Your first appointment will last longer than following-up appointments to allow the osteopath to listen and ask questions about your child’s concerning symptoms. The first appointment is 1 hour, and any follow up appointments are 30 minutes.
During the first appointment, the osteopath will also take a detailed medical case history including information about your concerns, what is expected of a child of their age, developmental milestones, their pregnancy, birth and any post-natal complications. The osteopath will then perform two assessments. One where the baby or child will be undressed to their nappy or underwear and the osteopaths will observe movements or perform a newborn assessment. The second examination is often where the osteopaths hands are placed on the child, and it may not look like much is happening but the osteopath has been trained to palpate any dysfunction in the body.
The osteopath will discuss their diagnosis with the parents, as well as any possible side effects of treatment (please see below). As long at the parents are happy to give their consent – treatment is then started. This will be hands on and normally involves cranial techniques and visceral manipulation. These are very gentle techniques and work with the body to restore function. Please feel free to ask questions at any point, especially if you feel unsure or concerned.
After Treatment
There are some minor possible side effects infants and children may experience after treatment.
They could be more irritable for a day. This is due to the fact their body feels different and they don’t understand that it is due to the treatment.
They may be hungrier and either cluster feed or ask for more food. This is because change requires more energy.
They may experience more bowel movements.
They may be extra sleepy and require an additional or longer nap after treatment.
If you have any concerns, please do discuss this with your osteopath.