Osteopathy for Babies and Children

The aim of Osteopathy is to encourage health to thrive, for all ages, at all stages of growth and development. Osteopaths are trained to treat children, from newborns to toddlers, older children to teenagers. We understand the unique musculoskeletal issues that can affect each of these age groups.

Esther at Wrington Vale Osteopaths has enjoyed working with children since her undergraduate training and is committed to on-going development of her skills and understanding through regular post graduate studies in Paediatric and Cranial Osteopathy. Esther has been treating babies and children osteopathically for over 15 years.

Newborns and Babies

As you support your new baby to adapt to life outside the womb you may be concerned that they are holding some tension or discomfort in their body. Following the very physical process of birth babies can sometimes experience mechanical strain which can affect them in a number of ways.

Signs of this can include difficulty with feeding positions, inability to relax or to lie flat, difficulty with sleep or digestive discomfort.

The aim of osteopathic treatment is to find and resolve any musculoskeletal dysfunction which may be causing discomfort, to restore normal movement and to support the healthy function of all the body systems.

Osteopathy for Teenagers

The teenage years are a time of transition during which the body undergoes rapid growth and developmental change. Whilst managing these dramatic changes teenagers typically have added demands on their bodies. Long periods of study, heavy bags, use of digital devices and intensive sport or musical training can all put postural strain on the growing body. 

Osteopathy as a holistic therapy offers a unique approach to supporting teenagers to feel balanced, and at ease in their body during a time of great internal and external change. Teenagers often find gentle cranial osteopathic treatment very relaxing and say that their sleep improves. As well as providing hands on relief from tension and strain we offer advice on ergonomics, restorative exercise and breathwork.

Complaints we commonly see in Teenagers include:

  • Symptoms of postural strain such as headaches, neck pain, shoulder and back pain

  • Minor sports injuries and strains

  • Symptoms related to use of orthodontic appliances such as facial pain, neck and back pain and headaches

  • Physical effects of exam stress, inability to relax

We specialise in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. When working with teenagers we are also keen to assess for curvature (scoliosis) which if present typically first appears in this age group and is best managed promptly to minimise it’s impact during this time of rapid growth.

We are trained to screen for medical conditions and will refer your child to your GP or other health care professional if needed.