We have now opened our children’s clinic, receiving specific referrals from GPs, physiotherapists, midwives, maternity nurses and health visitors, as well as mums and dads who contact us directly.
Many infants and toddlers will, understandably, struggle to describe their pain or discomfort, resorting instead to tried-and-tested means of getting attention – crying more than usual, or not sleeping or feeding well. When other medical causes of these signals are ruled out, many midwives and health visitors refer babies and young children to paediatric osteopaths.
Paediatric osteopath Zoe Mundell MOst DPO, who studied at The Osteopathic Centre for Children, approaches treatment by looking for stresses and strains acquired in early life. A child may have been cramped in the confines of the womb while even the most routine births can subject the body to strong compressive or twisted forces, distorting and straining connective tissues. Whatever the early experience, babies and toddlers can continue to feel uncomfortable.
Zoe uses very gentle techniques – moving, stretching and massaging muscles and joints – to detect and treat conditions. Rest assured, she is trained to treat even the most fragile babies, including those born prematurely.