaedics (2014), having won a scholarship from the Victorian Paediatric Orthopaedic Network.

Julianne worked at The Royal Children’s Hospital for 16 years as a Senior Physiotherapist and Advanced Scope Practitioner (2004-2021).  This included Senior Physiotherapist roles in Brachial Plexus Clinic, Burns Clinic, Deformational Plagiocephaly Assessment Clinic, Neurology, and Epilepsy Assessment, Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) clinic, Orthopaedic Casting clinic including toe walking and club foot, Scoliosis Assessment Clinic and General Orthopaedic clinics.  Julianne has extensive experience in Orthopaedics, Neurological conditions, and Neurodevelopmental disabilities. She treats babies, children, and young adults.  She was previously the National Chair of Paediatrics for the Australian Physiotherapy Association (2014 – 2018).

Julianne currently works part-time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at The Royal Women’s Hospital.  She provides support to premature babies and their families as well as short-term follow-up clinics to support their neurodevelopment to age 12 months.

Practice philosophies / Clinical Interests

Julianne takes a family-centered approach with an emphasis on thorough assessment and education about paediatric conditions and goal-setting for children and their families.

Paediatric Conditions

Julianne assesses and treats young babies and children with concerns including:

• delayed gross motor skills
• low muscle tone
• head shape
• positional talipes
• torticollis
• brachial plexus injury
• in-toeing gait, toe walking, flat feet, and other foot problems
• ankle problems
• knee conditions
• hip problems
• posture problems (computer, heavy backpack)
• pain
• spinal problems
• orthopaedic surgery
• sports injuries
• neurological conditions
• de-conditioning after acute illness.

Approach

Julianne has a play-based approach to facilitating movement and strength development in children. Treatment may include positioning and activities for play, home exercise programs, Pilates, Yoga, Bike Riding, Aquatic Physiotherapy, and Equipment Prescription.

Julianne also offers tailored programs that support children and their families as they work towards goals and gain independence and confidence in managing their child’s condition.

Julianne is an experienced paediatric physiotherapist, having completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (2000) and Post Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy (2014) at The University of Melbourne and the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).  Julianne has worked for over 10 years at RCH, treating babies and children with orthopaedic, neurological and acute respiratory conditions.

Prior Experience

Julianne worked in the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service at The Royal Children’s Hospital in 2014, providing physiotherapy to rehabilitation patients in the acute hospital and outpatient clinic.

Julianne has also worked privately as a paediatric physiotherapist since April 2013.

Prior to working at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Julianne worked in Early Childhood Intervention Services and special developmental and mainstream school settings, supporting children with physical disabilities so they can fully access the kindergarten, childcare and school curriculum.

Teaching and Collaborations

Julianne has lectured on the management of Paediatric Orthopaedic and Neurological conditions to undergraduate Physiotherapy students at the University of Melbourne.  She has worked in collaboration with SIDS and KIDS, The Royal Children’s Hospital and the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) to develop guidelines including a brochure titled ‘How to protect the headshape of your baby”.  Julianne has recently worked in collaboration with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute to write a review article on Plagiocephaly for the Raising Children Network (January 2015).

Registrations and Qualifications

Julianne is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).  She is the National Chair of the Paediatric Group of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). Julianne is on the Panel of Better Start Providers for children with Disabilities. In 2014 Julianne completed an advanced certificate (IV) in Pilates mat-work from Polestar Pilates.  Julianne has also studied Dance Medicine Australia Pilates Level 1 and Level 2.  She recently won a scholarship from the Australian Continence Association to study a Graduate Certificate in Continence Promotion and Management in 2015.

Passionate and Caring

As a mother of 3, and having grown up with a sister with a disability, Julianne understands the challenges families with medical conditions face.  Julianne is passionate about helping children and their families achieve the best possible outcome.

Australian Physiotherapy Association

• The Management of Plagiocephaly and Torticollis and an Update on Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood: July 2012: in collaboration with Jill Green, SIDS and Kids

Royal Children’s Hospital Physiotherapy Department

Professional Development presentations to staff:

• Plagiocephaly and Torticollis Management, May 2012 in collaboration with the Educational Resource Centre and the Orthotics Department
• Gait Analysis, November 2012
• The acute management of Guillian Barre Syndrome in Children, March 2013
• Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphyses, May 2013