running
What therapy helps a child learn to run?
Running is supported mainly through physiotherapy and play-based movement therapy that build the leg strength, balance, coordination and confidence behind running, with parent coaching for daily practice. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
When your toddler is ready to move from steady walking to joyful, confident running, the right play-based therapy can build the strength and balance behind every stride.
In short
Running is supported mainly through physiotherapy and play-based movement therapy — guided, fun activities that build the leg strength, balance, coordination and confidence a child needs to lift both feet, control speed and stop safely. A physiotherapist (often alongside an occupational therapist) sets small, achievable goals and shows you how to weave movement practice into everyday play. Most children who walk well grow into running with time and plenty of joyful practice — and early support helps when progress seems slow.The support that helps
- Physiotherapy — the core intervention. Targeted activities build core stability, leg power, single-leg balance and the smooth coordination that turns walking into running.
- Play-based motor practice — chasing games, gentle slopes, stepping over cushions, kicking a ball and obstacle play make strengthening something your child wants to do again and again.
- Occupational therapy support — helps with posture, body awareness and the balance reactions that keep a running child upright and safe.
- Parent coaching — you are your child's most powerful therapist; the team shows you simple daily routines so practice continues between sessions.
The aim is never to rush your child but to give their muscles and brain the enjoyable, repeated practice that turns each milestone into a lasting skill.
When to seek a check
Most toddlers begin running between about 18 and 24 months. If by around 2 years your child is not yet attempting to run, tires very quickly, frequently falls, or moves one leg differently from the other, a developmental check is wise — it lets a clinician tell apart needing a little more time from a delay that benefits from targeted support.The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — never from an app or online form. From there your child gets a precise movement profile and a plan built around their strengths through our physiotherapy programme. Learn more about how we support running and other big-muscle milestones.Trusted sources
WHO and CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestone guidance; American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) gross motor development resources.Next step — Ready to help your child run with confidence? Book a developmental assessment with a Pinnacle clinician.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
What to watch
Watch if, by around 2 years, your child is not attempting to run, tires very quickly, falls often, or moves one leg differently from the other.
Try this at home
Turn running into a game — gentle chasing, kicking a ball, walking up small slopes and stepping over cushions build the leg strength and balance behind confident running.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 540 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
At what age do toddlers usually start running?
Most children begin attempting to run between about 18 and 24 months, once their walking is steady. Running becomes smoother and more controlled through the third year with plenty of playful practice.
What therapy helps a child learn to run?
Physiotherapy is the core support, often alongside play-based movement therapy and occupational therapy. These build leg strength, balance, coordination and confidence through fun, guided activities, with parent coaching for daily practice at home.
How can I encourage running at home?
Make movement playful — gentle chasing games, kicking and chasing a ball, walking up small slopes and stepping over soft obstacles all build strength and balance in ways your child enjoys.
When should I seek a developmental check?
If by around 2 years your child is not attempting to run, tires very quickly, falls frequently, or moves one leg differently, a developmental check helps a clinician tell apart needing more time from a delay that benefits from support.