There are many reasons why Osteopaths treat babies and children. Many adults use Osteopathy to help themselves move well, relieve tension and recover from injury; so why not have the kids treated too?!
Conditions Osteopaths may assist infants and children with include:
● Neck-related concerns like head turn preference, or infant torticollis
● Plagiocephaly - misshapen or flat head shape
● Infants with suspected strains on the neck, shoulder, head or jaw related to the physical processes of birthing
● Breast or bottle feeding concerns where the baby seems uncomfortable or unsettled while feeding
● Developmental concerns related to gross motor skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling and walking; or fine motor skills like hand use.
● General musculoskeletal concerns related to movement, asymmetry, suspected tightness, stiffness or discomfort.
● Pain or discomfort concerns that related to growing pains, play-related injuries, sport participation or injury.
Osteopathic assessment may help to identify and treat areas of concern as well as provide parents with advice and home management strategies. These may include handling or positioning advice for infants, play-based activities or exercises, functional movement exercises, postural advice, stretching or other rehabilitation exercises.
If indicated, your Osteopath will advise further medical assessment or referral to other health professionals such as a GP, Maternal and Child Health Nurse, Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Paediatrician or other medical specialist. If your child has complex support needs we may also be working in conjunction with your other therapists such as Occupational Therapist, Speech Pathologists and Dentists.