Concierge paediatric MSK · London
Paediatric gait assessment, structured biomechanical review for intoeing, flat foot, toe-walking and neurological gait.
A specialist paediatric gait assessment for common concerns — intoeing, out-toeing, flat foot, toe-walking, tripping and neurological gait — delivered by MSK podiatrists and paediatric physiotherapists.
Why families choose us
- 01
Paediatric MSK expertise
A specialist paediatric MSK podiatrist or physiotherapist runs the assessment — not a generalist.
- 02
Video and pressure-plate
Objective video gait capture and, where useful, in-shoe pressure or footscan data — findings you can see.
- 03
Orthopaedic pathway
Direct onward route to paediatric orthopaedics or neurology when a red flag is found.
Key facts
What a paediatric gait assessment actually is.
The essentials — before the appointment, and before the assumptions. Most childhood gait concerns are normal variants; the assessment is how we prove it, either way.
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Structured paediatric biomechanical review
A defined, age-appropriate protocol for children’s gait — not an adult template applied to a child.
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Age-appropriate developmental milestones
Findings are interpreted against the expected motor milestones for the child’s age.
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Distinguishes benign variants from pathology
Most intoeing and flat foot in young children is a normal variant; the assessment separates the two.
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Rotational profile and foot progression
Hip rotation, tibial torsion and foot progression angle are measured against Staheli norms.
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Video and pressure-plate options
Slow-motion video and, where indicated, pressure-plate or in-shoe sensor data.
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Multidisciplinary paediatric input
Paediatric orthopaedic and neurology input arranged where the picture warrants it.
Indicative pricing
What a private paediatric gait assessment costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standard paediatric gait assessment in our network: £180–£280, with the plan discussed in the same visit.
| Assessment type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paediatric gait assessment (standard) | £180–£280 | 45 min | Same visit |
| Paediatric gait + video analysis | £250–£380 | 60 min | Same visit |
| Paediatric gait + pressure-plate / footscan | £320–£480 | 60 min | Same visit |
| Paediatric orthopaedic consultation (added on) | £250–£450 | 30 min | Same visit |
| Custom paediatric insole (if indicated) | £220–£420 | 30 min | 2–3 weeks |
| Follow-up review | £90–£150 | 20 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, whether video and pressure-plate are added, and whether a same-visit paediatric orthopaedic opinion is included. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
A child’s gait is only as well read as the clinician reading it.
A five-minute look at a walking child from a generalist is not the same as a structured paediatric MSK assessment. We route you to a specialist paediatric podiatrist or physiotherapist, not a generalist.
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Intoeing or out-toeing?
A rotational profile against age-appropriate norms — reassurance where warranted, action where it isn’t.
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Toe-walking or tripping?
Distinguishes idiopathic toe-walking from calf contracture or a neurological cause.
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Painful limp or asymmetry?
A same-day paediatric orthopaedic pathway when a red flag is found.
The assessment, step by step
From consultation to written plan — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to written plan — usually in a single visit.
Phase 1 · Before the visit
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~45–60 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
Paediatric MSK consultation
A confidential paediatric musculoskeletal consultation, tailored to the child’s age and presentation.
- 02
Before
Development history
Pregnancy, birth, motor milestones (rolling, sitting, walking), family history of neuromuscular or orthopaedic conditions.
- 03
On the day
Neurological screen
Tone, power, reflexes, coordination and a Gowers’ manoeuvre where appropriate — targeted, child-friendly.
- 04
On the day
Static and dynamic gait
Standing posture, single-leg balance, walking and running observed from multiple angles.
- 05
On the day
Rotational profile (Staheli)
Hip internal and external rotation, thigh-foot angle, foot progression angle — measured, not eyeballed.
- 06
On the day
Video analysis
Slow-motion video capture reviewed frame-by-frame with the parent alongside.
- 07
After
Structured plan with parents
A written summary, clear reassurance where warranted, and next steps if further input is needed.
Typical end-to-end: 1–2 visits. Urgent cases: same week.
What it shows
When a paediatric gait assessment is the right test.
A paediatric gait assessment answers a specific question — is this a normal developmental variant, or a condition that warrants treatment or onward referral. These are the presentations we see most.
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Physiological intoeing (femoral anteversion)
The commonest cause of intoeing in young children — usually resolves with growth.
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Tibial torsion
Internal or external twist of the tibia — a normal variant that most often self-corrects.
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Flexible pes planus (normal variant)
Flat foot with a normal arch on tiptoe — reassuring in children under 8.
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Toe-walking (idiopathic vs pathological)
Distinguishes idiopathic toe-walking from calf contracture or neurological cause.
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Cerebral palsy gait patterns
Recognises scissoring, equinus, crouch and hemiplegic patterns for onward paediatric neurology input.
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Duchenne muscular dystrophy signs
Calf pseudohypertrophy, Gowers’ sign and lordotic waddling gait — urgent onward referral.
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Coxa vara / hip pathology
Trendelenburg pattern, leg-length difference or restricted hip rotation — imaging follows.
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Red flag: asymmetric gait + weakness — urgent paediatric neurology referral
One-sided weakness or a rapidly changing gait is not for a routine slot — same-day paediatric review.
Next steps
The options after the assessment — what each is actually for.
From reassurance to onward paediatric orthopaedic referral — the decision follows the findings, not the reverse.
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Reassurance for benign variants
Where the picture is a normal developmental variant, a clear written explanation for the family — and no unnecessary treatment.
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Stretching and strengthening
Targeted paediatric physiotherapy programme — calf, hip and core, age-appropriate and parent-led at home.
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Custom insole for structural flat foot
A custom paediatric insole where the flat foot is symptomatic or structurally rigid, not just cosmetic.
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Serial casting for toe-walking
Serial below-knee casts to lengthen the calf in idiopathic toe-walking with contracture.
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Botulinum toxin for spasticity
Where spasticity drives an equinus or crouch gait, botulinum toxin arranged with paediatric neurology.
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Paediatric orthopaedic referral
Onward referral for suspected Perthes, SUFE, hip dysplasia or structural deformity.
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Paediatric physiotherapy
Ongoing paediatric physiotherapy where a rehabilitation programme is the mainstay.
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Structured follow-up
A defined review point — typically 3, 6 or 12 months — with clear thresholds for earlier review.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of paediatric MSK clinicians, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand the case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinician in our network.
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Paediatric MSK podiatrists and paediatric physiotherapists
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Standardised rotational-profile (Staheli) protocol
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Video capture reviewed with parents in the same visit
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Direct pathway to paediatric orthopaedics and neurology when indicated
Red flags
When a gait concern is not for a routine slot.
Most childhood gait presentations are benign. These are the ones that aren’t — and where the pathway is paediatric neurology or orthopaedics, urgently.
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Asymmetric gait with weakness
One-sided weakness with a changed gait is a red flag — urgent paediatric neurology assessment.
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Progressive toe-walking
Toe-walking that is worsening, not improving, warrants neurological work-up.
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Cerebral palsy pattern
Scissoring, equinus, crouch or hemiplegic gait — onward paediatric neurology input.
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Duchenne muscular dystrophy — calf hypertrophy
Pseudohypertrophy of the calves with a waddling gait and Gowers’ sign — urgent CK and paediatric neurology.
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Painful limp (SUFE, Perthes)
A painful limp in a child is orthopaedic until proven otherwise — same-day imaging.
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Post-trauma gait change
Any gait change after a fall or injury needs orthopaedic assessment before conservative care.
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Global developmental delay
Delay across multiple domains changes the interpretation and the pathway — paediatric referral.
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Regression of milestones
Loss of previously acquired motor skills is a paediatric neurology red flag.
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Family history of neuromuscular disease
A positive family history lowers the threshold for CK testing and paediatric neurology input.
Reading your report
A paediatric gait report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the finding, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your GP and for you — and it will be talked through in the room.
If you would like us to talk you through it again after the visit, just ask.
- 01 Header
Age, presentation and development history
The child’s age, the parents’ concern, and the developmental milestones that frame interpretation.
- 02 Technique
Protocol and measurements taken
Which observations and measurements were performed — rotational profile, video, pressure data where used.
- 03 Findings
Rotational profile, gait pattern, red flags
Numerical findings against age-appropriate norms, plus a description of the gait pattern observed.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Benign variant, condition identified, or red flag — with the concrete next step for the family.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything parents ask about paediatric gait.
Quick answers on when to have your child’s gait assessed, what happens in the room, and when a red flag calls for urgent input.
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What is a paediatric gait assessment?
A structured biomechanical review of a child’s walking and running, delivered by a specialist paediatric MSK podiatrist or paediatric physiotherapist. It covers the rotational profile, static and dynamic gait, and a targeted neurological screen — interpreted against age-appropriate developmental milestones.
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When should I have my child’s gait assessed?
Common reasons are intoeing, out-toeing, flat foot, toe-walking, tripping, an unusual walking pattern, or asymmetry between the two sides. Any painful limp, weakness, or loss of previously acquired motor skills is a red flag and should be assessed urgently rather than as a routine slot.
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Is intoeing or flat foot a problem?
In most young children, both are normal developmental variants that resolve with growth. The assessment is designed to separate the benign majority — who need reassurance and observation — from the minority whose findings warrant treatment or onward referral.
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What happens during the appointment?
A development history, a targeted neurological screen, static and dynamic gait observation, a rotational profile (hip rotation, tibial torsion, foot progression angle), and slow-motion video review with the parent. Where useful, pressure-plate or footscan data is added.
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Will my child need insoles?
Only if the assessment shows a structural or symptomatic problem that insoles genuinely help. Most flexible flat feet in children under 8 do not need insoles — a normal variant is not a treatment target.
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When is an urgent paediatric neurology or orthopaedic referral needed?
Asymmetric gait with weakness, a progressive toe-walking pattern, a cerebral palsy gait pattern, calf pseudohypertrophy with a Gowers’ sign, a painful limp, or regression of previously acquired motor milestones — any of these are routed urgently to paediatric neurology or orthopaedics, not managed conservatively.
Sources
Guidance and professional bodies referenced.
- British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA).
Last reviewed 2026-07-30. Next scheduled review 2027-07-30.
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In practice, in London
Why private gait assessment in children moves differently in London
With gait assessment in children, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. The NHS route for gait assessment in children is thorough, but the queue is real. Most patients we speak with have been told to expect anywhere from a handful of weeks to several months, depending on their local trust and how the referral is graded. Going private in London usually collapses that window to a matter of days — often the same week if the diary allows. It isn’t about jumping a queue so much as buying time back while you still have the flexibility to plan around it.
A typical private booking for gait assessment in children in London starts with a consultant conversation — sometimes in person on Harley Street or Marylebone, sometimes on video if that suits better. Any imaging or diagnostics happen at a nearby CQC-registered facility, and reports usually land within 24 to 72 hours. The whole loop, from first call to written report, is often done inside a fortnight. For gait assessment in children specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
Honesty about expectations is part of the job. A private gait assessment in children appointment in London won’t change the underlying medicine — the guidelines, the consultants, and the equipment are largely the same as on the NHS. What it changes is speed, continuity, and the amount of time you get to actually talk through the findings. Everyone we route to is GMC-registered and works within CQC-regulated facilities.