What is Paediatric Osteopathy?
Paediatric osteopathic treatment focuses on the health and wellbeing of infants, children, and adolescents. It is a gentle and safe approach that aims to support the body's natural healing processes and improve overall health and wellbeing.
In this blog post, we will explore what paediatric osteopathy is, what it can treat, what the benefits are, and what to expect when you see a paediatric osteopath.
What is Paediatric Osteopathy?
Manual Osteopathic Practitioners use a holistic approach to healthcare that aims to address the underlying causes of health problems rather than just treating the symptoms. It is based on the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself, and that this healing process can be supported and enhanced through gentle and non-invasive manual techniques.
Osteopathic treatment for the pediatric population is performed by manual practitioners who have additional training in treatment of this age group, in particular in infants. As healthcare professionals, they will conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop a working diagnosis to best create a plan of care for your child. They use a variety of manual techniques, including gentle manipulations, Myofascial Release, massage, and stretching, to improve the function of the body's musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems.
What Can Paediatric Osteopathy Help With?
Paediatric osteopathy can be used to treat a wide range of health conditions in children, including:
1. Digestive problems such as colic, reflux, constipation, and diarrhea
2. Sleep disturbances and behavioural issues
3. Developmental delays, including delayed walking or crawling
4. Musculoskeletal problems such as joint pain, muscular tension, and torticollis
5. Birth trauma, including cranial moulding, forceps or ventouse delivery, and C-section delivery
6. Headaches and migraines
7. Respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and recurrent infections
8. Emotional and psychological issues such as anxiety and stress
9. Feeding issues such as difficult latch with breastfeeding or bottle feeding
10. Plagiocephaly or flat-head
What Are The Benefits of Paediatric Osteopathy?
Paediatric osteopathy has a number of potential benefits for children, including:
1. Improved musculoskeletal function - by gently performing Myofascial Release techniques, the body's joints and muscles, paediatric osteopaths can help to improve range of motion, reduce muscular tension and pain, and improve overall function
2. Enhanced nervous system function - by working with the body's nervous system, paediatric osteopaths can help to improve nerve function, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health and wellbeing
3. Improved digestive function - by doing gentle visceral manipulation techniques within the body's digestive system, paediatric osteopaths can help to reduce symptoms such as colic, reflux, constipation, and diarrhea
4. Improved sleep and mood- by addressing underlying physical and nervous system imbalances, paediatric osteopaths can help to improve sleep and overall mood in children
What Can You Expect When You See a Paediatric Manual Osteopath?
When you arrive to our stroller friendly clinic, you, your child, and your support person or partner will be shown to a private room where your therapist will carry out a detailed assessment of your child's medical history, current health, and any presenting symptoms. Once they establish a complete history they will then perform a hands-on assessment of your child to the child’s comfort level. They will be looking for areas of Myofascial restriction, nerve tension, and your child’s response to certain stimuli.
Your therapist will then use a range of gentle manual techniques to improve the function of the body's musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems. The treatment itself is gentle and non-invasive, and most children find it relaxing and enjoyable. This initial assessment appointment typically lasts about 60 minutes depending on the individual needs of the child, and most follow-up treatment sessions last about 30 minutes.
After treatment you are welcome to feed your child in the same room and can change using the baby change table in the accessible bathroom. We recommend bringing your child’s favourite toy or blanket to their session for comfort as most children take time to warm up to new people. A change of clothes is also recommended for your child as treating the digestive system in most infants often results in a very healthy bowel movement either during or post treatment.
Overall, Paediatric Manual Osteopathic care is a valuable treatment option for parents seeking a natural, non-invasive approach to their child's health and wellbeing. By addressing underlying imbalances in the body, paediatric osteopathy can help to support the body's natural healing processes and promote optimal health and wellbeing in children of all ages.
If you are interested in exploring paediatric osteopathy as a treatment option for your child, it is recommended to consult with your child's pediatrician , midwife, or lactation consultant to ensure that paediatric osteopathy is a suitable option for your child's specific health needs. Then schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced therapists to ensure you feel comfortable with them working with you and your child.
*A portion of Osteopoathic Manual treatments may be covered. Please consult your insurance company before coming in for treatment and ensure they cover this treatment provided by a DOMP from the Canadian Alliance of Alternative Medicine (ACMA). If you are covered by Sunlife Insurance, please call us at (289) 529-0309 to discuss your coverage.