Osteopathy for babies and children

Many parents swear by osteopathy as a pain-free and gentle treatment when their child is experiencing discomfort. The alternative therapy is becoming increasingly popular, but from a conventional medical perspective, it is also repeatedly criticized. We will tell you what pediatric osteopathy is, where it can help, what its limitations are, and how you can find qualified therapists.

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a holistic healing method that belongs to the field of alternative medicine. In this treatment method, the examination and therapy only with your hands Instead – medications or medical devices are not used. The goal of osteopathy is to activate the body's self-healing powers and to resolve functional disorders or blockages. Because a blockage causes restricted mobility of the tissue, which can lead to physical discomfort and pain. This is the Basic idea osteopathy: „Movement is an expression of life – many complaints can be traced back to physical blockages, and any restriction of mobility can trigger illnesses.“

There are specialized therapists for babies and children who work in the Child Osteopathy are trained. The focus here is on supporting the physiological, sensory, and emotional development of babies, infants, and toddlers.

When can pediatric osteopathy help?

Osteopathy assumes that functional disorders can already occur at birth, for example due to the position of the unborn child in the uterus or through force impacts during the Birth . These blockages could sooner or later lead to Complaints lead, which pediatric osteopathy aims to prevent. The complaints may include:

• Excessive crying

• Difficulty falling asleep

• Altered motor development

• Malpositions

• Sucking and swallowing disorders with problems during breastfeeding/feeding

Many new parents will probably notice some of these supposed complaints in their baby during the first weeks and months. The causes can be numerous and do not necessarily have to be due to a functional disorder. It is important that you give yourself and your baby time after birth to settle in and recover — enjoy it together. Postpartum with plenty of rest and sleep. Some problems resolve on their own after a little routine or with the help of your midwife over time. However, if you feel uncertain or wish for advice from an osteopath, an initial examination can be scheduled after 4 to 6 weeks to your baby.

If you want your little explorer to receive osteopathic treatment, you should do so as a Supplement to Pediatrics see and not as a substitute. For health complaints, you should always first visit the pediatrician to rule out serious illnesses. Together, you can then see how both disciplines can help achieve the best possible treatment success. Because even if many people report good experiences with osteopathy, the treatment and effectiveness of this holistic therapy are not yet scientifically proven — it is quite clear that the Boundaries in the treatment of acute inflammations, infections, tumors, fractures, and severe mental illnesses. In most cases, osteopathic treatment in a professional pediatric osteopathy practice cannot do any harm. Many parents find the treatment reassuring and it helps to alleviate worries and fears.

Even with increasing age, can Young children and schoolchildren benefit from osteopathy, for example:

• Concentration difficulties

• Headaches

• Growth disorders

• Development delays

Osteopathy for your baby after a cesarean section

Many therapists in pediatric osteopathy believe that infants whose birth was very strenuous or intense have a Birth trauma suffering. Effects can manifest in both physical and psychological forms, such as tense muscles, excessive crying, and sleep problems – osteopathic treatment is intended to counteract these early on. In particular, a Cesarean section puts a heavy strain on the baby's nervous system. To alleviate resulting restlessness, irritability, or other symptoms, osteopathy aims, among other things, to mimic a natural birth through the birth canal. Similarly, a birth with a forceps or ventouse can be traumatic for the child: Since the skull of babies thanks to the Fontanelles still very malleable, the applied force could possibly lead to blockages. Osteopaths therefore believe that all babies born with complications could benefit from treatment to prevent potential developmental issues.

How does a treatment in pediatric osteopathy proceed?

First, you will discuss your little explorer's complaints as well as topics like pregnancy, birth, and your child's initial reactions after birth with the therapist. At the beginning, you should check whether the harmony between your baby or child and the therapist is right – a relaxed and empathetic atmosphere contributes greatly to this and also indicates the quality of the practice. If, after the conversation and initial contact, everyone feels comfortable based on their facial expressions, the actual treatment with hand contact begins: the skull, spine, abdomen, and chest as well as the hip and leg area are examined and felt to see if, for example, muscles are tense, tissue is hardened, or the lymph flows properly. Gentle and light pressure is then used to release blockages. Especially when treating infants and young children, the approach is very gentle, so you don't have to worry about your little explorer experiencing pain – many children enjoy the touches and very much.

You and your partner play an important role in the treatment, as everyday interactions are also crucial for the healing process. The osteopath will give you tips on how to create a sense of security and safety for your little explorer at home, and how to lift, carry, and breastfeed him optimally to counteract blockages.

A session usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes . Often, just a simple is enough for babies 2 to 3 treatments because they respond quickly to gentle impulses. It is best to discuss with your osteopath in advance how many sessions are necessary.

How much does osteopathy for babies or children cost?

Osteopathic treatments are according to statutory health insurance a Additional service so that the costs do not have to be covered. A session can between 70 and 120 euros costs. However, many health insurance companies also cover osteopathic treatments as part of voluntary contractual benefits, bonus programs, or health accounts. For the Cost coverage is it important that:

• Osteopathy was prescribed by a doctor.

• The therapy has been documented by a medical, informal certificate.

• Treatment performed by an osteopath who is qualified and recognized by the health insurance. Usually, membership in a professional osteopath association is sufficient.

How do I find a qualified practice for pediatric osteopathy?

So that not only the costs are covered by your health insurance in the best case, but also your little explorer is in good hands, you should definitely ensure that the therapist is qualified - because in Germany, the professional title "Osteopath" is not protected, which means anyone can call themselves that. Check with your health insurance for recognized osteopaths or use the search on the website of the Federal Association of Osteopathy or the German Society for Pediatric Osteopathy . Here you will only find pediatric osteopaths who are specifically and extensively trained in pediatric osteopathy.

You know best what is good for you and your little explorer. So, not every cry or difficulty falling asleep indicates a serious problem, but perhaps just a developmental leap. If in doubt, you should always consult your pediatrician first - osteopathy can then be used as a gentle complement to treatment and, as a holistic healing method, can help alleviate the symptoms.