PAEDIATRIC OSTEOPATHY

WHAT IS PAEDIATRIC OSTEOPATHY?

Paediatric Osteopathy refers to the osteopathic treatment addressed to babies and children. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the structure and function of the body are intimately related. If the structure is not balanced and healthy, then the function is affected. As a consequence, a healthy balance and function of the musculoskeletal apparatus are essential for the whole body's health. This concept can be applied to adults as well as babies and children. 

Osteopaths do not treat your baby/child for specific conditions. 
Osteopaths are interested in how your baby or child’s body is moving because areas that are not moving correctly can affect the way the body’s systems work and develop. The aim of osteopathic treatment is to restore the normal movement in the muscles, ligaments and joints, which in turn can improve the general baby/child’s body functioning.

Overall, Paediatric Osteopathy consists of gentle manipulations which are suitable for children at all stages of development and can help soothe and relax your baby. 
The baby’s skeletons are softer than an adult’s and Paediatric Osteopaths will therefore use gentler techniques, such as cranial osteopathy, to treat paediatric patients. 

WHO IS A PAEDIATRIC OSTEOPATH?

Osteopaths treat people of all ages, and their patients range from babies and children to older people, including pregnant women.
Those who work with babies and children usually hold specialist postgraduate qualifications in Paediatric Osteopathy. They are trained to screen for medical conditions and they will recommend you see another health professional such as your doctor or midwife if necessary. 

They sometimes work alongside local health visitors, midwives and lactation consultants in order to provide the best care for your baby or child. 

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH A PAEDIATRIC OSTEOPATH?

During the first consultation, the Paediatric Osteopath will go through a detailed case history to understand any issues that your baby/child is experiencing and to gather information about the pregnancy, the birth and the baby/child’s general health.

Then an examination of your baby/child will be carried out. Based on the age of your child the Paediatric Osteopath will assess specific passive and active movements, milestones, reflexes and muscle tone. An explanation of the findings will be given to you and if appropriate, osteopathic treatment will be also performed. 

Treatment techniques include gentle mobilisations aimed to make the baby/child’s body as relaxed and comfortable as possible. The Paediatric Osteopath may also provide advice and exercises to perform at home or make a referral to other health professionals if necessary.
Sometimes a single treatment is all that is required, while in others more sessions may be indicated.

IS OSTEOPATHY FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN SAFE?

Paediatric Osteopathy is a gentle, safe and effective treatment and it is suitable for babies and children at all stages of development. 

ARE PAEDIATRIC OSTEOPATHS AND CRANIAL OSTEOPATHS THE SAME?

Paediatric Osteopathy refers to the osteopathic treatment addressed to babies and children. Cranial Osteopathy is another technique/approach that Osteopaths can use in their practice, according to the patient's needs. It consists of a gentle approach and it, therefore, seems to be very effective and appropriate for babies and children.