Please note that ‘cranial osteopathy’ is the name usually given to a gentle approach to osteopathy and simply helps patients to find osteopaths trained in these more subtle techniques. This type of osteopathy is well suited to treating babies and children, where a gentle, un-intrusive approach is safe and supportive.
Osteopaths are statutorily regulated primary healthcare professionals, who work in private practice and in NHS settings. All osteopaths are qualified to treat babies and children and many osteopaths hold specialist post-graduate qualifications in paediatric osteopathy, such as those offered by the SCCO. Osteopaths often work with local midwives and health visitors and are trained to screen for medical conditions. They will tell you if your baby needs to see another health professional, such as your doctor or health visitor. Some osteopaths work with patients with specific needs, such as those with disabilities, learning difficulties or in NHS premature baby units or paediatric clinics.
Babies
Osteopathy is a gentle treatment suitable for babies and could help soothe and relax your baby. Osteopaths sometimes work alongside lactation consultants to give postural advice related to breastfeeding. ‘Cranial osteopathy’ is safe, gentle and non-manipulative.
Children
Osteopathic techniques are suitable for children at all stages of development. The philosophy of osteopathy is to treat the person rather than the condition and whatever the age of the patient, osteopaths aim to work with the body’s self-healing potential, supporting the forces already at work within the body
