Children

Headaches / Back pain

Long sitting in classrooms and the increased use of digital devices means joints and muscles are often stuck in the same position for long periods of time.

Children complain of headaches and back pain more and more frequently. Often these are related to trigger points in the muscles or referred from the neck or areas of the spine that are inactive.

A gentle treatment can often help release tired, tight, overused muscles (being stuck in one posture is fatiguing for the body). This helps the body be able to communicate it needs to change position rather than getting used to being stuck in a certain posture which can become a habit.

Mouth breathing / Orthodontics

I have worked closely with Wholistic dentists for many years and have seen time and time again the incredible changes that can occur when a child’s or even an adult’s mouth breathing/malocclusion (misalignment of teeth and jaw) issues are addressed.

Cranial Osteopaths and Dentists working hand in hand are commonplace in the United States. Australian dentists with a whole body approach are beginning to realise the benefits of working with a good cranial Osteopath.

Hip, knee, ankle and foot alignment

By examining and gently balancing muscles and ligaments and releasing muscle and fascial tension, the body is given an opportunity to “self-correct”. An Osteopath is also able to discern if there is any more serious orthopaedic conditions that can occur at this age are picked up by examination and referral where appropriate.

Some conditions that need referral include: 

Developmental Hip Dysplasia in Babies – is usually picked up in hospital by orthopaedic testing (Ortolani and Barlow tests) but can be missed at times. For more information https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/paediatricorthopaedics/information/conditions/ddh-babies.aspx

Developmental Hip Dysplasia in Older Children – Hip socket fails to develop properly. For more information https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/paediatricorthopaedics/information/conditions/ddh-older-children.aspx

Legg-Calve-Perthes – Child and teen – 2-12 yo (more common in males).

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis – Child and teen 10-16 (more common in males).

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – Persistent heat, swelling and discomfort in joints in someone under 16 needs immediate referral to a Rheumatologist to rule out this possibility.

Transient Synovitis – More common in toddlers and children. Most common cause of a sudden hip pain and limp in young children (after ruling out acute injury).

For a more comprehensive list please see https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/orthopedics/conditions/body-parts/hip/

There are some conditions that very rarely need referral. They often self-correct with time. Some of these changes are a normal part of a child’s development. It is helpful for the child to have a couple of treatments to help them balance and grow. They may be given exercises to help balance the pelvis and lower limbs.

https://www.chortho.com/common-conditions/bowlegs-and-knock-knees

These conditions include:

Genu Varum “Bow legged” –

Genu Valgum “knock knees” – children up to 6yo of age, this is often a normal part of development.

 Paediatric Intoeing “pigeon toes” – children may have this on one side or both up until 8 years of age depending on the causes which may be tibial torsion, femoral anteversion or metatarsus adductus.

For more information see:

https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/paediatricorthopaedics/information/conditions/in-toe-walking.aspx

Flat feet are common until the age of 5  ( sometimes ages 6-8)

For more information see:

https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/paediatricorthopaedics/information/conditions/flat-foot.aspx

Assisting the body through these changes makes sense. Knowing when to refer for an orthopaedic consultation is vital.

If there is a problem with symmetry or range of motion between two joints eg. R-L knee, often a treatment or two can make all the difference in helping the body balance itself.

Growing pains

It is important as children grow, that they have the occasional treatment to help them achieve the best balance in their bodies while growing.

They can often suffer from “growing pains”. There is really no evidence they are connected to growth spurts, although they do seem to happen between 3 – 11 yrs when a lot of growing happens.

Severs and Osgoodschlatters Disease (apophysitis)

These are more of a disturbance of the growth plates of either the knee (Osgoodschlatters) or heel (Severs).

Often repetitive high impact sports are the cause coupled with fast growth of the bones that causes the tendons to pull on the apophysis of the bone. This can cause pain and a build up of bone on the area of the pulling.

Stretching and rest from sport or reducing intensity is often enough to rectify the situation. Osteopathy can help release tight muscles, balance ligaments and release fascia to relieve strain on the bones as the body recovers.