Osteopathy for Babies and Children
(Paediatric Osteopathy)
Paediatric Osteopaths are fully trained and qualified general Osteopaths who have undertaken additional training to specailise in treating babies and children.
Osteopathy is a gentle treatment suitable for babies and children. Osteopaths use a range of techniques including stretching, massage and cranial. Cranial techniques are often used when treating young children and newborn infants. Our osteopaths will apply their hands to your baby's head, back, stomach or other areas of the body. Small amounts of pressure are applied to restore ease in the tissues. Osteopaths work under the principle that there may be a number of contributing factors to the symptoms and will therefore evaluate not only the area which is producing the symptoms, but also associated areas that may be contributing to the issue, including past trauma, environmental factors and the family’s health history.
All sessions with our registered osteopaths will usually last up to half an hour. Prior to the first session you will be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire relating to your pregnancy, labour and the child's medical history. During the session, your osteopath will gather any further relevant information and your child will be examined. Occasionally we may request you to undress your baby or child to their nappy or underwear. However this is not always necessary and is entirely at your discretion.
Based on the information gathered your osteopath will form a diagnosis and treatment plan, giving you an indication as to the number of sessions that may be required. For some individuals just one session may be enough, however some more complicated cases may require a longer course of treatment.
Please bring milk, finger foods, a favourite toy or dummy to entertain them during the session. It is possible to treat a baby whilst she or he is being fed.
Occasionally after the session your baby or child may appear slightly unsettled, this is a normal reaction to osteopathic treatment and often settles quickly. Your osteopath is always on hand to discuss any queries or concerns that you may have.
David Hohenschurz-Schmidt
Osteopath
