Paediatric Osteopathy
Who I Treat
Having completed a two year Masters degree at the Osteopathic Centre for Children(OCC) in London, I specialise in treating all children from newborn babies to young children to teens up to 18 years. I see children presenting with many common childhood conditions, as well as support families with children with disabilities and learning difficulties. I also treat pregnant and post-natal women. Whoever I’m treating, I always do so holistically to help restore, maintain and support health and wellbeing.
Babies
Muscular tensions can impact on babies in many different ways, such as discomfort in the feeding position, favouring turning their head one way when sleeping, and difficulties with digestion. Very gentle osteopathic techniques can help to release and balance areas of physical tension, helping to soothe and relax as well as promoting freer movement where the muscles have been tight.
Young children do not have to lie down for their treatment and often choose to sit on the floor or a parent/carers lap and play with toys. Babies may be fed whilst they are being treated. An adult must be present for the duration of the treatment for any patient up to and including 16 years old.
It’s often helpful for us to talk by phone beforehand and this can be done at any time throughout a programme of treatment sessions, should you wish to speak about your child without them present.
Young Children
I see many young children presenting with a wide range of common childhood conditions such as digestion issues, aches and pains and circulatory problems, as well as more complex conditions. Depending on the issue, I may suggest exercises to practice at home in addition to returning for follow-up treatments. I’ll always refer you to your GP if I feel that’s a more appropriate course of action.
Teens
In addition to the usual childhood conditions, I may see teens with sports injuries, pain caused by poor posture, the impact of rapid physical and emotional development, and the inability to relax caused by the stress of exams or the pressures of social media. Teens are given the time they need to discuss their issues and listen with sensitivity and calm, before moving onto treatment.
Pregnant and post-natal women
When you’re pregnant, your body is going through significant rapid changes, and your centre of gravity will shift as your bump gets bigger. Another big change is the production of the hormone, relaxin, designed to increase blood flow and relax the ligaments in the pelvic region.
The physical exertion on our bodies during birth, including the rapid widening of the birth canal, and immediate shift in the centre of gravity post-birth, can also put a lot of strain on the body.
These notable physical changes can impact on our muscles and ligaments, and how we feel in ourselves. The gentle, non-invasive techniques used by osteopaths can really help to relieve some of those tensions and stresses on mum’s body, and therefore promoting an improved sense of wellbeing.