Osteopathy for Children

Osteopaths who treat children see children of all ages for musculoskeletal and neurological care, movement concerns, positioning and postural and growth and development issues. They work both with children who have no specific injury or condition, as well as those requiring rehabilitation after injury or post-surgery.

Osteos also work with children with long term health conditions, physical disabilities, growth and movement issues. An assessment may involve screening a child to review progress in meeting movement, coordination, activity, musculoskeletal or developmental milestones expected by an age or stage. Specific tests designed for children may be used to identify progress against child milestones.

If issues requiring clinical care are found, the osteopath might consider factors in a child’s life, thoughts, family relationships or broader health that may be contributing to the issue and need attention from other health professionals. Osteopaths with a focus on children work in association with other health professionals such as medical practitioners, paediatricians, maternal and child health nurses, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and psychologists with a goal to provide holistic, patient-centred care.

Education and advice on activities for maintaining or growing physical skills in children may be offered. Use of certain toys or equipment for movement and other skills needed in daily activities may be recommended. For babies and young children, education may be given to families and carers on how to position or assist them in movement and activities for skill development. Older children may also receive basic exercises. Appropriate manual osteopathy treatments may be recommended for a child and will be discussed with the child’s carer.

What conditions can osteopaths with a focus on children assist with?

  • Wry neck or head turn preference in babies
  • Constipation
  • Movement or postural imbalances
  • Growth-related aches and pains
  • Sports injuries
  • Recovery and rehabilitation from orthopaedic surgery

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