Osteopathy for Children

• Recurrent ear infections and ‘glue ear’ which may lead to some hearing problems
• Asthma /recurrent chest infections
• Sinus problems and mouth breathers
• Developing posture, aches and pains
• Behavioural problems and hyperactivity
• Headaches
• Growing pains
• Bed-wetting/Constipation

Osteopaths are interested in helping children develop in a balanced and healthy way to help them achieve their full potential. Osteopaths believe that imbalances, strains and restrictions in the mucloskeletal framework of the child can not only cause discomfort, but also influence normal growth and development in many different ways.

Children are naturally active and often have minor falls that can upset the physical balance of the body. It can be of benefit for your child to have an osteopathic assessment following a fall, especially where there has been a head injury or fall onto the spine/bottom. Children do not need treatment for every minor bump and bruise and have an amazing ability to bounce back, but occasionally a child has a particularly nasty fall where perhaps they are stunned or badly shocked. After the fall the parent may notice that the child is fractious, or a change in their sleep pattern, or the child may succumb to an infection. Your osteopath will be able to ascertain any restrictions that may have been caused and treatment can alleviate and prevent further problems from happening.

Children may complain of aches and pains in different parts of their body including headaches. Osteopaths take this seriously. There is usually a reason for it and an osteopathic assessment can often detect areas of tension and strain that are causing the pain.

Growth and development of the spine
One of the many causes of scoliosis (or curvature of the spine) is the stress inflicted on the body and spine of the baby during birth. Osteopathic treatment early in life may not prevent scoliosis developing, but an osteopath can monitor it and treat when necessary to ensure that the spine is at all times working in a balanced and stress free way. This reduces the likelihood of back problems later in life.

Keeping an eye on your child’s posture and mobility is therefore very important. As they grow older, any postural problems become more difficult to fix. Once at school, children start to carry heavy bags, and sit at desks that may not necessarily be the right height for them. Ensure that your child uses a backpack, carried over both shoulders, as carrying it over one can be the start of future problems. Also, position it high enough on the back so the weight is distributed widely over their back, shoulders and pelvis and does not cause them to stoop to balance its weight. Encourage them not to carry any unnecessary book loads to and from school, which they are not actually going to work on that day and encourage children and teenagers to be as physically active as possible to maintain good muscle tone to support the spine.

Parents know their child better than anyone. If you are concerned about your child, notice changes in general health and well being, they’re complaining of pain or appear ‘out of sorts’ then it is worth considering consulting an osteopath. For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.