Babies & Children – Paediatric Osteopathy
Paediatric osteopathy is based on the principle that many common ailments – whether minor or serious – result from an imbalance somewhere in the body caused by stress during pregnancy and the birthing process.
Most people would assume that babies have no stresses and strains in their bodies as they are so young and have been protected in the womb. Osteopaths believe that the enormous pressures that a baby is subjected to during the birthing process may cause tension and strain patterns in the body .
It is believed that these birth strains may contribute to your baby being unsettled and fractious, as well as leaving them more vulnerable to musculo-skeletal problems such as headaches and back pain, as they grow. This may cause discomfort that may lead to reduced concentration at school, affecting social and academic development.*
Osteopaths have a highly developed sense of touch. They use this, combined with a detailed birth case history and structural examination to determine the extent and location of any areas of restriction (strain patterns) in the baby’s body. They then use extremely gentle manual techniques to resolve these strains in order to relieve discomfort and improve the body’s function. Osteopaths believe this allows the different body systems – the nervous system, the immune system, the muscular system and the circulatory system – to work effectively and optimally. The treatment uses no drugs, and is non-invasive.
(*Based on clinical findings)
