OSTEO FOR PAEDIATRICS
Gentle Osteopathic Care for Babies
Babies experience many changes in their first few months of life, and sometimes they need extra support to settle and grow comfortably. Common conditions such as unsettledness, reflux, feeding challenges, and head positioning issues can impact their well-being.
Osteopathy for paediatrics and babies at Alpha Sports Medicine in Newport offers a gentle, hands-on approach to help ease these concerns, supporting healthy development of your baby and overall comfort.
What Parents Should Know About Paediatric Osteopathy
Evidence, Safety and Our Approach to Paediatric Osteopathy
Osteopathy Australia recommends that spinal manipulative techniques not be used on babies, infants, or children under 12 years, citing limited systematic evidence of clinical benefit for these patient groups.
Instead, they suggest alternative clinical management approaches such as soft tissue manual therapy, positional or postural advice, play activity prescription, and exercise programming to encourage range of movement and physical mobility while managing potential clinical risks. You can read their position statement here.
All practitioners within our clinic offering treatment to paediatric patients have either undertaken or are enrolled in continuing professional development (CPD) aligned with these nationally supported standards
Hayden, C., & Mullinger, B. (2006). A preliminary assessment of the impact of cranial osteopathy for the treatment of infants with colic and disturbed sleep. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 12(2), 83–90. DOI on PubMed/ScienceDirect pages.
PAEDIATRICS FOR UNSETTLED BABIES
What is an Unsettled Baby?
An unsettled baby may cry excessively, struggle with sleep, and be difficult to soothe.
This is common in newborns, often peaking at six weeks and improving by 12-16 weeks.
Common Causes of an Unsettled Baby
- Immature digestive system
- Musculoskeletal tension from birth
- Maternal diet (if breastfeeding)
- Overstimulation and nervous system dysregulation
How Osteopathy At Alpha Sports Medicine Can Help Your Baby
- Releases tension in the body, improving relaxation and sleep
- Enhances gut motility to aid digestion
- Supports nervous system regulation for better emotional balance
PAEDIATRICS FOR REFLUX IN BABIES
What is Reflux?
Reflux occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort. Many babies experience this in their early months.
Symptoms of Reflux in Babies
- Frequent spitting up
- Arching of the back during or after feeding
- Irritability and difficulty sleeping
- Hiccups or coughing
Common Causes of Reflux in Babies
- Immature digestive system
- Tightness in the diaphragm and abdomen
- Feeding sensitivities or allergies
OSTEOPATHY FOR REFLUX IN BABIES
How Osteopathy At Alpha Sports Medicine Can Help Your Baby
- Relieves tension in the diaphragm and abdomen for smoother digestion
- Supports nervous system regulation to ease excessive crying
- Addresses musculoskeletal strain from birth to improve comfort
PAEDIATRICS FOR TONGUE TIE, LIP TIE & FEEDING DIFFICULTIES
What are Tongue and Lip Ties?
These conditions occur when the tissue under the tongue or upper lip is too tight, restricting movement and making feeding difficult.
Symptoms of Tongue and Lip Ties
- Poor latch and milk transfer
- Nipple pain for mothers
- Fussiness and frequent, unsatisfactory feeds
- Difficulty flanging the upper lip or moving the tongue properly
How Osteopathy At Alpha Sports Medicine Can Help Your Baby
- Gently releases tension in the mouth, jaw, and neck
- Improves tongue and lip mobility for a better latch
- Supports post-surgical recovery if a tongue or lip tie release is performed
PAEDIATRICS FOR HEAD FAVOURING, PLAGIOCEPHALY & TORTICOLLIS
What is are these conditions?
- Head favouring: A preference for turning the head to one side
- Plagiocephaly: Flattening of one side of the head
- Torticollis: Tightness in neck muscles causing head tilt
Common Causes
- Birth positioning or delivery strain
- Time spent in one position (e.g., back sleeping)
- Muscle tightness or asymmetry
OSTEOPATHY FOR HEAD FAVOURING, PLAGIOCEPHALY & TORTICOLLIS
How Osteopathy At Alpha Sports Medicine Can Help Your Baby
- Uses gentle manual therapy to release tension in neck muscles
- Encourages balanced movement and proper head alignment
- Provides repositioning advice to support natural skull development
How Osteopathy Supports Babies
Paediatric Osteopathic treatment is a safe, non-invasive way to help babies with musculoskeletal and functional issues. By using gentle techniques, our paediatric osteopath can:
If your baby is struggling with unsettledness, reflux, feeding difficulties, or head positioning concerns, our osteopathic care can provide relief.
Our Osteopath Dr Lara Trevorrow has additional training in paediatric care and can assist parents with babies in the Newport, Spotswood, Yarraville, Williamstown, Altona and Footscray areas. Book an appointment with Osteopath Lara at Alpha Sports Medicine today to support your baby’s health and well-being.
Dr. Lara Trevorrow Osteopathy
Further Study: OA Paediatrics Course, Reformer pilates
Lara graduated from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy) and a Master of Health Science (Osteopathy). Lara is also a qualified Pilates Instructor and has additional training in myofascial cupping and dry needling.
Lara’s passion for osteopathy developed initially from her sporting background, having competed at the state level for athletics and cycling and at the national level for hockey. She understands the importance of biomechanics, injury prevention and rehabilitation starting at the junior level. After taking her newborn son to an osteopath, she knew that this is what she wanted to do. Her love for osteopathy has only grown as she has been able to work with patients to increase their function and reach their goals.
Lara tailors her approach to the unique needs of each patient, prioritising their individual needs and goals. She uses a combination of hands-on treatment and movement-based management to achieve optimal function and sustainable results.
We believe that being part of your support team and seeing you thrive is one of the most rewarding things we do. Together, we can help you find the relief you are looking for, relax and recover so you can get back to living and enjoying your life.
Give us a call to find out more, or book an appointment online with one of our Osteopaths.
Learn More About Postpartum Pain Relief & Recovery
When Should You See a Health Professional?
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Heavy or unusual bleeding
- Intense headaches or vision changes
- Sudden swelling in the face, legs, or feet
- Pain that does not improve with rest or home care
- Difficulty moving or engaging in daily activities due to pain