Osteopathy for Children

Osteopaths are trained to evaluate and address musculoskeletal stress and strain in the body, including in babies and children. When a baby visits an osteopath, a thorough examination and case history are conducted to determine if any physical factors contribute to the child's symptoms.

Osteopaths have the expertise to diagnose and release strains and tensions in even the youngest babies, taking into account the unique circumstances of each birth experience. Regardless of whether the delivery was rapid, prolonged, or via caesarean section, the baby may have experienced compression, pulling, or twisting that could lead to discomfort.

According to osteopathic belief, unresolved birth strains may contribute to various problems as the child grows. Osteopaths recommend that all babies be checked after birth to assess for asymmetry or tensions in the pelvis, spine, and head, ensuring a healthy breathing pattern and overall physical comfort.

Osteopathic treatment is highly respectful to the body, and parents often report that their babies enjoy the treatment. At St Andrew's Osteopathy, all osteopaths have completed a postgraduate study in paediatrics after a five-year master's program in osteopathy in Melbourne.

Parents may seek the assistance of an osteopath for various reasons, and the approach may vary depending on the child's condition. Osteopaths work closely with healthcare professionals like midwives, lactation consultants, dentists, doctors, and pediatricians to address feeding difficulties, jaw mechanics, irritability, accidents/injuries, and fluid in the ears. It is important to note that serious falls or injuries should be assessed by a doctor or emergency centre before seeking osteopathic care.

Please contact one of our osteopaths or book an initial consultation if you believe osteopathic care may benefit your child.