Osteopathy for Babies, Children & Teens

Supporting Movement and Development with Gentle Hands-On Care

Osteopaths work with babies, children, and adolescents, considering factors such as movement patterns, posture, and musculoskeletal development.

Using gentle hands-on techniques, osteopaths assess how joints, muscles, nerves, and connective tissues function together as part of a whole-body approach to care.

Osteopaths are university-trained, government-registered healthcare professionals who take a gentle, considered approach when working with infants and children.

How Osteopaths Work with Babies and Children

Each stage of growth presents different movement and postural patterns. Osteopaths assess musculoskeletal function in relation to movement, posture, coordination, and general mobility.

Osteopathic care for babies and children involves:

A light-touch, hands on approach
Techniques that involve gentle pressure and slow movement
No spinal manipulation (cracking techniques) when working with babies or children
A calm and relaxed environment
Osteopaths may ask about a child’s daily routine, movement preferences, and development to better understand their physical patterns.

What Do Osteopaths Consider During an Assessment?

Osteopaths use a whole-body approach to assess:

– General movement and coordination

– Postural variations as children grow

– Musculoskeletal factors such as joint mobility and soft tissue tension

– The relationship between muscles, bones, nerves, and circulation

For babies and younger children, osteopaths may also review:

– Head and neck mobility

– Muscle tone and symmetry

– Hip and limb movement

– Sucking and feeding mechanics

– Milestone-related movement patterns

In some cases, play-based exercises or at-home movement activities may be recommended to

support physical development.

A Whole-Body Approach to Care

Osteopaths consider how different body systems work together, using a holistic approach to assess movement and function. Rather than focusing only on isolated areas, osteopaths assess a range of factors that may contribute to movement patterns and musculoskeletal health.

Osteopaths often collaborate with other healthcare providers where appropriate, including:

– GPs and paediatricians

– Maternal and child health nurses

– Lactation consultants

– Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists

A Calm and Supportive Environment

We understand that children may feel uncertain in new settings. Our approach is designed to help them feel comfortable, using a calm space with toys, books, and a relaxed atmosphere to support a positive experience.

We take the time to really listen to your concerns and welcome parents and caregivers to ask questions and be involved in their child’s care.

Want to Learn More?

If you would like to learn more about osteopathy for babies, children and teens at Alara Kids, we welcome you to contact us to discuss whether an appointment may be suitable for your child.