Osteopathy for babies and children

Treatments for under 18s

Young ones need love, care and attention for their growing bones. Osteopathy is a gentle and safe treatment that is suitable for all ages of youth – from newborn baby to teenager.

Why should under 18s see an Osteopath?

The phases of childhood physical development are crucial as they lay the foundation for a child’s long-term health and wellbeing. Each stage of childhood, from infancy to adulthood involves significant growth in bones, muscles and joints, as well as the development of manual skills and posture. 

Osteopathy plays a vital role in monitoring these developmental milestones, identifying any deviations from the normal physical blueprint and addressing them early on. 

Through gentle, hands-on techniques, Osteopathy can help correct imbalances, support proper alignment and ensure that the musculoskeletal system develops correctly and harmoniously.

Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash

Why does my baby need to see an Osteopath?

Is my baby feeling uncomfortable?

Childbirth and pregnancy is not only stressful for the mother – it affects your baby in multiple ways, too. Osteopathy helps your baby to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible by removing any tensions that may have occurred during pregnancy or delivery.

For example, a baby’s head experiences pressure during delivery. This is because their head absorbs the stresses of contractions, and their cranial bones are not yet fused so they can squeeze through the pelvis. 

That is why it is common to see babies born with a degree of cranial moulding (pointed heads/disfigured faces), which often disappears after a few hours or days. 

Please note that if you are concerned about your baby’s health, we would recommend that you receive medical attention first.

 

Mother holding baby

My baby seems fine 

It is always beneficial to have your newborn checked by an Osteopath, even if your baby shows no sign of discomfort. Your baby may be carrying multiple tensions through pregnancy or delivery and we can help to identify and release any tension and stress. 

Will Osteopathy hurt my baby?

Osteopathy is a very gentle treatment to check your baby’s body, spine, and cranium. At Tunbridge Wells Osteopaths we are trained to screen for medical conditions and advise you if you need to see another professional such as a doctor.

Why does my child need to see an Osteopath?

Children go through rapid development over just a few years. There are numerous ailments children could have, which can be treated with gentle Osteopathy. 

For example, your child may be struggling with headaches, have neck, lower back, or shoulder pain from looking at a screen for too long, or may have a niggly knee and hip from playing sports. We help to assess the reason behind your child’s discomfort in a gentle, calm environment

Why does a teenager need to see an Osteopath?

Puberty kickstarts multiple physical changes in the body. Growth spurts and hormonal changes can affect spinal development, changes in the joints, and cause sleep issues. 

Muscles, tendons and ligaments need to work quickly to cope with changes in the teenage body. And, of course, overuse of smart phones can cause neck issues and poor posture.

Our Osteopathy treatments can help teenagers to maintain the correct posture and alignment. Our treatments are a safe, gentle and effective way to ensure your teenager can grow in comfort and their body is in a balanced, optimum position.

What our patients say

Sabrina

My journey with osteopathy began the moment I was born. My parents introduced me to osteopathy to help with some of the challenges I faced as a newborn, like colic and trouble sleeping. Even though I don’t remember those early sessions, my parents told me how gentle and calming the treatments were, and how much better I seemed afterward.

As I grew older, osteopathy became a regular part of my life. When I started crawling, walking, and running, osteopathy helped ensure my body was aligned and developing properly. Anytime I had growing pains, or later, when I began playing sports, osteopathy helped me recover quickly and stay injury-free.

Now at sixteen, I can confidently say that osteopathy has played a huge role in my overall well-being. It’s not just about treating specific issues; it’s about maintaining a balance in my body. Whether it was helping me with posture during my growth spurts, relieving stress during exam periods, or keeping me active in my favourite activities, osteopathy has been a constant support.

I’ve learned to appreciate the importance of listening to my body and taking care of it holistically. I’m grateful for the gentle care and the personalised attention I’ve received over the years. It’s comforting to know that I have a way to keep my body healthy and resilient as I continue to grow.

Our treatments we offer

Classical Osteopathy

Cranial Osteopathy

Osteopathy for Pregnancy & PGP

Other treatments

Get in touch

5 Upper Grosvenor Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN1 2DU
United Kingdom

+ 44 (0)1892 535858