Osteopathy for Babies and Children
What is Paediatric Osteopathy?
Every parent’s priority is to provide the best environment to support their child’s health as they develop and grow. Paediatric Osteopathy is an incredibly gentle, safe and effective treatment for newborn babies and children.
Babies’ skeletons are softer than an adult’s so Osteopaths will use gentle hands-on techniques such as Cranial Osteopathy that focus on releasing tension, improving mobility and optimising function, when treating babies. The treatment of paediatrics covers newborns to teenagers and spans diverse issues.
Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle yet effective form of osteopathic treatment. It can be used to treat people of all ages, and is particularly suited to treating babies and children. Cranial Osteopathy uses gentle techniques/ manipulation which could help soothe and relax your baby.
How can Osteopathy help my child?
Parents visit Osteopaths for a range of reasons to support their child’s health. Osteopathy is suitable for children at all stages of development. Children, like adults, can be affected by general joint and muscle issues, which is one of the reasons people visit an Osteopath.
Parents commonly come into clinic with these concerns:
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My baby only turns their head one way. Is there anything that can help?
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Can you help the flattening on my baby’s head?
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I had a difficult birth where Ventouse/forceps were used.
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My baby is bringing up milk during/after feeding. Should I be concerned?
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My baby arches their back a lot. Is there something wrong?
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My baby has difficulty with feeding. Is there anything that can help?
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My baby will not settle. What can I do to help?
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My baby / child has difficulty sleeping. Is there anything I can do to help?
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I’m worried about my child sitting all day. Can you help with their posture?
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My child is very sporty and sometimes gets aches and pains. Can you help?
Paediatric treatment may include gentle mobilisation and Cranial techniques along with exercises and helpful advice. Paediatric Osteopaths are also trained to screen for medical conditions and will be able to tell you if you need to see another healthcare professional such as your GP or midwife.
We may see a baby or child for 3 – 6 sessions or on an ongoing basis, depending on their needs.
What to expect when you visit a Paediatric Osteopath?
When you first visit an Osteopath, you’ll be asked about the reason you have brought your child and their medical history. For babies and young children, this may include information about their birth. Your Osteopath will complete a thorough examination to determine if osteopathic care can support your child’s health.
After this examination, your Osteopath will discuss appropriate treatment plan with you. This treatment plan may involve several visits and will often include relevant health advice. Your child’s treatment may begin at the first appointment.
Many Osteopaths work with local midwives, other health professionals and GPs. If required, they may recommend your child be referred to another specialist health professional to ensure that your child receives the best possible care.
If you want to see if Paediatric Osteopathy can help
or have any questions before making an appointment please e-mail: