Introduction
Osteopathy can be used to help many babies, toddlers and children, for a wide variety of complaints.

During pregnancy and birth many babies are exposed to pressures along their bodies, and through their heads (particularly as they are being born). This can result in them having various mechanical strains and stresses right from day one, which can contribute to various problems they might have feeding, sleeping and generally thriving or not. Older toddlers may have problems with tension in their head, neck and throat which can affect they way their ears and tonsils drain for example, aggravating the often too common continuous cycle of ear, nose and throat infections that children can suffer from.

As children grow, it is important that they do so evenly, so that their normal reflex and neurological development is co-ordinated and smooth. Often osteopaths feel that mechanical strains and tensions hinder some reflex development, which could be a part of a child's behavioural, reading and writing, and speech problems.
In many ways gentle osteopathic treatment may have something to help support the child through whatever illness of difficulty is being experienced."

 

Osteopathy utilises very gentle treatment methods that make it particularly suitable for children, from new-born infants to teenagers. The holistic approach of Osteopathy ensures that all aspects of the child are cared for, from the body to the mind, including the emotions.

Children may be exposed to traumas from a very early age. Difficult or prolonged delivery, accidents, falls and infections can result in structural disturbances that impact negatively on development, mobility and function.

Examples of the types of problems Osteopaths can treat include:

Postural disturbances such as scoliosis and "sway back"
Feeding problems
Colic and reflux
Respiratory problems such as asthma and recurrent bronchitis
Chronic or recurrent infections such as "glue ear", chronic otitis media and tonsillitis
Manifestations of brain injury such as cerebral palsy, spasticity, or low muscle tone.

Osteopathic consultation begins with the taking of a thorough case history and physical examination to determine if Osteopathic treatment is appropriate or if referral is necessary. Then, if warranted, treatment can be provided in a gentle manner.

The guiding principle of Osteopathy is that within each and every one of us are inherent self-healing and self-regulating mechanisms. The Osteopath aims to harness these inherent mechanisms to enhance and accelerate healing within the body.

Treatment focuses on restoring motion within all areas of the body to ensure that the body is able to accommodate and adapt to the requirements placed upon it. Optimal motion in all structures will ensure that circulation, exchange of gases during breathing, digestion and elimination of waste products occur efficiently, thus enhancing health and well-being.

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