Cranial osteopathy for children

How does cranial osteopathy help?
Cranial osteopathy can help a wide variety of conditions in infants and young children, for example:

• Digestive problems like colic and feeding difficulties as a result of changed mechanical stresses.
• Sickness and wind problems as a possible result of stomach and diaphragm pressure changes.
• Screaming, crying, irritability and hyperactivity due to possible uncomfortable head pressure.
• Sleep disturbances as a result of increased irritability in the nervous system.

Does it work for older children?
In older children, during the growth period, retained moulding can lead to further problems, such as:

• Ear and general infections - as a result of influences on the child's general susceptibility to infection. One of the most common problems encountered in the early years is the development of troublesome symptoms from glue ear, along with associated hearing problems. Cranial osteopathy can restore the normal drainage of fluid through the Eustachian tubes and thus aid a return of hearing.
• A constantly blocked or runny nose - as a result of impaired growth and drainage of the sinuses - is often due to retained moulding stresses in a normal child.
• Various behavioural problems, learning difficulties and special needs. It may well be that the restlessness of young babies is carried forward as the child grows. This can lead to poor concentration, hyperactivity and fidgetiness. The brain's normal patterns of function may be disturbed and modified, and cranial osteopathy has a special place in the treatment of such conditions.
• Asthma, chronic headaches and similar conditions can also benefit from cranial osteopathy treatments.

Is it safe?
You may have worries and concerns about babies or young children being treated by osteopaths, but you can be reassured; cranial osteopathy uses a very gentle and safe approach. The treatment is used to assist what already exists in the body, helping to release the changed stresses and tension build up. As the treatment has a generally cumulative effect, a series of sessions may be of increasing benefit. Very occasionally some children may show increased restlessness following treatment, for up to 48 hours; this then settles spontaneously.

Useful contacts

The Children's Clinic
European School of Osteopathy
Maidstone, Kent
Tel: 01622 685989

The Children's Clinic
The British School of Osteopathy
London
Tel: 020 7930 9254

Osteopathic Centre for Children
020 7486 6160

General Osteopathic Council
020 7357 6655

The Sutherland Society
The UK Organisation for Cranial Osteopaths gives more information about all aspects of cranial osteopathy, as well as providing a means of finding a local practitioner in your own area.