Can children and babies benefit from osteopathy
Parents are often surprised to learn osteopathy can benefit children
Osteopaths treating children
Osteopaths can successfully treat many childhood issues including glue ear, chronic ear infections, sleep problems and headaches. As well as postural problems, movement restrictions and co-ordination issues, osteopathy can also benefit children with developmental issues such as dyslexia and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Osteopathy concentrates on the structure of the body and movement. In babies and young children, it is especially important to keep a watchful eye on the structure of the body to promote healthy growth and to ensure any disease or disorders are treated at the first opportunity.
There is really no age limit when it comes to osteopathy and children are never too young to benefit from treatment. My youngest patient so far was just two months old at the start of treatment. Research shows that children under the age of five receive the best results so it’s important parents don’t delay seeking treatment if they want to maximise the chances of improvement. Equally, a child doesn’t have to present with specific problems to benefit from osteopathy as the approach is holistic in nature which means it treats the body as a whole and maximises its resources to better cope with illnesses.
Safe for babies
Babies can experience injury before, during and after they are born which can affect their ability to thrive and develop normally. This can cause difficulties with mobility and play and result in developmental delays. Osteopathy can greatly improve these problems and help children to reach their full potential, especially children who have been born prematurely and have significant catching up to do in terms of growth, strength and development of motor skills.
Many babies suffer colic in the early days or wind, teething pain, latching on problems and irritability, all of which can cause sleep disturbances. They might also experience retained moulding and compression as a result of their journey along the birth canal which can inhibit growth and affect brain development as the child matures. All of these common conditions can be alleviated naturally via osteopathy. In addition, as children go through their teenage years, a number of previously undiagnosed issues can become obvious in relation to movement and structure.
The treatment
So what does the treatment involve? The first appointment will usually take longer than subsequent sessions as the osteopath takes a detailed record of the patient’s history, information about the pregnancy and birth, reaching of milestones and general development details. Every baby/child is different and the number of sessions required will depend very much on the circumstances of the case. Most new patients will require a series of sessions, depending on the osteopath’s advice. Parents can assist the osteopath by providing any scans and medical records which provide detailed information on the patient’s history. Treatment will usually be provided on the first visit.
There is an abundance of information available online on the benefits of osteopathy for children. If you would like more information on your child’s specific problems please contact us or ‘Ask Andy’ a question and we will be happy to help.
