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Osteopathy, Some frequently asked questions:
Why would babies need osteopathic treatment?
During the birth process the baby is subjected to compressive forces from the contracting uterus as it moves down the birth canal. Nature allows the soft bones of the baby’s head to overlap so it can travel through the mother’s pelvis, moulding the baby’s head. Some distortion of the baby’s head can occur due to this moulding process, which is improved naturally with crying and suckling, although in many cases some compressive strain patterns are retained. This can result in an odd shaped head.
In prolonged and difficult deliveries particularly such as ventouse and forceps the compressive forces on the baby’s head are more extreme leading to stresses and strains being retained within the head and body.
Baby’s nowadays spend a disproportionate of time on their backs which can accentuate strain patterns; these can then be compounded by falls as toddler. As the child grows they have to accommodate to these strain patterns which can have far reaching effects on the development of the muskulo skeletal and nervous system and thus compromise their normal health pattern.
What symptoms would I notice?
Fractious Baby’s, Excessive crying and Sleep disturbance.
These symptoms are often a result of tension on the bony and membranous structures of the skull and body causing discomfort and irritation of the nervous system. The baby is uncomfortable lying down and cannot relax into a normal sleep pattern.
Developmental delay and Behavioural problems.
An irritated nervous system can lead to a state of hyper arousal which can adversely affect the developing brain. These children cannot sit still constantly fidget and have poor concentration, they may also seek stimulants. As babies there may be a delay in reaching developmental milestones. Recurrent infections.
Retained compressive forces on the head and body can prevent the normal balancing system of the body becoming fully established which affects the developing immune system and the child is unable to respond effectively to infective agents. |
Ear infections and Glue ear.
Compression around the bones of the ear can affect the normal functioning of the Eustachian tube resulting in glue ear. Children are prone to ear infections because in the infant skull the Eustachian tube is horizontal as the child grows it becomes more vertical which aids drainage, they are therefore reported to have grown out of the problem. However they have often grown into the problem which can have repercussions in later life.
Growing Pains
As the child grows they grow into a compensation for the strain patterns in their body, this can lead to postural tensions. At times of rapid growth these strain patterns are exacerbated resulting in aches and pains.
Does it hurt?
Osteopaths using the type of approach to treatment taught by the S.C.C. use very gentle techniques. These are based on using the bodies own innate healing ability to release the stresses and stains they feel within the tissue’s to promote change.
Small children may be aware of the changes as the stain patterns release and wriggle around but in skilled hands they can usually be distracted and reassured.
Babies may cry as strain patterns release, suckling can be used to comfort them and as treatment progresses they will usually relax, often sleeping well following treatment.
Can there be adverse reactions to treatment?
Depending on the particular strain pattern reactions to treatment are variable. Usually babies and children are relaxed after treatment and sleep well. Some children describe feelings of warmth. Others may have a burst of energy for a while after treatment. The body continues to adapt after treatment and the parents may notice the symptom picture changing 3 or 4 days after treatment.
In very traumatic cases there may at first be an exacerbation of symptoms as the body struggles to cope with change. In these cases subsequent treatments are needed to balance the opposing forces. |
Are check ups during the early years a good idea?
All children benefit from treatment at an early age as any underlying strains pattern can then be resolved a allowing them to reach their best potential. If their body’s innate healing system is in balance they will cope more effectively with any traumatic or infective incident. Any child whose normal behavioural or lifestyle pattern changes after a traumatic or infective event will benefit from osteopathic treatment.
Should all babies have a check up?
In order to ensure that the body’s innate system of health has established itself osteopathic treatment would be recommended for all newborns.
How many treatments are necessary?
On average 2 to 6 treatments are sufficient. This of course varies with the severity of the individual case and the age of the child. Occasionally in severe cases of shock and retained moulding the child will need on going treatments they develop. Most osteopaths would suggest check ups up to the age of 5 years often on a yearly basis in children who have had severe problems, and again in puberty for such children. |