Babies’ and Children’s Osteopathy

Osteopathy for Children and Adolescents

Osteopathy is a safe and effective form of manual therapy suitable for children and adolescents of all ages, starting from infancy. Osteopathic treatment is gentle and takes a holistic approach to overall wellbeing. No doctor’s referral is required to visit an osteopath.

Osteopathy for Babies

Osteopathy is a treatment method suitable for the whole family and can also support the wellbeing of even the youngest babies from just a few days old. Birth is always a significant and demanding experience for a baby, which is why babies may also benefit from treatment. For example, limited space in the womb, pressure from the birth canal, or the use of delivery instruments during childbirth may cause tension and movement restrictions in the baby’s body.

Common symptoms that may be related to tension patterns in a baby’s body include unexplained crying, reflux symptoms and digestive discomfort, difficulties with sucking or feeding, and asymmetry in movement or posture. Tight tongue ties can also be treated both before and after surgery.

Osteopathic treatment is gentle and child-centered, making it suitable even for very young babies and children. During the first appointment, the osteopath discusses the pregnancy, childbirth, and early infancy period with the parents to gain a full understanding of the situation. Necessary examinations are then carried out in order to create an individual treatment plan.

Treatment for babies is always performed at the baby’s pace, with plenty of time reserved to ensure a calm and comfortable environment. This allows for feeding during the appointment if needed, while also leaving time for discussion and questions. When necessary, treatment can also be carried out while the baby is in the parent’s arms.

Osteopathy Services for Babies

• Initial osteopathy appointment for babies (60 min) ages 0–1
• Baby osteopathy 60 min ages 0–1
• Baby osteopathy 45 min ages 0–1

Osteopathy for Children

An active childhood often includes bumps, falls, and minor injuries, the aftereffects of which can also be treated with osteopathy. Injuries caused by hobbies, sports, or physical strain are common reasons to bring a child to an osteopath. When necessary, the osteopath may refer the child to another healthcare professional, for example if a stress fracture is suspected, or collaborate with professionals such as physiotherapists.

A child’s development toward adolescence includes many stages of growth that may bring different symptoms. Growing pains, headaches or migraines, asthmatic symptoms, difficulties falling asleep, and restlessness are examples of issues where osteopathy may provide support. Osteopathy can also be used as complementary care alongside orthodontic treatment and for recurring ear infections.

Osteopathy Services for Children

• Initial osteopathy appointment for children (60 min) ages 2–6
• Children’s osteopathy 60 min ages 2–6
• Children’s osteopathy 45 min ages 2–6

Treating Babies and Children

A treatment session can sometimes feel unfamiliar or exciting for a child, which is why extra time is reserved during the first appointment to help the child feel comfortable. During the initial consultation, the osteopath reviews the pregnancy and early childhood history, as well as the child’s health background and possible symptoms together with the parents. To create an individual treatment plan, the osteopath assesses the child’s body and movement.

The child does not need to undress for the treatment, but comfortable and flexible clothing is recommended. Treatment always progresses calmly at the child’s own pace and can also take place during play if needed, so bringing a favorite toy or activity is encouraged. Toys are also available at the clinic.

Osteopathy services for babies and children are available at the Kamppi clinic of SUHK. Book an appointment for osteopathic treatment.