Our children’s health and wellbeing are of utmost importance. Subsequently, it can sometimes feel like it is hard to decide what are the best options for helping them have the best quality of life possible and what steps to take. Many caregivers are looking at natural, holistic forms of healthcare alongside medical care to provide opportunities of working towards optimum health.
Osteopathy is a form of therapy that has the potential to enhance or maintain a child’s health by encouraging the body’s own ability to heal. Many caregivers do not know the ins and outs of osteopathy or do not know that osteopaths treat children. Understanding this form of healthcare can help you decide if it may be a suitable option for your family.
Having good health and wellbeing is pivotal to a child’s happiness and success. If you have not heard of osteopathy as a healthcare option for children or are asking yourself, “can children see an osteopath?”, please read on to learn more.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy focuses on natural healing and on restoring balance to the body. It involves manipulation of the musculoskeletal system, which involves bones and soft tissues, in a gentle and non-invasive way to assist in improving overall health and wellbeing. Osteopathy is delivered by a trained osteopath who is qualified to identify weaknesses and issues, to determine suitable treatment options, and to carry out manual therapy.
The potential benefits of osteopathy can include:
- Equilibrium within the body.
- Enhanced circulation and blood flow.
- Improved flexibility and movement.
- Reduced pain.
- Better posture and alignment.
- Decreased muscular tension and tightness.
- Improved digestion.
- Better sleep.
- Meeting development milestones, such as better motor skills and coordination.
- Stress relief and improved emotional wellbeing.
- Improved immune system function.
- Prevention of health problems and musculoskeletal issues.
Read related article: How Does Osteopathic Manipulation Work?
Who is Osteopathy for?
Osteopathy aims to support people of all ages with a broad array of concerns. One of the great things about osteopathy is that because it is a holistic, natural form of therapy, there is a focus on the whole person, targeting underlying issues rather than only the surface-level concerns. This means that various aspects of a child’s make up is explored, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
This form of therapy aims to support a range of issues. Examples of these may relate to:
- Digestive issues, such as chronic constipation and colic.
- Decreased immunity.
- Chronic pain.
- Sleep patterns.
- Obesity.
- Foot position, such as in-toeing and toe walking.
- Limb movement, such as knock knees and bowlegs.
- Developmental delays regarding certain milestones, such as rolling and crawling.
- Injuries.
- Certain infections.
- Behaviour.
- Respiratory function.
- Allergies.
- Posture.
- Headaches.
- Immunity.
- Spinal curvature.
- Hip dysplasia.
What Does Osteopathy for Children Involve?
Osteopathy revolves around treating the root cause of issues. Instead of looking at an isolated part of the body, where the issue may be showing itself, osteopathy involves comprehensive treatment of the entire body in relation to the issue. Osteopathy takes a drug free, non-invasive approach to treatment.
Firstly, your child’s osteopath will take a comprehensive history of your child. This may involve information regarding aspects such as the child’s birth, early and current development, surgeries, and relevant family health history. They will then perform an examination. This enables the osteopath to assess factors such as muscle and joint mobility, posture, and respiratory function. The osteopath will then identify underlying issues and determine the best course of action for your child.
Your child’s treatment plan will depend on their specific needs. Possible osteopathy techniques that the osteopath may deliver include:
- Spinal manipulation.
- Joint mobilisation.
- Myofascial release.
- Massage.
- Cranial therapy.
- Stretching.
- Exercise prescription.
- Education for the child (age-appropriate) and family.
Comprehensive, Holistic Healthcare for Children
When it comes to looking after children’s health and wellbeing, it is important to understand the many facets and factors involved. Being aware of holistic, natural forms of healthcare can open up many options to children, working towards helping them lead more fulfilling and healthy lives. Adding this type of care alongside traditional care has the potential to make a significant difference to their outlook.
If you are concerned about your child’s health, or are looking for preventative options, osteopathy may provide what you are looking for. If you have further questions, please contact our friendly team and we will be more than happy to answer them and to organise an initial consultation with one of our passionate and experienced osteopaths. We look forward to meeting you and your child and supporting them towards the best outcomes possible.
