We treat babies & children
Why do children need to see an Osteopath?
It is a common belief that children and babies hsould have no structural stresses and strains in their body, because they are so young and flexible. However the reality is very different.
The birth of a baby is one of the most stressful events of its life. The birth can contribute to some of the most common problems and ailments, whether minor or serious, due to an imbalance somewhere in the body caused by stress during pregnancy and the birthing process.
The baby is subjected to enormous forces as the uterus (or womb) pushes out to expel the baby against the natural resistance of the birth canal. These massive pressures that a baby is subjected to during the birthing process can cause tension that is retained in their body long after birth.
Babies who had long and/or difficult labours, were posterior presentations, breech delivery, or had forceps, Ventouse or Caesarian Birth may need some osteopathic treatment.
Osteopathy may be useful for babies with:
We take a detailed case history about the mother prior to conception, during the pregnancy and about the birth, and then do a structural examination to determine the extent and location of any areas of restriction, or strain patterns, in the baby's body. We then use extremely gentle manual techniques, including craniosacral therapy, to resolve these strains in order to relieve discomfort and improve the body's function. This allows the different body systems - the nervous system, the immune system, the muscular system and the circulatory system - to work effectively and optimally. This helps reduce strains on the nervous system, the circulatory system, the hormonal system and the immune system, to achieve an improvement of the overall bodily function
Cranial Osteopathy is a safe, natural non-invasive and gentle way of assessing and treating your baby.
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Distressed and irritable babies, who are not able to be comforted.
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Feeding Difficulties, which often relates to the nerves to the tongue and the throat which become irritated where they leave the skull. Leading to failure to suckle or reflux and vomitting.
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Reflux, Colic, Wind and Digestive problems
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Sleep Disturbances
Osteopathy can be an option for children with:
Treatment of children after bumps and falls
It can be of benefit for your child to have an osteopathic assessment following a fall, especially where there has been a head injury or fall onto the spine/bottom. Children have an amazing ability to ‘bounce back’, however some trauma can be retained in the tissues and joints of the body, that may not be immediately apparent, but which can go on to cause problems later on in life. Your osteopath will be able to ascertain any restrictions that may have been caused, and treatment can alleviate and prevent further problems from occurring.
Do children get sore necks and headaches?
Early problems with eyesight and hearing are often associated with postural changes, as your child will adjust him/herself to be able to hear or see more clearly. If these changes in posture go unchecked, it is possible that they may go on to develop chronic problems such as poor head and neck positions. This may lead to neck pain and head ache or perhaps further postural strain which may lead to curvature of the spine. Again, osteopaths can detect and alleviate such changes before they become habitual.
Can schoolbags cause problems?
Keeping an eye on your child’s posture and mobility is therefore very important. As they grow older, any postural problems become more difficult to fix. Once at school, children start to carry heavy bags, and sit at desks that may not necessarily be the right height for them. Ensure that your child uses a backpack, carried over both shoulders, as carrying it over one can be the start of future problems. Also, position it high enough on the back so the weight is distributed widely over their back, shoulders and pelvis and does not cause them to stoop to balance its weight. Encourage them not to carry any unnecessary book loads to and from school, which they are not actually going to work on that day.
Do computer games and TV have much to answer for?
The increased use of computer games and lying watching television in various positions can also place undue strain on your child’s body, often going on to cause headaches, neck and upper back pain. Encouraging good postural habits early in life can save the long term injuries which may lead to chronic back problems in adulthood.
Signs to look out for, which indicate an early problem with posture include asymmetry in the shoulders (one higher, or more forward than the other), excessive slouching, curvature of the spine, in or out turning of the feet. Have a look at your child’s shoes – do they wear out quickly, or on one side more than the other? This can also point towards postural imbalance.
Teenagers and Osteopathic tretament?
Teenagers can also suffer from musculoskeletal problems. Sporting injuries are common in this age group, as are other adolescent conditions such as Osgood-Schlatter’s, Scheuermann’s disease and other forms of osteochondritis. Osteopathy can be of great benefit in such conditions as well as with recurrent problems like ankle sprains.
An early structural assessment for your baby, child or teenager may be of great assistance in cases such as these in preventing serious long-term problems.
If you have any concerns about your child’s posture, or are unsure whether or not osteopathic treatment will suit your child’s condition, please feel free to contact us on 9533 5536.