Osteopathy for babies and children
At Belmont House Osteopaths, we offer specialist paediatric osteopathy as well as osteopathy suitable throughout pregnancy.
Our osteopaths have completed specialist post-graduate qualifications in cranial osteopathy and paediatric osteopathy with Laura becoming one of the first in the UK to complete a Masters Degree in Paediatric Osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Children, London. A 3 year part time qualification involving time spent working within a neonatal unit at Barnet hospital, London. For more information please see www.occ.uk.com
We firmly believe that word of mouth is our best form of advertising and pride ourselves on our busy ‘babies and children’ and ‘pregnancy’ clinics. We offer colourful toys to entertain our younger patients with full changing facilities available in our purpose built, spacious ground floor level treatment rooms and reception area.
We are always on hand to discuss any questions or concerns you may have and how osteopathy can help you and your family. Please contact us on 0117 3770518.
About paediatric osteopathy
Osteopathy is a gentle treatment suitable for babies and children. Osteopaths utilise a range of techniques including stretching, massage and other gentle techniques such as cranial. Cranial techniques are safe, gentle and non-manipulative. They are often used when treating young children and newborn infants. Following specialist post-graduate training, your osteopath will apply their hands to your baby's head, back, stomach or other areas of the body. Small amounts of pressure are applied to restore ease in the tissues. Osteopaths work under the principle that there may be a number of contributing factors to the symptoms and will therefore evaluate not only the area which is producing the symptoms, but also associated areas that may be contributing to the issue, including past trauma, environmental factors and the family’s health history.
All sessions with our registered osteopaths will usually last up to half an hour. Prior to the first session you will be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire relating to your pregnancy, labour and the child's medical history. During the session, your osteopath will gather any further relevant information and your child will be examined. Occasionally we may request you to undress your baby or child to their nappy or underwear. However this is not always necessary and is entirely at your discretion.
Based on the information gathered your osteopath will form a diagnosis and treatment plan, giving you an indication as to the number of sessions that may be required. For some individuals just one session may be enough, however some more complicated cases may require a longer course of treatment.
Please bring milk, finger foods, a favourite toy or dummy to entertain them during the session. It is possible to treat a baby whilst she or he is being fed.
Occasionally after the session your baby or child may appear slightly unsettled, this is a normal reaction to osteopathic treatment and often settles quickly. Your osteopath is always on hand to discuss any queries or concerns that you may have.
Initial Consultation Babies & Children (under 13 years) £55
Full clinical and osteopathic case history, examination, assessment and first treatment. 40 mins
Standard Consultation Babies & Children (under 13 years) £48
Follow up visit / ongoing osteopathic treatment. 30 mins
Osteopathy in pregnancy
General aches and pains are unfortunately commonly encountered during pregnancy, as the body adapts to accommodating the increasing size and weight of the uterus. Some of these changes including the softening of ligaments, weight increase and postural adaptation can lead to additional pressure being placed on the joints in various parts of the body, including the spine and pelvis. Osteopathy can help relieve these stresses and strains both during and after pregnancy.
Osteopaths utilise a range of techniques including physical manipulation, stretching, massage as well as other more subtle techniques like cranial which are often used in pregnancy and when treating young children and new-born infants.
At Belmont House our approach focuses on complete patient care that not only includes manual therapy, but also health information, self-management advice and support and/or exercise therapy as determined by the needs of the individual throughout pregnancy and beyond.