As babies, children and teenagers grow, their bodies go through many changes. Osteopathy aims to help support healthy movement, posture and physical development during these stages.
At Alara Women’s Health, our osteopaths provide a calm and welcoming environment where babies, children and teenagers can be assessed for their physical function, posture and coordination. Treatment is always gentle and tailored to the child’s age and comfort.
Our osteopath has a special interest and many years of experience working with infants, children and teens.
Osteopathic Care for Babies and Toddlers
Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and special time. As your baby grows, their body undergoes many changes. Osteopathic care may provide a gentle, whole-body approach to support physical development.
Our experienced osteopath assesses your baby’s movement, posture and overall physical function in a calm and supportive environment.
Osteopathic care for babies and toddlers aims to:
- Support comfortable movement and body symmetry
- Address areas of physical tension or restriction
- Encourage optimal physical function and coordination
- Provide parents with education and advice for at-home play and movement activities
What to Expect During a Baby or Toddler Appointment
A welcoming environment
We aim to create a relaxed and calm setting, with toys and books to help both parents and children feel at ease. We take the time to really listen and hear your concerns.
Comprehensive case history
Our osteopath will ask about your child’s birth, daily routine, feeding, and developmental progress to understand their physical patterns.
A whole-body approach to assessment
We take a whole-body approach when assessing movement and function, which may include:
- General movement and coordination
- Postural variations as children grow
- Joint mobility and soft tissue tension
- The relationship between muscles, bones, nerves and circulation
For babies and younger children, assessment may also include:
- Head and neck mobility
- Muscle tone and symmetry
- Hip and limb movement
- Feeding and latch mechanics
- Milestone-related movement patterns
Gentle, subtle hands-on techniques
Treatment for babies and toddlers uses gentle, non-invasive techniques involving light touch and gentle movement—no ‘cracking’ or sudden manipulation. Cranial osteopathy may be used to support balanced movement and ease of tension.
Advice and education
Our osteopath may provide education and advice on play-based exercises or at-home movement activities to help maintain or develop physical skills.
Osteopathic Care for Children and Teenagers
As children grow and develop, their bodies adapt to changes in posture, physical activity, and coordination. Osteopathy may help support these stages of growth and assist in recovery from minor injuries related to play, sport or study habits.
Parents may seek osteopathic care for their child or teenager to support:
- Movement and coordination – Assessing flexibility and coordination as motor skills develop
- Postural awareness – Encouraging healthy postural habits during school, study and screen use
- Growth and development – Supporting movement patterns during rapid growth periods
- Injury recovery – Aiding recovery from minor injuries related to sport or play
- Sports and physical activity – Promoting flexibility, mobility and balanced movement
What to Expect During an Appointment
Comprehensive case history
Our osteopath will ask about your child’s activities, study habits, posture and any areas of discomfort. A relaxed and calm setting.
Whole-body approach to assessment
We assess:
- Postural variations as children and teens grow
- Joint mobility, flexibility and soft tissue balance
- Muscle tone, coordination and balance
- The relationship between muscles, bones, nerves and circulation
Gentle, hands-on approach
Treatment is tailored to your child’s individual needs and comfort. Techniques may include:
- Gentle stretching and soft tissue release
- Cranial osteopathy when appropriate
- Subtle, supportive manual techniques
- No spinal manipulation (‘cracking’) or sudden movements are used.
Education and advice
We may provide guidance on posture, movement, and simple home-based activities to support comfort and mobility. For active teenagers, advice may also include strategies to prevent or manage sport-related strain.
Collaboration with Other Health Professionals
At Alara Women’s Health, we value a collaborative approach to care. Our osteopath communicates and refers to other healthcare professionals when appropriate, to help ensure your child receives the most suitable care.
We may refer or liaise with:
- GPs and paediatricians
- Maternal and child health nurses
- Lactation consultants
- Physiotherapists and occupational therapists
- Speech pathologists and other allied health practitioners
A Calm and Supportive Environment
We understand that children may feel uncertain in new settings. Our appointments are designed to help them feel comfortable, with a calm atmosphere and caring approach. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend, ask questions, and be involved throughout the process.
Our goal is to support your child’s movement, posture and physical wellbeing as they grow and develop.
👉 Book an Osteopathy Appointment
