Osteopathy for Children - A natural way forward
Childhood is a time of enormous change with bodies having to adapt to constant growth and development; Osteopathy is an effective and natural approach to healthcare for all ages.
We treat babies (cranial osteopathy), children and teenagers for a variety of common complaints simply to ensure healthy postural development. Treatment is safe and natural, using a variety of manual techniques.
Osteopathy can help:- Sleep Problems
- Behavourial problems
- Ear Infections (glue-ear)
- Repeated infections
- Headache, other aches and pains
- Growing Pains
- Bad Posture
- Sports & Dance Related Injuries
- Neck and Shoulder Problems
- Poor flexibility in the joints
- Repetitive Strain Injury
As children grow, other problems may become apparent due to earlier strains or just everyday childhood play. The rapid growth spurt of puberty can place extra demands on the body, causing postural problems which if left untreated may lead to pain and functional difficulties later in life.
Osteopathy for teenagers
- Puberty:
Teenagers' bodies go through great changes - physical, chemical and emotional adjustments, all of which places stress on the body which can manifest itself as pain or discomfort. The holistic view of the body used by osteopaths means that osteopathy is very suitable for treating pain or discomfort caused by puberty. This is because puberty produces changes that affect the entire body so it is rare for a point of pain (or a single symptom) to act alone and a number of different causes may be responsible for a single symptom.
- Sport/Dance Injuries:
Together with these changes many younger people pursue one or more sports, or take part in fitness programs and vigorous leisure activities and all are liable to occasional injury which can interfere with their enjoyment and worse, produce longer term problems as they get older.
In the past sports related injuries have been examined and treated as separate problems - treatment has been only to the injured part. Nowadays osteopathic treatment is increasingly popular as we consider all factors which may have contributed to the problem which are often just as important as the injury itself.
We will examine the posture, strength and flexibility of the muscles, ligaments and tendons of joints. Poor flexibility in the joints will prevent the body performing at its best - whether it be a disco dancing or football - and is often a contributory element to injury.
- Poor Posture:
Healthy postural development is important for children of all ages. Children and Teenagers are often subjected to poor seating from an early age with bad posture habits forming. Whether this be at school or at home in front of the computer, it is important to correct bad posture which can cause back pain, neck and shoulder pain, headaches and a general feeling of lethargy.