Paediatric & Pre/Postnatal Osteopathy

Paediatric & Pre/Postnatal Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a holistic approach to wellness that nurtures both you and your child. Our experienced osteopaths use hands-on techniques to stimulate the body’s inherent healing abilities, promoting free motion and alignment of the body, and understanding its integral relationship with organ function, circulation, and the nervous system.

Paediatric Osteopathy (Babies, Infants & Children)

The osteopathic approach is particularly suited to children, including newborns. Children, especially babies, respond remarkably to cranial osteopathy (given their cranial bones are still developing) which is a gentle form treatment.

Children

Just as with adults, our treatment aims for children are focused on improving body alignment and functioning to assist your child in achieving optimal health and well-being. We accomplish this by easing muscle spasms, alleviating joint restrictions, and calming irritated nerves – using various gentle osteopathic techniques, often referred to as soft tissue, fascial, functional, or cranial osteopathy. Our methods are tailored to the individual needs of each child, taking into account their age, health status, and comfort level.

Common indicators like poor sleep patterns, changes in appetite, mood swings, or irregular bowel function might suggest your child has a structural restriction or misalignment. These can arise from a variety of circumstances, including:

• Difficult birth or in-utero positioning
• Childhood accidents and falls
• Infections or inflammations
• Genetic disorders

Misalignment or improper functioning can lead to a wide array of problems. These might range from common childhood conditions like ear infections, asthma, or digestive issues to more specific structural issues like postural problems, flat head syndrome, or scoliosis. Osteopathic treatment can provide relief from these conditions, helping your child to grow and develop comfortably and healthily.

We understand that each child is unique, and our osteopaths are skilled at identifying and addressing these issues, no matter how they may manifest.

Moreover, we believe that preventative care is just as essential as curative. Regular check-ups can help identify and address potential issues before they become significant problems, ensuring your child’s continued well-being. This proactive approach also empowers parents by giving them the tools and knowledge to support their child’s health effectively.

Babies

Cranial Osteopathy for babies is a gentle and non-invasive technique that aids the body’s natural self-correction mechanism. Birth, one of life’s most stressful events, can cause cranial compressions due to the intense pressure of contractions and the baby’s journey through the birth canal. While some compressions relieve themselves naturally after birth as the baby cries or suckles, others, especially after a difficult birth, may need cranial osteopathy.

Midwives often recommend an osteopathic check-up for newborns to prevent complications arising from cranial compressions. These may include discomfort while lying on their back, excess mucus production, flat or oddly shaped heads, and feeding difficulties. Left unresolved, this can also cause colic, excessive crying, regurgitation, sinus problems, sleep disturbances, and unsettled behaviour.

What to expect

Infants can respond to treatment in a variety of ways. Sometimes they might cry or wriggle, while at other times, they may peacefully fall asleep. It’s important to understand that they might initially experience a brief period of discomfort while the osteopath assists in alleviating bodily tensions. These responses are natural and are indicative of the body adapting to the therapy; they do not signify distress or harm. Rest assured, this is a common and expected part of the process, which ultimately facilitates the baby in reaping the benefits of the osteopathic treatment.

Pre/Postnatal Osteopathy

Pregnancy

Pregnancy ushers in a time of profound physical, hormonal, and emotional changes. In a short span, the body must adapt to carrying additional weight up to 20kg (baby, water, and placenta). This sudden increase can place significant strain on all organs and tissues.

Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy isn’t just safe, it’s beneficial. It can alleviate some of the physical discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as back pain, swollen legs, and general fatigue. Additionally, osteopathy can help in preparing the body for the demands of labour by ensuring a balanced pelvis and an optimally positioned baby. It also aids in postnatal recovery, helping new mothers regain their pre-pregnancy posture and alignment.

Previous trauma to the pelvic bones, coccyx, or sacrum can leave lingering tension in muscles and strain within the ligaments and bones of the pelvis. This tension limits the bones’ ability to separate and move during labour, potentially restricting the size of the pelvic outlet – making it less accomodating for your baby’s journey through it. Osteopathic treatment is extremely effective at releasing old strains within the pelvis, thus enhancing the possibility of a smoother and less complicated labour.

Birthing

The birthing process, while natural, can place immense strain on the mother’s pelvis, especially during a difficult delivery. The pelvis may become distorted to allow the baby’s head to descend, and in some cases, this distortion may not fully correct itself. If severe, it can persist for many years, disrupting spinal and pelvic mechanics and leading to ongoing back pain, menstrual irregularities, stress incontinence, constipation, headaches, and other health issues.

Osteopathic treatment after birth focuses on restoring the body’s natural alignment, easing out any strains caused during delivery. It is a gentle, non-invasive way to encourage the body’s natural healing processes, helping mothers recover more comfortably and quickly from the physical exertion of birth.

Postnatal osteopathy can also help manage emotional and hormonal changes, supporting new mothers during the transition into parenthood. It can assist with breastfeeding issues related to musculoskeletal problems, improve energy levels, and alleviate postpartum anxiety or depression.