Children age 18 months and older can also benefit enormously from Cranial Osteopathy. This article looks at the various conditions that we see most frequently in toddlers and older children!
Sleeping difficulties – There comes a time when you expect your little one to sleep the night and when they don’t, it can be a difficult situation for everyone! If the disruption in the sleeping pattern is as a result of a physical issue such as ear infections or congestion, or as a result of an over-stimulated nervous system, then cranial osteopathy is very effective in restoring a good sleeping pattern. For more information on Sleep issues see our article Sleep or rather lack of it! What’s the Solution?
Ear Infections and/or Glue Ear – Ear infections are the most common illness to affect pre-school children with up to 90% of children experiencing one before their 3rd birthday. For some children this can be a once off occurrence, but for others it becomes a regular pattern. Glue ear is a build-up of fluid in the middle ear. This fluid may become thick and cause pain and a reduction in the child’s hearing. Imagine hearing everything with your fingers in your ears! That is what it sounds like for a child with Glue Ear. Cranial Osteopathy helps by reducing the tension in the Temporal bones. As a result, the function of the Eustachian Tube is improved and this in turn helps fluid to drain from the Middle Ear. I also examine upper rib cage movement and the tension in the muscles that connect the ribs to the ear bone surfaces, as many ear infections originate in the Upper Respiratory Tract as a result of coughs and colds. For more information, see our article Recurrent Ear Infections and Glue Ear in Children
Night Terrors – Some children experience night terrors, a condition where they seem to wake up at night from a bad dream and are extremely upset and difficult to sooth and generally don’t remember this happening the following morning. This pattern occurs very regularly and usually develops after a shock or a traumatic experience such as a hospital admission or a fall. These children usually respond very well to cranial osteopathy. For more information, see our article on Night Terrors
Congestion – All children get coughs and colds but for some, the associated congestion becomes a regular symptom. As a result, they frequently get infections and require antibiotics. This congestion can be as a result of poor drainage from the sinuses and reduced function of the diaphragm. Cranial Osteopathy improves the movement of the bones of the face which helps drainage and improves the function of the breathing diaphragm.
Constipation – Did you know that chronic constipation affects 1 in 3 children and is most commonly seen in children aged 2 to 5 years? In most cases constipation can often resolve on its own in a few days. For some, it can be a more serious problem leading to painful passing of stools, mild bleeding and abdominal pain. Cranial Osteopathy is a very effective and gentle treatment for persistent cases of constipation in children, in addition to the appropriate advice regarding diet and exercise.
Anxiety – All children are different. Some take the world in their stride and others are a little more cautious! For children who appear overly anxious about new situations or people, who experience separation anxiety or who are experiencing stress in the form of headaches and tummy pains, cranial osteopathy is a gentle but effective treatment option.
Focus and Concentration – Getting distracted is normal for young children. Most children have times when they are restless and forgetful. If your child is fidgety and unable to sit and concentrate for long, and you have out-ruled the obvious causes of distraction, it may be due to physical discomfort and tension that they do not have the words to explain. As some children retain the stresses and strains of birth, gentle treatment from a trained cranial osteopath can be beneficial to help release these pressures, enabling your child to fully engage with life again. For more information see our article Concentration and Focus in School-going Children.