Babies, children and Osteopathy?
All parents know how distressing it is to have an unwell child, (it doesn't matter how old they are), and that they will go to almost any lengths to help that child get well.
It is important to remember to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor, Midwife or Health Visitor so that any medical problems are resolved. Then tell your osteopath what you expect from treatment for your child. Expectations are often far too high!
The treatment is gentle. There are NO manipulations, clicks or rough movements. If in doubt, ask questions. What we try to offer is a non-threatening, non-invasive and effective therapy for some common childhood problems.
Osteopathy for Babies
The human skull is a series of bones joined together by joints, called sutures. 
In babies, these joints are especially flexible and allow the babies head to adapt to the pressures of labour. After a normal delivery, these sutures settle back into a normal position.
If your baby has been through a long or very rapid delivery, or needed forceps or Ventouse assistance, then the skull may not spontaneously recover from the distortion. This stressful situation can lead to disturbed sleep or feeding patterns, colic and wind and general irritability with sleep disturbance.
The techniques used by the osteopath to ease tensions in the skull sutures are very gentle and can often bring about significant improvement in symptoms. Methods are so subtle that you may see the osteopath appear 'just to hold baby's head'.
Other conditions that might be helped
Glue ear is often the result of repeated, chronic nose and throat infections. Typically, the child is 2 or over. This is an uncomfy condition and is distressing to the child, often not responding to conventional treatments. Homoeopathy is worth considering, however.
Partial or complete blocking of the Eustachian tube may be the cause. If left untreated the child's hearing and speech development may be affected. Your osteopath will liaise with your child's doctor if necessary.
Older Children
General infections: retained moulding and birth stresses may challenge the immune system. This may leave children more vulnerable to all types of infection.
Sinus and dental problems: mouth breathers with constantly blocked or runny nose may have impaired drainage of the sinuses and face.
Behavioural problems, learning difficulties & special needs: poor concentration, constant fidgeting, and difficulty sitting still, hyperactivity and a continuation of the restlessness as a young baby. Your child may be uncomfy in one position for too long which becomes habit forming.
Headache and aches and pains: according to the textbooks, headaches, as we adults understand them, begin age 7-8 and may be helped by osteopathy. Growing pains, vulnerability to sprains, or other aches and pains may be a sign that cranial stresses are present.
Behaviour & Developmental Problems
Some practitioners of this osteopathic speciality also believe that asthma, growing pains, developmental delay in speech, education and physical co-ordination, behavioural problems, cerebral palsy and other types of brain damage may be helped by cranial and other osteopathic techniques.
In this practice, we would generally suggest that you visit the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy, (FPO), in London for many of these more profound problems.
The School House, Woodbridge Street
London. EC1R 0ND
tel: 0207 490 5510
Other contact points.
The Children's Clinic, The British School Of Osteopathy. London SW1. [0171 930 9254]
The Children's Clinic, European School Of Osteopathy. Maidstone, Kent. [01622 685989]
What to Expect
Your osteopath will take a full history and examine your child. We value your input as the parent, but where old enough, we also want your child to feel relaxed enough to speak for themselves.
Some clothing will often need removing so that a full examination and movement testing can be performed accurately.
DO BRING a dummy, bottle or favourite toy, (or all three), so your child can feel as relaxed as possible. For the older child, (9 - 10 months, plus), books, 'cuddlies' or snacks to help with distraction are very useful.
How much will it cost?
The normal charge for a consultation is £32 [Jan 2008].
Most babies require 2 or 3 treatment sessions. Older children may require three or four sessions.
Occasionally, a child may be sufficiently irritable, that treatment is not possible. Unfortunately, this appointment has to be charged for as usual.
Some insurance company schemes will cover children for osteopathic treatment but please check this first.
