At Janika van Heerden Physiotherapy, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care for children from birth to twelve years, supporting each child to develop their abilities and flourish through play, movement, and active participation. We partner closely with families and multidisciplinary teams to create a nurturing, family-centred environment that promotes both progress and confidence.
We honour family values by putting families first, fostering trust and respect, and promoting balance, wellbeing, and meaningful connections in everything we do.
Please note that we do not offer chest physiotherapy services.
Janika van Heerden
I am a devoted mother and physiotherapist with a deep love for working with children. For nearly nine years, I had the
privilege of being part of the incredible team at Pretoria School for Cerebral Palsy Learners, where we addressed each
child’s needs in a holistic and meaningful way. In August 2023, I joined PETC part-time, and I am now honoured to be a full-time member of this team of dedicated therapists. Helping children move and experience the joy of movement in fun and creative ways fills my heart with purpose and fulfilment.
I received my Physiotherapy degree from the University of Pretoria and completed the Basic Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT) course in 2018. NDT is a hands-on, individualised approach used in the assessment and treatment of children with neurological and developmental movement difficulties. It focuses on understanding each child’s movement patterns, postural control and functional abilities, and using therapeutic handling and meaningful activities to promote more efficient movement and participation.
I have also completed the General Movements Assessment (GMA) Basic Course, based on Prechtl’s Method of the Qualitative Assessment of General Movements. This specialised training focuses on observing and assessing an infant’s spontaneous movement patterns during the first months of life. GMA can provide valuable information about early neurological development and assist in identifying infants who may benefit from closer developmental follow-up or early intervention.
Staying up to date with current research and regularly attending courses in paediatric neurodevelopment is something I value. My work brings me immense joy, and I am always eager to expand my knowledge and grow as a professional.
Outside of my career, I appreciate the outdoors and enjoy activities such as hiking and camping. Movement, in all its
forms, is a source of inspiration and joy for me.
“Movement creates motivation.”
Janika van Heerden
Practice number: 0491144
At Our Practice, Physiotherapy Can Assist Children With:
Neurological Conditions
Neurological conditions affect the brain, spinal cord and/or nervous system and may influence a child’s movement, posture, muscle tone, balance, coordination and functional abilities. We provide individualised physiotherapy to help each child develop their movement potential, independence and participation in everyday activities.
Conditions may include cerebral palsy, acquired or traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, brain tumours, meningitis and other neurological or neurodegenerative conditions.
Developmental Delay
Children develop at different rates, but some children may take longer to achieve important developmental and movement milestones such as head control, rolling, sitting, crawling, standing or walking.
Physiotherapy can help identify the factors affecting a child’s movement and development and provide individualised, play-based intervention and practical guidance for parents and caregivers. We focus not only on achieving milestones, but also on developing a variety of movement strategies, confidence and functional independence.
Premature Infants
Babies born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy may have an increased risk of developmental and movement difficulties, particularly those born very prematurely or following a complicated neonatal course.
Physiotherapy can support early development through assessment, developmental monitoring, positioning, handling and age-appropriate movement opportunities. Parents and caregivers are actively involved and receive practical guidance on how to support their baby’s development at home.
High-Risk Infants & Early Intervention
Some babies may benefit from closer developmental monitoring following a complicated pregnancy, birth or neonatal period, or when there are early concerns regarding movement or neurological development.
Early physiotherapy focuses on identifying emerging movement difficulties, supporting optimal development and empowering parents with practical strategies for everyday handling, positioning and play. Where appropriate, General Movements Assessment (GMA) may form part of early developmental assessment and monitoring.
Torticollis, Plagiocephaly & Brachycephaly
Babies may develop a preference for turning or tilting their head to one side, sometimes accompanied by tightness or differences in head shape such as plagiocephaly or brachycephaly.
Physiotherapy includes assessment of neck and trunk movement, symmetry, positioning and early motor development. Parents receive practical guidance on positioning, handling, tummy time, play and movement opportunities to encourage active, symmetrical development.
Orthopaedic & Musculoskeletal Conditions
We assess and treat conditions affecting the muscles, joints, bones and connective tissues, including postural difficulties, scoliosis, joint hypermobility, congenital and acquired orthopaedic conditions.
Treatment is tailored to the individual child and may focus on mobility, strength, alignment, pain management and improving participation in everyday activities.
Genetic & Neuromuscular Conditions
Many genetic and neuromuscular conditions can affect a child’s muscle strength, tone, joint mobility, posture, endurance and motor development.
We provide physiotherapy for children with conditions such as Down syndrome, muscular dystrophies and other genetic, chromosomal or neuromuscular conditions, with treatment tailored to each child’s individual abilities and needs.
Rheumatological Conditions
Paediatric rheumatological conditions can affect the joints, muscles and connective tissues and may result in pain, stiffness, weakness or reduced participation in everyday activities.
Physiotherapy can assist children with conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) by maintaining joint mobility, improving strength and physical function, and supporting safe participation in age-appropriate activities.
Hypermobility & Connective Tissue Conditions
Children with generalised joint hypermobility or connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndromes may experience joint instability, pain, fatigue, reduced strength or difficulties with balance and coordination.
Physiotherapy focuses on strength, joint control, postural stability, movement efficiency and functional participation, with treatment adapted to the individual child.
Testimonials
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Contact Details
Address
390 Manitoba Drive, Faerie Glen
Telephone Number
Hours
Monday to Friday 08:00 – 16:00
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