Osteopathy for Children & Teens
As children grow, their bodies go through many changes. Osteopathy may help support children and teenagers as they develop movement skills, adjust to postural changes, and recover from minor injuries. At Alara Kids, we provide a calm and welcoming environment where children and teenagers can be assessed for their physical function, posture, and coordination.
Our osteopath has a special interest in and years of experience working with infants, children, and teenagers.
Parents may seek osteopathic care for their child or teenager to support:
- Movement and Coordination – Assessing flexibility and coordination as children and teenagers develop motor skills.
- Postural Awareness – Supporting healthy postural habits, especially during school, study, and screen use.
- Growth and Development – Addressing movement patterns or areas of discomfort during periods of rapid growth.
- Injury Recovery – Supporting the recovery process from minor injuries related to play, sports, or other activities.
- Sports and Physical Activity – Encouraging mobility and flexibility to assist with physical performance and injury prevention.
- What to Expect During an Osteopathy Appointment
At Alara Kids, we take the time to listen to your concerns and provide an assessment tailored to your child’s individual needs.
A Supportive and Relaxed Environment
We aim to create a calm space where children and teenagers feel at ease. For younger children, we provide toys and books are available to help them feel comfortable during the appointment.
Comprehensive Case History
Our osteopath will ask about your child’s history, movement patterns, posture, daily activities, and any concerns you may have. For teenagers, we may also discuss study habits, sports participation, and overall physical well-being.
Whole-Body Approach to Assessment
We take a whole-body approach when assessing movement and physical function, which may include:
- Postural variations as children and teens grow.
- Joint mobility, flexibility, and soft tissue balance.
- Muscle tone, coordination, and balance.
- The relationship between muscles, bones, nerves, and circulation.
For younger children, our osteopath may also review:
- Head and neck mobility.
- Hip and limb movement.
- Developmental movement patterns.
- Developmental motor milestones.
Gentle, Hands-On Approach
Osteopathic care for children and teenagers is tailored to their specific individual needs. Techniques involve light touch and gentle movements, selected to ensure patient comfort. We do NOT use ‘cracking’ techniques or sudden movements. Techniques may include cranial osteopathy, gentle stretching, and soft tissue release.
Education and Advice
We may provide guidance on posture, movement, and home-based exercises to support mobility and comfort. For teens involved in sports, we can offer strategies to help manage movement patterns and encourage balanced development.
Collaboration with Other Health Professionals
At Alara Kids, we collaborate with other healthcare providers, including GPs, paediatric physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and other allied health professionals. If necessary, we may recommend seeing another healthcare provider to ensure your child receives the most appropriate care.
If you would like to learn more about osteopathy for children and teenagers at Alara Kids, we welcome you to contact us to discuss whether an appointment may be suitable for your child.
Work with us!
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