As parents, we all want the absolute best for our little ones. But let's face it, those adorable miniatures aren't exactly forthcoming with their complaints. You might find yourself wondering – is that constant gurgle discomfort, or just a symphony of baby noises? Enter paediatric osteopathy, a gentle approach that's gaining traction amongst parents seeking to soothe their symphony conductors. Here at Remedium Wellness Worcester, our very own
osteopath, Connie, offers this approach to help your little one thrive.
A Gentle Hand on Growing Bodies
Paediatric osteopathy takes a holistic approach, focusing on the musculoskeletal system – think bones, joints, and muscles – but with a twist. Osteopaths believe that restrictions in movement of these structures can impact a child's overall well-being. Using light touches and manipulations, they aim to improve mobility and support the body's natural healing mechanisms. Imagine it as a gentle tune-up for your child's complex machine, ensuring all the parts are moving smoothly to support growth and development.
Science Steps In (Mostly)
While research into paediatric osteopathy is still evolving, there are some intriguing findings. A 2019 study published in the prestigious Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAAO) [1] explored the effects of osteopathy on infantile colic. The results? Statistically significant reductions in crying time and improvements in infant sleep – a win for both babies and bleary-eyed parents!
However, the evidence for other conditions like glue ear or asthma is less clear, and more robust studies are needed. It's important to remember that osteopathy is best seen as a complementary approach, working alongside conventional medical care.
So, Should You Give it a Try?
The decision is ultimately yours. If your child is experiencing discomfort, particularly related to musculoskeletal issues like reflux, constipation, or sleep disturbances, a consultation with Connie, our registered osteopath, could be worthwhile.
Here are some key points to remember:
Always discuss any complementary therapy with your pediatrician first.
Connie has undergone rigorous training and stays up-to-date on the latest research in paediatric osteopathy.
Don't expect overnight fixes! Osteopathy is a gentle approach that may require multiple sessions to see results.
The Bottom Line
Paediatric osteopathy isn't without its critics, and some studies haven't shown a significant difference compared to a placebo. However, the potential benefits, particularly for musculoskeletal concerns, are encouraging enough to warrant further investigation.
Remember: It's best to discuss any complementary therapies with your child's doctor first. They can help you weigh the evidence and decide if paediatric osteopathy might be the missing piece in your little one's comfort puzzle.
For Your Inner Nerd:
Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAAO): [PUBMED Central, J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2019 Jan;119(1):31-38. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2019.012]([PUBMED jaoa 2019 ON National Institutes of Health (.gov) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov])
A 2018 Cochrane Review [2] explored the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment for a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain. While the results were inconclusive, they highlight the need for further high-quality research: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/content?templateType=related&urlTitle=/central/doi/10.1002/central/CN-01643595&doi=10.1002/central/CN-01643595&p_p_id=scolariscontentdisplay_WAR_scolariscontentdisplay&_scolariscontentdisplay_WAR_scolariscontentdisplay_action=related-content&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_mode=view&type=central&contentLanguage=
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