During this form of treatment an Osteopath will aim to gently release stresses from the baby's body.
Osteopathy is a type of complimentary medicine . It involves a combination of manual treatments such as massage, muscle and tissue manipulation. An Osteopath is a doctor of Osteopathy. The aim of osteopathy is to repair the body and restore it to a place of balance. When the body is balanced and aligned properly it will function at a level that leads to an overall better quality of life.
According to osteopath.ie
"Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, osteopaths can identify types of dysfunction in the body. Osteopathic treatment includes techniques such as stretching and mobilisation for general treatment of the soft tissues, along with manipulation of the musculoskeletal system, connective tissues and organs"
An Osteopath champions a holistic approach through their therapy. There is significant emphasis on the individual needs of the person receiving the treatment. This is the core of Osteopathy as a practice. The same approach is taken for the treatment of babies. When a treatment plan is being formed it is designed with the babies needs, symptoms and comforts in mind.
If your baby is windy, "fussy" or experiences feeding challenges you may find yourself being recommended to see an Osteopath. Often referred to as "Cranio", this treatment focuses on light massage, touch and gentle manipulation to help restore bodily harmony and ease discomfort in a baby who may experiencing pain or a sense of misalignment.
Reflux is one of the most common reasons why a parent will attend an Osteopath with their baby. Reflux is a digestive issue that can lead to a baby being generally unhappy due to the pain they are experiencing. It can lead to poor sleeping, difficulty feeding and a lot of crying (for both parent and baby).
Cranio Sacral Therapy is a very common suggestion for helping a baby that has reflux. While an Osteopath may practice Cranio Therapy, they are entirely different to a Cranio Sacral Therapist. Cranial Osteopathy is a medical treatment that is carried out by an Osteopath. An Osteopath will have undergone a minimum of five year's worth of medical training. As part of the in dept degree they will have studied physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, pharmacology and obstetrics to name just a few subjects. It is an medical qualification.
Cranial Osteopathy is the form of Osteopathy that is applied to a baby. During this form of treatment an Osteopath will aim to gently release stresses from the baby's body. They will predominantly work on the infant's head and spine to help the baby's body find a place of health and ease.
An Osteopath may be recommended if your baby has had a traumatic birth. A very quick or assisted delivery may lead to a misalignment in the baby's head, spine or nervous system which has an affect on a huge number of bodily processes. The baby may have difficulties feeding, sleeping or may experience discomfort when they are lying down or in certain positions.
The cost of seeing an osteopath varies from practice to practice but is usually in the region of €40-€100. After you initial consultation a certain course or number of sessions may be recommended. Osteopathy is covered as a treatment in many health insurance policies. To find a registered list of Osteopaths in your area click here.
