Osteopathy for Children

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About Osteopathy for Children

Gentle, specialist cranial osteopathy to support your child’s development from birth through to the teenage years.

It is a common misconception that babies and children do not experience structural strains because they are young. In reality, the physical stresses of birth and the rapid growth of childhood can create significant tension. At GW Osteopathy, we provide specialist paediatric care using gentle cranial techniques to address issues your child may not yet be able to explain.

We predominantly use Cranial Osteopathy for our younger patients. This is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that uses very gentle pressure to encourage the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, particularly in the head and spine. It is safe, non-invasive, and particularly suitable for the soft, delicate bodies of infants.

For teenagers, osteopathy, sports massage and cranial osteopathy can all play a part in helping with a variety of issues. 

Osteopathy for babies

Not all babies cope well with the process of birth when passing down the birth canal. Mechanical stresses affect the nerve supply from the neck and head, in return affecting the tongue causing feeding problems or to the gastric nerves causing colic. The tension in the skull can also cause the baby to be in a constant state of alert and the baby then has difficulty sleeping.

Babies suffer from musculoskeletal issues just like adults, however they cannot always tell you if they have a sore neck, jaw or a headache. If your baby is having feeding difficulties and you have had midwives, health visitors, NCT advisors, doctors and breast-feeding counsellors assisting you, yet you are still having problems, then the issue may be physical. This is where a paediatric/cranial osteopath can help.

At GW Osteopathy Jennifer Beck not only specialises in treating babies and children, but is also training to become a midwife; and Gemma Ware also has many years experience in Children’s Osteopathy. The treatment is designed for those babies who are having difficulties adapting to their new environment outside the womb.

All treatment is using gentle cranial Osteopathy which is safe and particularly suitable for soft delicate infant bodies.

This treatment is good to help soothe and relax stressed babies.

Scientific studies have been started to demonstrate the effectiveness of cranial osteopathy on infants suffering with colic. The findings of this study were that babies treated with cranial osteopathy showed a marked decrease in in the amount of time spent crying, and an increase in the amount of time asleep. In comparison, the babies who were not treated with cranial osteopathy did not show the same improvements. You can read more about this here.

Cranial osteopathy for babies
Baby massage
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Baby having cranial osteopathy
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Thanks to this beautiful little one's mum for sharing these pictures of her baby having cranial osteopathy.

How can osteopathy for children help?

As the baby grows and becomes a child, the effects of retained moulding can lead to other problems. All the issues below can be helped with osteopathy:

  • Infections, retained moulding and birth stresses deplete the immune system leaving the child more vulnerable to infection.
  • Behavioural problems and learning difficulties, causing poor concentration
  • Constant fidgeting and hyperactivity.
  • Retained moulding compression makes them uncomfortable in one position for too long which becomes habit forming, modifying normal learning patterns in the brain.
  • Headaches, aches and pains.

Young Children & Teenagers

If your young child or teenager has poor posture, it will remain throughout adulthood if left unaddressed. This can have an enormous effect on self-esteem and confidence, and can predispose them to spinal problems as adults. The huge growth that takes place from age 11 – 16 can put strain on the joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons, especially if the child is sporty (we have treated many children who have suffered from sporting injuries).

We treat children as a routine appointment like we do with adults following a sporting season or event, even if they are not feeling any pain, in order to prevent any problems from arising in the first place.

Gemma is one of our osteopaths who specialises with children and teenagers.

Osteopathy for children can be used to treat pain or to increase strength and mobility to prevent problems arising. 

Want to find out more about osteopathy for children of any age?

We’d be happy to answer any questions so please get in touch with us or have a look at this article from Baby magazine.

Osteopathy for Children and Babies FAQ

Osteopathy for Children FAQ

Is osteopathy safe for a newborn?

Yes, absolutely. Paediatric osteopathy, particularly the cranial approach, is extremely gentle. There is no “cracking” or forceful manipulation; the pressure used is often no more than the weight of a five-pence piece.

During birth, the bones of a baby’s skull overlap to allow passage through the birth canal. This is called moulding. While this usually resolves naturally, sometimes the tension remains “locked,” which can lead to discomfort, feeding issues, or restlessness.

Look for signs of physical discomfort: difficulty turning their head to one side (affecting breastfeeding), persistent crying, arching their back, or a strong dislike of lying on their back. If you have sought advice from midwives and NCT advisors but feeding issues persist, the cause may be musculoskeletal.

It can. If a child has retained tension that makes sitting still uncomfortable, they may constantly fidget or appear hyperactive. By making them more comfortable in their own body, we often see a secondary benefit in their ability to focus.

We see patients at every stage, from just a few days old through to the late teens. Many parents bring their newborns in for a “post-birth check” even if there are no obvious problems, just to ensure everything is moving as it should.

We take a full history, including details of the pregnancy and birth. We then perform a very gentle examination of the baby’s movements and the tension in their soft tissues. Treatment usually happens while the baby is lying on the plinth, or even while being held or fed by the parent.

Yes. The huge growth spurt between 11 and 16 puts immense strain on ligaments and tendons. We treat many sporty teenagers in Guildford and Godalming to help them recover from injuries and prevent growth-related pains like Osgood-Schlatter disease.

For babies, significant changes are often seen within 2 to 4 sessions. Older children with postural or sporting issues may require a slightly longer course or periodic “maintenance” checks during growth spurts.

In one of our three clinics in Surrey. Click here for more information.n.
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Our specialist osteopath is just one reason to choose GW Osteopathy for children and babies

Why use GW Osteopathy?

  • Specialist Paediatric Team: Jennifer Beck and Gemma Ware bring years of dedicated experience in children’s osteopathy.
  • Midwifery Insight: Jennifer’s additional training in midwifery ensures an expert understanding of neonatal health and maternal care.
  • Gentle Approach: We use subtle cranial techniques that are soothing for the baby and stress-free for the parent.
  • Evidence-Based: We stay informed by clinical studies, such as those demonstrating that cranial osteopathy can significantly decrease crying time and increase sleep in infants suffering from colic.
  • Long-Term Focus: We don’t just treat symptoms; we aim to prevent postural habits from becoming permanent spinal problems in adulthood.
Osteopathy can offer support for unsettled babies

Osteopathy for Children Benefits

  • Feeding & Digestive Support: Helps resolve physical tensions in the jaw or neck that may be hindering feeding or contributing to colic.
  • Improved Sleep Patterns: By releasing tension in the skull, we help shift babies out of a “constant state of alert” into a relaxed state conducive to sleep.
  • Immune System Support: Addressing birth stresses can help a child’s system function more efficiently, making them less vulnerable to recurrent infections.
  • Postural Development: Identifying and correcting “fidgeting” or hyperactivity caused by physical discomfort.
  • Teenage Growth Support: Managing the “growing pains” and joint strains that occur during the rapid growth spurts of ages 11–16.
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Top tips for osteopathy for children and babies

Top tips

  • Tummy Time: Encourage supervised tummy time for babies to help develop neck and shoulder strength.
  • Vary Feeding Positions: If breastfeeding, try to ensure the baby is comfortable feeding from both sides to prevent one-sided neck tension.
  • Check School Bags: Ensure your teenager’s backpack isn’t too heavy and is worn over both shoulders to prevent spinal curvature.
  • Monitor Screen Posture: Encourage “tech breaks” to prevent “text neck” and slumped postures during homework or gaming.
  • Post-Sport Recovery: Ensure active children are cooling down properly after matches to protect their growing joints.
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We are based in 3 locations in Surrey:

  • Dapdune House: central Guildford location with free onsite parking
  • Willow Health Therapy Rooms: Stoughton, Guildford with free onsite parking
  • Surrey Holistic: Godalming
More about our locations

We are open Monday – Saturday and every other Sunday. If you have any further questions, please do get in touch.

Want to find out more?

Acupuncture enquiry

Get in touch with Esther directly to request an appointment. You can find out more about her at www.estherholford.com

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