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Osteopathy

As described by the General Osteopathic Council, osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the wellbeing of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.

What is paediatric osteopathy?

This is the specialism of using very gentle osteopathic techniques specifically for treating babies, children, and teenagers up to the age of 18. Our paediatric osteopaths look beyond conditions and take a holistic approach to a patient, using manual techniques to restore, maintain and support health and wellbeing.

We don’t use any single osteopathic technique in our clinics – we draw on the relevant approaches that are gentle enough for babies and children, providing treatment that’s as individual as the patient.  In young patients, the methods used are always extremely gentle, but nonetheless powerful, requiring specialist skill and knowledge. 

Who we treat

The Osteopathic Centre for Children provides expert osteopathic treatment to children of all ages; specialising from newborn babies to teenagers up to the age of 18. Our osteopaths also are trained to provide treatment to pregnant and postnatal women with up to 6 sessions.

We treat holistically to help restore, maintain, and support overall health.

Babies

Our osteopaths are qualified to treat people of all ages, including babies. They utilise a range of techniques including physical manipulation, stretching and massage, and other gentle techniques such as cranial.

Cranial techniques are safe, gentle, and non-manipulative. They are often used when treating young children and new-born infants.

Very gentle osteopathic techniques can help to release and balance areas of physical tension, helping to soothe and relax as well as promoting freer movement where the muscles have been tight.

Learn more.

Young children

Osteopathy is a gentle treatment suitable for children and we see many young children at the OCC.

Depending on the issue, we may suggest exercises to practice at home in addition to returning for follow-up treatments. We’ll always refer you to your GP if we feel that’s a more appropriate course of action.

Learn more. 

Teens

Our clinics are also for teens, and we may see teens with sports injuries, pain caused by poor posture, seeking help with the physical and mental challenges of being a teenager, and the inability to relax caused by the stress of exams or the pressures of social media, etc.

Some of our teens have been coming to the clinic since they were younger children, while others may be completely new to osteopathy.

We give our teens the time they need to discuss their issues and listen with sensitivity and calm, before moving onto treatment.

Learn more.

Pregnant and postnatal women

During pregnancy, the body goes through significant rapid changes. As the baby grows, your centre of gravity will shift, which may post discomfort.

Another big change is the production of the hormone, relaxin; designed to increase blood flow and relax the ligaments in the pelvic region.

During birth, the physical exertion may put a lot of strain on the body. For example, a rapid widening of the birth canal, and an immediate shift in the centre of gravity post-birth. These notable physical changes can have an impact on muscles and ligaments

The gentle, non-invasive techniques used by our osteopaths can help relieve tension and stress in a mother’s body, promoting a greater sense of overall well-being.

Learn more.

Our osteopaths

Becoming a paediatric osteopath requires a minimum of six years of training. Osteopaths must first complete a full-time four-year (or five-year part-time) bachelor’s degree in osteopathy, which includes at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice. They then progress to a postgraduate qualification in paediatric osteopathy, which can be obtained at the OCC, or other reputable higher education institutions.

Osteopaths treating a young patient

All of our osteopaths are fully qualified and registered in their own right. Each has either completed, or is currently working towards, their postgraduate training in paediatric osteopathy, which includes at least 45 supervised, hands-on clinic days.

The Diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy allows osteopaths to develop advanced skills and deepen their understanding of anatomy, clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for babies, children, teenagers, as well as pregnant and postnatal women.

Learn more about our Clinical Team.