Babies and Osteopathy

A growing number of people are bringing their babies to cranial osteopaths for assessment and treatment.  In 2013 13 % of consultations with osteopaths involved unsettled babies or those with a colic presentation.  Research into the effects of osteopathy on infantile colic is badly needed, and for this reason the European School of Osteopathy, in conjunction with the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy, is conducting a pilot study to determine the feasibility of conducting this research. 

Infantile colic occurs in 10-40 % of babies and is associated with stress in labour, pregnancy or the post-natal period; lactose intolerance or intestinal hyper mobility.  A baby with colic may present with abdominal distention, frequent gas emissions, apparent abdominal discomfort, irritability and excess crying without an identifiable cause. 

In 2009 the National Council for Osteopathic Research found that 1/4 of general osteopaths use cranial techniques in their treatments. 

(Source: Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy)