What can Osteopathy do for me and my Child?

By Osteopath Ines De Beer

Osteopathy is a non-invasive manual therapy, suitable for people of all ages and with different kinds of needs. It is a way of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging muscles and joints.

One of the most grateful groups to benefit from this method are women during pregnancy, as osteopathy can help to provide relief from numerous pregnancy related aches and pains. Osteopathy is a gentle and a safe approach for the baby and helps relieve discomforts in the body of the future mother.

Cranial Osteopathy is a subtle form of osteopathic treatment that uses very gentle, safe pressure to encourage the release of stresses throughout the body and balance itself. It is often used when treating newborn infants and young children by which gentle touch is applied to the baby’s head and body. The term 'cranial' is used because treatment often involves the head, although other parts of the body such as the spine and tailbone can also be involved. Although super gentle, cranial treatment is extremely effective and may be used in a wide range of conditions for people of all ages, from babies to the elderly.

Each experience is different and thus an osteopathic approach to pregnancy and/or newborn will always be tailored to the mother and her baby.

To solve frequently asked questions by (expectant) mothers about treatment of themselves and/or their babies, we have listed some answers below:

What happens during a consultation?

In the first consultation, a detailed intake moment will be conducted during the first part, so our specialist can get an overview to provide optimal treatment. During this session we will focus on understanding any issues that you and/or baby are experiencing. Our osteopath will carefully explain any findings and then run through the optional treatments that can be provided. By mutual agreement, the next step is to proceed with treatment.

Can Osteopathy help against pain during pregnancy?

A pregnant woman undergoes many changes during her journey towards having a baby. An osteopathic approach is to support the body through it’s changes and address any aches, pains or restrictions that may arise. Some common complaints that osteopathy can relieve during pregnancy are joint and back pain, pelvic pain, heartburn, swollen feet, etc.

Techniques used to treat back pain during pregnancy are aimed at making you feel comfortable during treatment, thus treatment is therefore commonly given with you lying on your side.

Can an osteopath treat babies and children - and is it safe?

We have practitioners who have received specific training in cranial osteopathy – the types of techniques typically used in the treatment of babies and children.

Osteopathy is a gentle, safe and effective treatment and extreme care is taken with any treatment provided. Our specialist practitioner is very passionate about working with babies and children, has many years of experience and is extremely gentle - your little one will be in good hands.

Most sessions for babies will be seen for head asymmetry, torticollis, tense body, excessive crying, reflux, colic pain, latching issues etc.

We recommend to always visit your pediatrician prior to consulting the osteopath.

Osteopathy can be very helpful in alleviating discomfort during pregnancy, preparing expectant mothers for the birth, or after pregnancy so both mother and baby can benefit.

Want to know more about this topic?

Don’t hesitate to contact us, or schedule your first session via this booking link.

The Round Clinic

T 2648 2612