Is my baby too young for this kind of treatment?

Children of any age can benefit from osteopathy. It is never too early to start, and for the best results treatment should begin before the age of five. Early treatment reduces hindrances to growth and limits the severity of any developing learning difficulty.

Is osteopathy recognised as a way of treating babies and children?

Yes it is in many countries. Most private maternity units in the UK employ osteopaths to give assessments and resulting treatments, if needed, to the babies as soon as they are born. In France, Osteopathy has been recognised on the 25th of march 2007. Osteopaths are allowed to treat children. For babies under the age of 6 months, a medical certificate of non contra indication to osteopathy is required.

Is it safe?

In the right hands, yes it is very safe. The right hands include qualified and registered osteopaths who have completed continual professional development in the osteopathic treatment for children. All the participating osteopaths within O.S.T.E.O. are qualified, registered and have relevant experience in treating children.

Does osteopathy hurt?

No, treatments are painless. We use only gentle techniques and do not use force.

Could my child suffer an adverse reaction to osteopathy?

Often, after treatment, the baby or child is very relaxed and sleeps well. Others have a burst of energy, and then have a good night’s sleep. Occasionally children feel unsettled, but this is a temporary situation that happens when mechanical changes are occuring, and only lasts for a day or two.

How many session will I need?

That depends on the diagnosis and recovery time of your child. Generally children and babies recover much quicker than our adult patients.

Do I need to see my doctor before coming for an osteopathic treatment?

If your baby is less than 6 months old then you are required to bring a letter from your paedritician or généraliste to state that there are no known contraindications involved for your child to recieve osteopathic treatment.

Where can I find out more about osteopathy?

You’ll find more informations by contacting the “Registre des Ostéopathes de France”. Have a look at “our partners” section to have all this register’s details.