For Babies
The small tolerances of movement which exist in the infant skull permit a baby’s head to adapt to the forces of labour. But when birth is complicated by being unduly slow or fact, or when other complications occur such as the need for forceps delivery, the infant head may not fully recover from the distortion. This may result in subtle changes in function leading to problems such as feeding difficulties, colic and disturbed sleep patterns (click here for a summary of a spanish research paper on Osteopathy and colic).
The gentle, skilful application of osteopathic treatment by an osteopath experienced in treating babies can often bring about a significant improvement in these cases and is increasingly being considered as the treatment of choice for some conditions caused by difficult or traumatic birth.
For children
As children grow older problems may become apparent which may have arisen because of earlier strains or from recent injury. Recurrent infections in the nose and ears (glue ear) may be due in part to restrictions in the small, yet important tolerances or movement in the growing skull.
Many osteopaths experienced in pediatrics also consider that echancal stresses on the body can be an important factor in cases of developmental delay such as delayed speech, educational difficulties and problems with co-ordination and physical development that have no particular medical diagnosis. Osteopathic treatment can assist in improving progressing in many of these cases.
For teenagers
As young people grow up the body frame undergoes a large number of changes. Osteopaths with their highly developed sense of touch can help the body framework adjust to the postural demands placed upon it. This may simply be due to lack of compensation for scoliosis or due to mechanical changes that occur in conditions such as osteochondritis. If these minor problems are left undiagnosed and untreated they may lead to problems later in life.
Children and teenagers are also very active and take part in sporting and recreational activities which carry the risk of injury. Osteopathic treatment by a skilled osteopath with experience in pediatric conditions can assist in the injury healing process.