Osteopathy for Babies and Clildren
Cranial Osteopathy for babies & children is a gentle and non-invasive technique whereby the practitioner aids the body’s natural self correcting mechanism to relieve trauma that may have occurred during birth.
The movement of the baby through the cervix in labour obliges the head to move in several specific directions whilst undergoing the powerful pressure of the contractions, this naturally causes some overlapping of the skull and compression. Some compressions may be relieved spontaneously after birth as the baby cries or suckles; however this un-moulding process is often incomplete, especially if the birth has been difficult. Babies who have experienced forceps delivery, a long labour or caesarean birth often require the attention of a qualified cranial osteopath.
Symptoms That Can Be Treated With Cranial Osteopathy
Many midwives and health visitors are now recommending new mothers to bring their babies for an osteopathic check up shortly after the birth to prevent the appearance of problems cranial compressions can cause the baby, including:
- Discomfort whilst lying on his/her back;
- Excess mucous production;
- Headaches;
- Plagiocephaly, Flat Head or Odd Shaped Head;
- Suckling/Feeding difficulties.
The secondary effects of unresolved cranial compressions are wide ranging and can lead to:
- Colic or Excessive Crying;
- Regurgitation;
- Sinus problems;
- Sleep disturbances;
- Suckling/Feeding difficulties;
- Unsettled restless babies.
Osteopathy For Children.
In older children the following symptoms can be treated with cranial osteopathy:
- Headaches
- Posture problems;
- Aches and pains associated with growing;
The longer a problem is left, the more complex the body’s adaptation becomes and consequently, the more difficult it is to return the body to a state of wellbeing. Several of the conditions we develop in adulthood can be traced back to birth trauma that has been left uncorrected.
How Does Cranial Osteopathy For Babies and Children Work
Cranial osteopathy is very gentle, safe and effective. Specific gentle pressure is applied wherever necessary (not only on the head) to enable the inherent healing ability of the body to aid the release of stresses.
Reactions to treatment are variable, often the baby or child is very relaxed afterwards and sleeps well. Others have a burst of energy after treatment, usually followed by a good night sleep. Occasionally the child may seem unsettled and this is merely because treatment may take a few hours or days to complete.
On average, 2 to 6 treatments are sufficient. This varies according to the severity of the actual problem and the age of the child.