Osteopathy offers treatment for a range of complaints and conditions for your child’s optimal health & well being.

The birth process can be one of the most traumatic events. Babies are subject to enormous force as they twist and turn to pass through the birth canal. A baby’s head is designed to adapt to this force, as the small bones in your baby’s head will mould to your pelvis allowing the descent through the canal to occur. During the first few days of a baby’s life they release any strain absorbed during the labour and re-establish health and balance. Yawning, sucking and crying assist this process.

In some cases, these strains can be retained, especially if the birth had complications, such as a lengthy labour, a short labour, or one involving intervention such as forceps or suction. As the head and body are compressed and squeezed during this journey, any part of the newborn can absorb stress and retain strain. This may mean that your baby is experiencing discomfort. 

A baby can only communicate by being unsettled, irritable or wakeful. Symptoms in a newborn baby to be aware of are:

Osteopaths are trained to detect and treat any strains or restrictions that they find in your baby by using gentle techniques. Here at the Bendigo Osteopathic Clinic there are no manipulations that will be applied to your baby/ infant or young child. 

It can be beneficial for your child to have an osteopathic assessment and treatment if they have a major fall or several smaller incidences. Children have an incredible ability to “bounce”, but some trauma can be retained in their body’s tissues and joints. These strains can subtly reduce the flexibility of muscles and joints, opening susceptibility to strains later in life.

These common childhood ailments respond well to osteopathic treatment:

Sporting injuries are common in children. Osteopathic treatment can benefit for the following sporting injuries in children and adults.

Make your child’s appointment at a time of day when they are generally settled.

Ensure your child has eaten prior to treatment.

Please bring either a favourite toy, or books for your child to look at during treatment.

A thorough case history is taken followed by and relevant physical, (orthopaedic) and osteopathic examination.

Our osteopaths will discuss their findings and a preliminary diagnosis before treatment.

Hands on techniques treatment, to help the body restore to its natural state of balance, alignment and optimal function.

Occasionally there is a period of restlessness that may last from 24-48hrs.

It is common for babies/children to sleep really well after treatment.