Osteopaths see children of all ages, from babies to adolescents as well as pregnant women. Osteopathic care is based on the individual needs of the patient You can discuss with your osteopath your health concerns, and what has brought you to see them. 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. They will then take the necessary time to understand the child’s symptoms and medical history, which will, in turn, help them make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the issue and formulate a treatment plan with you that will achieve the best outcome.
Every parent’s priority is to provide the best environment to support their child’s health as they develop and grow. 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. 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. Although you may wish to consult your GP before you visit an osteopath, you do not need to do so.
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. Your osteopath will complete a thorough examination to determine if osteopathic care is appropriate to support your child’s health. This will often involve undertaking some movements and examining areas to feel for areas of tightness and stiffness to identify problems.
After this examination, your osteopath will discuss the care available and you will then jointly decide on an appropriate and suitable plan. This care plan may involve several visits and will often include relevant health advice. Along with the medical history and physical examinations, your osteopath will always complete a routine examination that checks for more serious diagnoses, advising and discussing any further action that might be required. Occasionally they may diagnose an issue that they cannot treat and may refer you to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
As with any health consultation, they will record this confidential information to form part of your child’s health record and store it in accordance with legal requirements for medical data. About treatment Before an osteopath starts any treatment, they will explain what is involved so you can agree to the planned course of treatment. If you agree, this may begin at the first appointment. Osteopathic treatment often involves manual therapy—a range of gentle hands-on techniques that focus on releasing tension, stretching muscles, and improving mobility. Those working with children are trained in very gentle techniques, which are particularly suitable for assessing and treating very young children, including newborns. As part of your treatment plan, your osteopath may also provide helpful advice on how to improve outcomes.
With young babies and children our Osteopaths may use cranial osteopathy, they are specially trained and have postgraduate training in a gentle, subtle approach known as cranial osteopathy. Despite the name, they treat the whole body by applying light, non-manipulative pressure to release tension, soothe the nervous system, and restore natural balance.
Laura qualified as an osteopath in France 12 years ago where she practiced for several years before moving to the UK. Since relocating, she has gained additional qualifications in animal osteopathy and medical acupuncture.
Laura enjoys working with patients of all ages, from babies and toddlers using Cranial Osteopathy, to older adults. She has experience working with rugby teams and horse riders.
Taking a holistic approach to osteopathy, Laura incorporates a range of techniques into her treatments, including cranial osteopathy with a particular interest in visceral osteopathy, having worked with a lot of patients experiencing digestive issues such as IBS, reflux etc.
Laura has lots of experience in women’s health, working with women experiencing painful periods, endometriosis, PCOS, as well as pregnancy and post partum treatments and support.
In her free time, Laura is a keen horse rider and hiker.
