Gentle osteopathic care for babies and children

At this clinic, osteopathic care for babies, infants and children is always gentle, respectful and age-appropriate.

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No manipulation, “cracking” or high-velocity techniques are used on babies, infants or children.

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Dr Anthony Dileo works with families to understand what is happening for their child, assess movement and comfort, and provide gentle hands-on care where appropriate. When needed, care is provided alongside your GP, maternal and child health nurse, lactation consultant, paediatrician or other health professionals.

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Why parents bring babies or children to an osteopath

Parents may bring their baby or child for osteopathic assessment when they notice concerns such as:

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• Preference for turning the head to one side

• Difficulty settling into certain positions

• Neck or body tension

• Feeding or attachment challenges where musculoskeletal tension may be contributing

• Head shape changes or asymmetry

• Reduced comfort with tummy time

• Concerns about limb, hip or joint movement

• Torticollis or postural asymmetry

• Recovery after birth-related strain or positioning

• General movement or developmental concerns requiring assessment

 

For older children and teenagers, osteopathy may also be helpful for:

• Sports injuries

• Growth-related aches and pains

• Osgood-Schlatter’s disease

• Postural strain

• Repetitive strain injuries

• Neck, back, shoulder, hip, knee or ankle pain

• Recovery after falls, knocks or minor trauma

 

Osteopathy is not a replacement for medical care. If there are concerns that require medical assessment, imaging, paediatric review or urgent care, Anthony will discuss this with you and refer appropriately.

 

What happens during an appointment?

Your child’s appointment begins with a detailed history. For babies, this may include questions about pregnancy, birth, feeding, sleep, settling, head position, tummy time, medical history and any concerns raised by your GP, midwife or maternal and child health nurse.

The examination is gentle and guided by your baby or child’s comfort. Assessment may include looking at posture, movement, muscle tone, joint motion and areas of tension or restriction.

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Babies do not need to lie still on a treatment table. They can be assessed and treated in a position that feels safe and comfortable — on the table, in your arms, feeding, sitting, playing or being held by a parent.

 

Gentle hands-on treatment

Treatment for babies and children is very gentle. Techniques may include soft tissue work, gentle joint articulation, myofascial techniques, stretching or positioning advice.

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The aim is to support comfort, movement and function, while keeping the child calm and settled throughout the appointment.

Anthony will also provide practical advice where appropriate. This may include positioning ideas, tummy time strategies, feeding-position suggestions, movement play, home exercises or guidance about when further medical review may be needed.

 

Working with your child’s healthcare team

Osteopathic care for babies and children is often best provided as part of a broader care team.

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Depending on your child’s needs, Anthony may recommend communication with your GP, maternal and child health nurse, lactation consultant, paediatrician, physiotherapist, speech pathologist or other relevant practitioner.

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For concerns such as hip dysplasia, significant feeding difficulty, poor weight gain, neurological signs, fever, unexplained distress or developmental delay, medical assessment is important.

 

A calm and respectful approach

Every baby and child is different. Some children are relaxed straight away; others need time to warm up. The appointment is paced around your child’s needs, and parents are encouraged to stay involved throughout the consultation.

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The goal is simple: gentle, respectful care that supports your child’s comfort, movement and wellbeing.

 

Book an appointment

To book an appointment with Dr Anthony Dileo, please contact the clinic or book online.