Special Areas of Interest - Children and Babies
OSTEOPATHY FOR CHILDREN

Osteopathic treatment is believed to be very useful in childhood. Whilst little formal scientific research has been untaken into the effectiveness of osteopathy in childhood, the improvements we see in our young patients leaves us in no doubt that it can provide huge benefits.

Very light touch is used to identify any areas of tension and tightness in the body which can originate from birth or subsequent injuries or illnesses.

A similar light touch is used to correct these disturbances, though as children develop, some gentle techniques similar to those used with adults may be used.

Indications for treatment are: persistent colds, sinus problems, glue ear, headaches, neck or back pain (often ignored in children), sleep problems, and dyslexial learning difficulties or disruptive behaviour.

Martyn Morgan is happy to talk to parents in advance to advise whether osteopathy is likely to be helpful in individual cases. (Tel: 0117 9291290

OSTEOPATHY FOR BABIES
When treating babies, very light touch is used to identify areas of tightness or tension in the baby’s body, often resulting from birth. A similarly light, but more directed touch, is used to correct these disturbances.

Osteopathic treatment is thought to be useful for nearly all babies to some extent. It can help babies to settle into a sound pattern of function which may provide a basis for a healthier childhood. For those babies who are troubled by colicky crying, fretfulness, unhappiness and unsettled behaviour, feeding difficulties and sleep problems, the benefits of treatment can be seen very quickly. Sometimes symptoms such as these can, of course, be signs of much more serious underlying illness.

If there is any doubt that such a condition is present, the baby should be checked by a GP or hospital first. If the treating Osteopath is concerned that there is a more serious problem going on, he/she will, of course, refer the baby for conventional medical investigations.

However, many babies will seem unsettled or unhappy in themselves, when all the obvious things have been checked. Parents who already have children are often able to spot this more easily. It is where physical tightness and tensions are the underlying reason for a baby to be unhappy that Osteopaths can help most, and most babies respond very readily to treatment.

If in doubt, we recommend that you bring your baby for a check up. If we cannot detect any problems which would be helped by Osteopathy, we will tell you exactly that.