Non-invasive, gentle and calming, it is easy to see why osteopathic treatment for children and babies is a very popular form of natural health care. Used in conjunction with your Midwife, General Practitioner or Paediatrician, Osteopathy can assist in improving alignment and function within the body with the view to overall improvement in health.

For children’s growing bodies it is important to recognise poor alignment, mobility or function can lead to a wide range of problems both in the present and later on in life. Osteopathic treatment is perfect for children as it is designed to aid in the body’s natural response to heal itself and restore a natural state of balance with only minimal intervention.

Your Baby And Osteopathy

Parents may seek out the assistance of an Osteopath for their baby for various reasons, but most commonly when facing challenges such as:

• Difficult births
• Complications with feeding including latching and sucking
• Noticeable head shape issues
• Restricted movement in the limbs, joints, neck or head areas
• Favouring one side when sleeping or feeding
• Continuous crying or unsettled sleeping patterns

Osteopaths For Children

Osteopathic care for older children is also beneficial even if your child has not previously seen an Osteopath. Childrens growing bodies can develop structural restrictions and functional imbalance which can possibly lead to future complications, children normally see an Osteopath when the child has any of the following:

• Suffered falls, accidents or trauma
• Postural issues
• Repetitive strains, sprains or sports injuries
• Growing pains
• Headaches

What Age Should A Child See An Osteopath?

There is no right or wrong when it comes to the best time to see an Osteopath, treatment can benefit a child or baby of any age.

Newborns

Treatment for new born babies is often advisable early on, particularly when there have been complications with the birth. The first 12 weeks of life are a time when rapid changes occur and babies are very responsive to treatment.

Children

Children can suffer from pain just like any adult. Pain can come from muscle or joint strain, headaches, sports injuries and growing pains. Some children can understand and explain pain to their parents, whilst others have great difficulty communicating this. Often it takes issues around lack of concentration and focus in school and mood changes to prompt parents to seek help. Others notice difficulties in sporting activities, such as poor technique in running or swimming before they seek osteopathic treatment.

Teenagers

Treatment is still as effective once the child reaches teenage years, just as it is for adults. Generally, aches and pains in teenagers are a result of sporting injuries, playing on trampolines, and growth spurts. Joint restrictions in the neck can also cause headaches in teenagers. Sometimes teenagers present with symptoms that may be related to birth strains or falls that occurred in their younger years.

​What To Expect

As with any Osteopath appointment, treatment of children and babies will be tailored to the individual patient. A comprehensive case history will be taken including medical history, details about the pregnancy, birth, and current complaints or behavioural issues.

Osteopaths can work with you and your baby/child to achieve the best treatment results, which may include the parent holding the child while lying down or sitting up, the child being held by the Osteopath or positioning the child/baby in a comfortable position on the treatment table.

A preliminary examination will be carried out using palpation (touch) with the aim to feel for any unusual restrictions, tightness, or stresses within the joints, muscles and ligaments of the spine. Any findings will be discussed with the parent and consent for treatment will always be sought from the parent in advance.

Some of the techniques Osteopaths use are gentle soft tissue massage, myofascial technique, muscle energy technique, and Cranio-sacral therapy. These treatments are designed to be gentle and calming, sometimes babies will even fall asleep during the course of the treatment.

Before And After An Osteopathic Treatment

Need to know how best to prepare for seeing an Osteopath with your child? Take a look below for some handy tips.

Before Your Osteopathic Appointment

• Try to pick a time that will suit your child’s routine.
• Make sure children are fed and have had a good amount of water.
• Feel free to bring along favourite toys or books.
• Have them wear comfortable clothing.
• For infants and babies, it may be a good idea to bring their Plunket book along.
• Also try to bring other helpful information like x-rays, medical notes or supplements and medication.

After Your Osteopathic Treatment

• Babies and children tend to have a really good sleep after an Osteopathic treatment.
• Occasionally there is a period of restlessness that may last from 24-48 hours.
• There is the possibility areas needing to be worked on maybe tender as the body re-adjusts.
• If you have any concerns after treatment your Osteopath will be happy to discuss those with you.

Things To Consider When Choosing An Osteopath For Children

When taking your child or baby to any health professional it is important to find someone you feel comfortable with and can trust. Here are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the right Osteopath.

• Are They Registered. Always make sure your Osteopath is registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand, this is a requirement in New Zealand in order to be able to practice here.
• Are They Experienced. Don’t hesitate to question your Osteopath on their experience with children and babies in particular.
• How Much Will It Cost. The first appointment will usually take longer than subsequent ones and will cost slightly more than a regular visit.
• Are There Any Subsequent Treatments. Follow up treatment is likely, the frequency can vary from weekly to monthly depending on the problem.
• Are They ACC Registered. Most Osteopaths in New Zealand are registered ACC treatment providers, no referral is needed.

Need to find an Osteopath in Christchurch for your child, baby, or infant? See the team at Better Health Osteopathy for professional advice and treatment today. Contact Lorraine Herity Registered Osteopath on 027 7555700. Or simply book your appointment online.

The promotion of good bone health in children and teenagers is exceptionally important as there is a limited window of development in your child’s life, where healthy bone is developed, laying the foundation for future bone health in adults. In fact, poor bone health development in children and teenagers may predispose adults to the development of osteoporosis, which is often described as a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences.

Osteoporosis can cause bones to become fragile and increase the risk of bone fractures as we age, which can be fatal in some instances. It is estimated that by the year 2020, that 50% of Americans over 50 years of age, will be at risk of osteoporotic fractures. This can cause an exceptionally high burden on economic resources and on quality of life. Therefore, the development of good bone health in younger years, remains a significant modifiable risk factor, for the development of osteoporosis in later life.

What Are the Windows For Peak Bone Development in Children?
Peak bone development in humans occurs in girls at age 12 and in boys at age 14. By 18 years of age, 90% of teenagers’ bone structure will have been developed. This time period allows for a ‘once off’ laying off good bone health. Hence during childhood and teenage years, it is important to ensure that they are getting enough calcium, Vitamin D, and physical activity, required to promote the development of optimum bone health, essential for later years when we are more prone to osteoporosis and bone fractures.

What Influences The Development of Healthy Bones in Children?

There are a number of factors which influence bone health and these include:

• Gender – Males generally acquire more bone density than females
• Ethnicity – Black women acquire higher bone densities than while females.
• Hormones – Girls who menstruate at an earlier age may have higher bone density
• Nutrition – Calcium, Vitamin D and a well-balanced diet are essential.
• Physical Activity – Weight bearing activities promotes the growth of healthy bones.

Some of the above factors are not modifiable, we cannot change them. These include gender, ethnicity, and hormones. However, nutrition and physical activity are two modifiable factors which can be promoted to ensure optimum bone health in children, and as we age.

Calcium
Calcium is essential for the development of healthy bones and teeth. Calcium requirements are highest in young people aged 12–18 years, as this is when they go through peak growth spurts and bone development. In New Zealand, it is suggested that approximately 1/3 of young people aged 12-18 have an insufficient intake of calcium, which is higher in young females.

Dairy products such as milk (full or low fat), cheese and yogurt are good sources of calcium. It is recommended that young people (12-18) should have at least two to three servings of milk and milk products daily in order to meet their daily calcium requirements.

There are also non-dairy sources of calcium which include: canned fish with bones, green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds some and some breakfast cereals fortified with calcium (however these can contain high levels of added sugar). Vitamin D also plays an essential role in absorbing calcium in the diet.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D and has an important role in bone health, as it enhances calcium absorption within our bodies. Exposure to sunlight is our main source of Vitamin D. Dietary sources alone will never provide sufficient sources of Vitamin D, in order to maintain optimal bone health.

It is interesting that until recently it was assumed that children in New Zealand get sufficient sun exposure, and hence have adequate levels of Vitamin D. However, there is now considerable evidence which suggests that some children and teenagers may not have sufficient levels of vitamin D, which can have adverse effects on bone quality, and this is more pronounced in the winter months, and on the South Island. As always we need to encourage the use of sun protection when the ultraviolet index (UVI) is 3 or higher to avoid skin and eye damage.

Physical Activity
Physical activity and weight bearing exercises are very important in children and teenagers, as it encourages new bone to form and strengthens muscles, during this critical time where maximum bone is formed. Physical activity in children and teenagers is thus very important to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis as we age.

Health Guidelines in New Zealand recommend that Children and teenagers aged 6 to 17 years should get a total of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Younger children, aged 2 to 5 years, should play actively several times every day.

Summary
In summary, there is a short timeframe where we can really encourage optimum bone health in our children, which will serve them throughout the remainder of their lives. Calcium, Vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise are important factors to promoting healthy bones in children and teenagers, and in reducing the risk of osteoporosis as we age.