OSTEOPATHY

Treatment of Babies & Children

Having a baby is a an exciting time, however, even in a natural birth, there are considerable forces at work on your pelvis and your baby’s head. As the birth progresses, and the uterus contracts, the bones in your baby’s head start overlapping to ease the journey of the baby down the birth canal. This is called ‘moulding’.

Usually the processes of the newborn’s crying and suckling help the skull return to the normal shape. However, where there are large compressive forces during labour from intervention such as forceps or a ventouse, this process becomes disrupted. Some other factors that may cause excessive pressure on your baby’s head may be if the birth is too fast, too slow, or a difficult presentation.

 

Babies and children may have a range of symptoms.

Often, mothers with infants may say their babies are not relaxed, have problems sleeping or are generally unsettled. Children that are older may have issues with posture, need support during orthodontic treatment and stress which may affect their growth and development.

 

The bony structures and soft tissues of your baby’s head may become stressed, restricted or compressed affecting nerve function, blood circulation, bone development and connective tissue alignment. Your infant may have:

  • difficulty sleeping

  • difficulty feeding and latching on

  • general irritability

  • digestive problems such as colic.

Following osteopathic principles where structure and function are connected, I use gentle techniques to release any tension and strains. Babies and children are often calmer and and more relaxed, so both the babies, and the parents, can get the best start in life!

“Sultana is lovely and so caring.”

“She has always made us feel so welcome and made every session fun for my daughter; my little one always came away from a session with a smile on her face. I would wholeheartedly recommend osteopathy, and Sultana in particular, to anyone thinking about trying it!”

Mother of 2 year old girl

 As your child grows, they may complain of;

  • digestive symptoms

  • ear nose and throat problems

  • uneven body growth

  • complain of head and spinal pain.

It is a good idea for a regular osteopathic check every 3-6 months to accommodate for growth, and to maximise optimum health.

 

Teenagers

 

Orthodontic treatment or tooth straightening is very common for teenagers. The teenage years is a time of growth and immense hormonal change and stress educationally.

Dental procedures can increase the tension in a body, which may already be under stress, and result in symptoms such as headaches, neck tension and difficulty concentrating at school.

Osteopathy can support patients through their course of orthodontic treatment, and after it, to help ease any residual tension in the muscles and ligaments.