Keeping your child healthy
Every parent’s priority is to provide the best environment to support their child’s health as they develop and grow. Osteopathic practice is safe and effective. Research has shown that people trust their osteopath and are extremely satisfied by their experience of osteopathic care*. This provides parents confidence in the level of care their children can expect to receive.
Children’s requirements differ depending on the stage of their development. As they grow from infants, toddlers, children to teenagers, your osteopath will consider your child’s individual needs, age and stage of development, and adapt their advice and treatment accordingly.
How can your osteopath help?
Parents visit osteopaths for a range of reasons to support their child’s health. Children, like adults, can be affected by general joint and muscle issues, which is one of the reasons people visit an osteopath. Parents will also take their children to visit an osteopath for a variety of other health reasons that may benefit from osteopathic care.
As osteopathic care is based on the individual needs of the patient, it will vary depending on your child’s age and the diagnosis. Osteopaths generally use a wide range of gentle hands-on techniques that focus on releasing tension, improving mobility and optimising function. This is often used together with exercise and helpful advice. Some osteopaths have been trained in very gentle techniques which are particularly suitable to assess and treat very young children, including new-borns. You do not need to consult your GP before you visit an osteopath, although you may wish to do so.
“93.2% of osteopathic patients felt that their experience of osteopathy was very good.”
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures adult data, 2017
“96% of osteopathic patients expressed confidence in osteopathic treatment and advice”
You.Gov Public Perceptions survey, 2015
What to expect what you visit an osteopath
When you first visit an osteopath, you’ll be asked about the reason you have brought your child and their medical history. For babies and young children, this may include information about their birth. All information will be treated as confidential in accordance with the standards of practice set out by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your osteopath will complete a thorough examination to determine if osteopathic care can support your child’s health.
After this examination, your osteopath will discuss the care available and you will then jointly decide an appropriate and suitable plan, along with any likely associated costs. This care plan may involve several visits and will often include relevant health advice. Your child’s treatment may begin at the first appointment.
Many osteopaths work with local midwives, other health professionals and GPs. If required, they may recommend your child be referred to another specialist health professional to ensure that your child receives the best possible care.