Paediatric osteopathy applies osteopathic principles to the unique needs of babies, children, and adolescents. Because children’s bodies are developing rapidly — with softer tissues, flexible joints, and highly responsive nervous systems — treatment requires a specialised, gentle approach. Osteopaths are trained to view the body as a whole and the aim is to restore and support health. Even though treatment is gentle, it is very powerful and requires specialist skills. This treatment is to help and support children feel comfortable, so they can grow, move and thrive.
Birth is one of the most physically demanding events a human body will ever experience. Even in straightforward deliveries, the baby’s skull, spine, and diaphragm undergo significant compression and torsion as they navigate the birth canal.
Common reasons parents bring babies to an osteopath
Feeding difficulties
Some babies experience challenges while breast or bottle feeding – such as difficulty latching, favouring one side or becoming unsettled during feeds. This may be caused by tension around the head, neck, jaw and upper body that could be affecting feeding. Osteopaths can treat these gently and often work alongside other healthcare professionals, when appropriate, to obtain the best outcomes.
Head shape concerns and head‑turning preference.
Some babies may favour turning their head to one side and this may develop into a flattening of the head (plagiocephaly). Osteopaths can treat neck mobility, muscle tension and overall body movement to obtain more comfortable head turning and positioning.
Increased crying and an unsettled baby.
Some babies cry frequently, appear uncomfortable and are difficult to settle without an obvious medical cause. Gentle osteopathic techniques aimed to reduce any tension that may help to reduce the discomfort and hopefully result in a more settled child.
Wind, Reflux or Colic‑like symptoms.
Parents sometimes seek osteopathic care for babies who appear uncomfortable with digestion, including wind or reflux‑type symptoms. Osteopaths may assess tension through the body and treat this to support more comfortable digestion.
Birth‑related strain.
Some births can cause babies to have areas of tightness or asymmetry. Osteopaths may assess how these forces have affected the baby’s body and use gentle techniques to support the baby so they are more comfortable.
Older Children
Toddlers and older children often come in experiencing speech difficulties, post tongue tie release, gastric discomfort, headaches as well as already diagnosed conditions such as ASD. We do not treat conditions but rather treat the child, working holistically to release discomfort and help them feel more content. This enables children to grow and thrive. We work closely with orthodontists, tongue tie specialists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, as well as other health care professionals.
