When you bring your baby, infant or child to see Dr Anthony Dileo, the appointment is designed to be calm, respectful and age-appropriate.

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The first consultation usually involves a detailed history, a gentle physical assessment, discussion of what may be contributing to your child’s symptoms or movement concerns, and a plan for care where appropriate.

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For babies, infants and children, no manipulation, “cracking” or high-velocity techniques are used at this clinic.

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Your child’s history

A detailed history helps build a clearer picture of your child’s health, development and current concern.

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Depending on your child’s age and reason for attending, Anthony may ask about:

• Pregnancy and birth history

• Feeding, settling and sleep

• Head position or preference for turning one way

• Tummy time and movement milestones

• Past medical history

• Previous hospital admissions, injuries or illnesses

• Medications, allergies or relevant medical conditions

• Developmental milestones

• Current care from your GP, maternal and child health nurse, paediatrician, lactation consultant or other health professionals

 

For older children and teenagers, the history may also include questions about school, sport, posture, growth-related pain, injuries, activity levels and daily routines.

 

Understanding the main concern

Parents often bring their baby or child in because they have noticed something that does not feel quite right.

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This might include concerns about comfort, movement, posture, feeding position, head turning, body tension, sport-related pain or recovery after an injury.

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Anthony will ask questions such as:

• What have you noticed?

• When did it start?

• Is it getting better, worse or staying the same?

• What makes it better or worse?

• Has your child had this before?

• Has your GP, paediatrician or another practitioner assessed it?

• Are there any scans, reports or referral letters that may be relevant?

 

This helps decide whether osteopathic care is appropriate, and whether further medical assessment is needed.

 

Physical examination

The physical examination is gentle and guided by your child’s comfort.

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For babies, assessment may happen on the treatment table, in your arms, while feeding, sitting, playing or being held by a parent. The appointment does not require your baby to lie still for long periods.

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Depending on the reason for the visit, Anthony may assess:

• General movement and posture

• Head, neck, spine, pelvis, arms or legs

• Muscle tone and areas of tension

• Joint movement

• Developmentally appropriate movement patterns

• Reflexes or basic neurological signs where relevant

• Orthopaedic signs for specific musculoskeletal concerns

• Growth, posture or movement patterns in older children

 

Where appropriate, Anthony may also check simple measures such as height, weight, head circumference or general appearance.

The aim is to understand whether there may be a musculoskeletal component to your child’s presentation, and whether osteopathic care, home advice or referral is the most appropriate next step.

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Gentle osteopathic treatment

Treatment for babies and children is always gentle and adapted to the child in front of us.

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Techniques may include gentle soft tissue work, myofascial techniques, light stretching, gentle joint movement, positioning advice and parent-assisted strategies.

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Anthony will work with your child’s comfort level. Some babies are treated while lying down, while others may be more settled being held by a parent.

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Treatment is not forced, and the appointment can be adjusted depending on how your child is feeling on the day.

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Home advice and management

After the assessment, Anthony will explain what he has found in clear, practical language.

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Home advice may include:

• Positioning suggestions

• Tummy time ideas

• Feeding-position considerations

• Gentle movement or play-based exercises

• Postural or ergonomic advice for older children

• Sport or activity modification

• Recovery guidance after injury

• Advice about when to follow up with your GP or another health professional

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The goal is to give parents practical steps they can use at home, while ensuring care remains safe and appropriate.

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Referral when needed

Osteopaths are trained to recognise when a presentation may need further medical assessment.

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Anthony may recommend review with your GP, maternal and child health nurse, paediatrician, lactation consultant, speech pathologist, orthopaedic specialist or another health professional if this is appropriate.

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Medical review is especially important for concerns such as poor weight gain, significant feeding difficulty, fever, unexplained distress, developmental delay, neurological symptoms, suspected hip dysplasia, breathing concerns, persistent vomiting, seizures or sudden changes in your child’s health.

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Osteopathic care is not a replacement for medical care. For babies and children, the best outcomes often come from good communication between the family and the wider healthcare team.

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A calm appointment for parents and children

Every baby and child is different. Some settle quickly, while others need more time. Parents are encouraged to stay involved throughout the appointment, ask questions and let Anthony know what feels comfortable for their child.

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The consultation is designed to be gentle, thorough and supportive.

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Book an appointment

To book an appointment with Dr Anthony Dileo for your baby, infant, child or teenager, please contact the clinic or book online.