Website: www.ilkleyosteopaths.co.uk
Phone: 01943 817117
Address: 79 Leeds Road, Ilkley, LS29 8EG
MoorMums says:
Cranial Osteopathy – What is it and How Can it Help my Baby?
Most people think of bones when they hear the word osteopathy and think that osteopaths treat back and neck problems. This is largely true but there is also a form of osteopathy known as cranial osteopathy, which is increasingly being considered as a treatment of choice for babies and young children. Cranial osteopathy has been known to help:
- Colic
- Feeding difficulties
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Recurrent ear infections
- Grumpy or irritable babies
Cranial osteopathy is based on the principle that there is a small amount of movement between the bones of the skull. In a baby this movement allows the head to adapt to the forces of labour. However, if the baby’s birth is traumatic by being unduly slow or fast, or when other complications occur that require the need for forceps or vontuse the baby’s head may not fully recover from the distortion. Thus strain patterns are established that are reflected in the baby’s behaviour and physical development.
Many babies cope naturally with the strains of birth and show no signs of pain or discomfort. A baby that is in discomfort may be continually irritable, and prefer to be held rather than lie down. It would be similar to us having a constant headache without knowing that it will pass, or being able to ask for some painkillers.
When visiting an osteopath for the first time a detailed case history will be taken with a focus on the mother’s pregnancy and baby’s birth, followed by a physical examination. The osteopath will very gently palpate the bones of the baby’s head, back and base of the spine.
Once the osteopath has assessed your baby, an explanation will be given as to what strain pattern there is and how it could be related to the symptoms.
The osteopath will then apply slight pressure and almost imperceptible movements to the baby’s head helping to release the stresses and strains. As a general rule babies and children respond very well to treatment usually requiring between 4-6 treatments depending on the severity of the problem and the age of the child.
In 1993 Osteopathy became the first major complementary health care profession to be accorded statutory recognition under the 1993 Osteopaths Act. This means that patients have the same safeguards as when they currently consult a doctor or a dentist. If you would like some more information you can contact Robbie at The Ilkley Osteopathic Practice on 01943 817117 or the General Osteopathic Council (GosC) on 02073576655.
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