• Is Osteopathy safe?
• Does treatment hurt?
• What happens if I get a treatment reaction?
• Can babies react badly to treatment?
• How young can my baby be safe for treatment?
• What if my child won't lie down on the couch and has difficulty staying still?

Is Osteopathy safe?

All British osteopaths have undergone a recognised course of at least 4 years, and have satisfied the GOsC (General Osteopathic Council) of their competence and safety to practise. They are required to do a certain number of hours of continuing professional development (cpd). Many choose the SCC's courses for their cpd.

Does treatment hurt?

Osteopaths using the type of approach to treatment taught by the SCC use very gentle techniques. These are based on using the body's own innate healing ability to release the stresses and strains they feel within the tissues to promote change.  Small children may wriggle around as they feel the strain patterns release, but in skilled hands they can usually be distracted and reassured.  Babies may cry as strain patterns release, and suckling can be used to comfort them.  As treatment progresses they will usually relax, often sleeping well following treatment.

What happens if I get a treatment reaction?

These do happen at times and may be as a result of the body reacting to the stimulus towards health it has been given. Alternatively,it may result from the body being unable to continue to compensate for the problem, now that treatment has enabled it to change for the better. Your practitioner will be able to advise you.

Can babies react badly to treatment?

Usually the baby or child is very relaxed after treatment and sleeps well. Others have an initial burst of energy, usually followed by a good night's sleep. Occasionally children are unsettled after treatment, but this is a temporary situation, and is usually caused when the release of the retained moulding has been incomplete. It is not always possible for all the retained moulding compression to release in one session, especially if it has been severe.

How young can my baby be safe for treatment?

There is really no age limit; there are even osteopaths working in special care hospital units treating very premature babies. In general osteopathic practice the contact pressure used in treating a baby is many times less than, say, the forces experienced by a baby in any natural labour or birth. The forces driving the changes in cranial osteopathic treatment are an exaggeration or redirection of movements already occurring within the patient’s tissues, rather than some external pressure.

What if my child won't lie down on the couch and has difficulty staying still?

Osteopaths are trained to treat children even if they are 'on the move'. Often distraction with a book or toy while sitting on Mum's lap is enough.