Osteopathy and the Newborn

Osteopaths are well known for treating people for the aches and pains that result from a trauma such as a car accident or a fall. However one of the worst physical traumas that we can experience is being born.

During the birth process the head is forced downwards into the bottom of the pelvis while being twisted at the same time. It is then squeezed through the birth canal followed by the rest of the body which is being twisted like a corkscrew. The whole event can be quite protracted and at times the baby can find itself caught up in what must be extremely uncomfortable positions for quite long periods. The levels of circulating stress hormones in the baby's blood are as high during birth as at any other time during life.

And that is what happens during a normal delivery. Breech deliveries and intervention with forceps are even more traumatic and can give rise to problems which, left untreated, can last throughout life.

How does a new born baby express that s/he is uncomfortable or in pain? One of the first signs can be that they will not suck well when put to the breast or when given a bottle. They might also be unsettled, cry for no obvious reason, be demanding or sleep poorly. Alternatively s/he may be lethargic and unresponsive with no obvious cause or explanation.

As they grow older they may become hyperactive, be difficult to control and have learning difficulties.  All of these have been shown to respond well to the osteopathic treatment.

The Osteopathic techniques normally used to treat the new born and young children are the gentle ones developed through the Cranial Approach to Osteopathy and at this age the body responds to treatment much better than at any other time of life.

Osteopaths often find themselves treating problems the origin of which can be traced back to a birth trauma. Treatment later in life can often be protracted and cannot always be 100% successful.

Osteopaths welcome the opportunity to examine and treat new born babies in order to correct any musculoskeletal problems which may be present as a result of the birth. Treatment at this time is relatively straight forward and helps to avoid some of the long term consequences of our traumatic arrival into this world.

Osteopathy and Children

Growing children are extremely resilient but never-the-less the various falls and spills that they inevitably have while growing up can take their toll.  As Osteopaths we feel that it is just as important to have regular Osteopathic check ups as it is to have regular dental check ups.  In this way long term problems can be nipped in the bud and your child will be much less likely to have a back or neck problem in later life.

You should let an Osteopath have a look at your child routinely once a year but you should  also take them along after any obviously traumatic fall or injury or after a car accident.  You should also consult an Osteopath anytime that your child complains of a musculoskeletal pain or headaches.  Children do no usually complain if there is no reason to.  If your child appears to be walking awkwardly, one shoulder is higher than the other or their back is not quite straight when standing then you should consult an osteopath.

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine which usually develops in adolesance.  Left untreated it may require an operation to correct it at a later date.  Appropriate Osteopathic treatment can prevent this extreme form of treatment.

From an Osteopaths point of view there are no such things as growing pains, there are only growing children with pains.  These pains always have an underlying cause and most of these, from an Osteopaths perspective, are treatable.  When a doctor does not know the cause of a child's pain and does not know what to do to help he will often simply dismiss it as growing pains and that they will go in time.  Yes, they may disappear in time but they are a signal that things are not right and that your child will be more susceptible to further problems later on.  And why should your child suffer in the meantime?

If you are concerned about your child's musculoskeletal health then take advantage 
of our offer of a Free  Examination and Assessment for your child

For more information
CLICK HERE

or
contactus@pambackcare.com.au

      Home        Our Clinics         Our Therapies