Paediatric Concerns: Supporting Healthy Growth & Development
Children experience rapid growth and development, which can sometimes lead to musculoskeletal issues, discomfort, or movement imbalances. From infants to adolescents, osteopathy offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to support your child’s health and wellbeing at every stage. Osteopaths are trained to assess posture, mobility, and developmental patterns, helping to identify and manage common concerns in a safe, child-friendly environment.
Common Paediatric Presentations We See
- Newborn and Infant Concerns
- Head favouring one side (plagiocephaly or torticollis)
- Feeding or latching difficulties
- Excessive crying, unsettled behaviour
- Reflux and digestive discomfort
- Flat spots on the head or reduced head turning
- Toddlers and Children
- Recurrent ear infections
- Poor posture or coordination issues
- Walking difficulties or in-toeing
- Growth-related aches (growing pains)
- Sports injuries or fatigue with activity
- Adolescents
- Postural strain from school, devices, or backpack
- Osgood-Schlatter’s disease (knee pain in active teens)
- Scoliosis or spinal asymmetry
- Headaches or jaw (TMJ) tension
- Sporting injuries or muscle imbalance
How Osteopathy Can Help
Paediatric osteopathic treatment is tailored to your child’s age, development, and condition. Techniques are gentle and aim to restore balance, reduce strain, and support optimal function. Care may include:
- Cranial Osteopathy – Gentle techniques to release strain in babies and infants
- Soft Tissue Techniques – To ease muscle tension or restriction
- Gentle Joint Mobilisation – To improve range of motion and alignment
- Postural Advice – For school and home environments
- Movement and Activity Guidance – For healthy development and coordination
When to Seek Help
If you notice persistent asymmetry, discomfort, poor sleep, or delays in movement, it may be beneficial to have your child assessed by an osteopath. Early support can help prevent minor issues from becoming long-term concerns and support your child’s comfort, mobility, and development.