Conditions we treat
Treating babies, toddlers and school age children is a special interest we have at North Canberra Osteopathy. We provide care for babies and children who are tight, asymmetrical, or uncomfortable. We do not use spinal manipulation on children. Our care includes manual therapy, positioning advice, and home exercises and stretches. We see conditions such as:
- Torticollis and neck rotation preference
- Plagiocephaly (a flat spot on the back of the head)
- Talipes (where a baby’s feet are curled in)
- Feeding issues, including tongue ties
- Excessive crying
- Babies who are uncomfortable in the car
- Babies with stiff shoulders and arms
- Blocked nasolacrimal ducts
- Breathing issues (see Betsy)
- Hyper-mobility (see Steph)
- Intrauterine moulding (where babies have asymmetry and stiffness due to their position in the womb)
If you’re unsure about whether to bring your baby in, we’re very happy to talk to you first to see if we can help.
Treatment techniques
We have lots of techniques we use during a paediatric consult to relax and reassure our little patients. Often our baby patients fall asleep during their consult, or sleep right through it. Our techniques are gentle, relaxing and often a bit like a massage.
There’s nothing fast or rough, and definitely no ‘cracking’ of anything!
What to expect in your appointment
During your baby’s initial appointment with an osteopath, we’ll begin by gathering a detailed case history, followed by an examination. Based on this, we’ll then establish a diagnosis and create a management plan. In most cases, hands-on treatment will be provided during the session, or we’ll offer a referral if necessary.
We collaborate closely with a trusted network of midwives, lactation consultants, and GPs to ensure comprehensive support for families. If you’d like to discuss any concerns or questions before booking your baby’s appointment, feel free to give us a call. We’re always happy to help!
What we need for your appointment
If you can bring your child’s blue book in for their first appointment that’s a great help to us.
Clinic amenities
- Change table stocked with the essentials
- Toys galore
- Pram accessible
- Breast-feeding seat/pillow
Book your appointment with us today.
All of our osteopaths are AHPRA-registered allied health professionals and members of Osteopathy Australia. But more than that, we’re a diverse team with unique backgrounds, interests, and additional training. Explore our bios below to find the osteopath who’s the best fit for you!
Our Team
FAQs
Yes, osteopaths can work with babies and children – but not every osteopath chooses to. Those who treat paediatric patients typically complete additional postgraduate training to ensure they are confident and safe in their approach. At North Canberra Osteopathy, 4 of our 6 osteopaths have undertaken further paediatric training and regularly support families with babies and children in our clinic.
All of our osteopaths are AHPRA-registered health professionals and members of Osteopathy Australia, so families can feel assured that their children are in well-prepared hands.
At North Canberra Osteopathy, parents often bring their babies to us with concerns like head turning preference, flat spots on the skull (plagiocephaly or brachycephaly), unsettled sleep, feeding challenges, or musculoskeletal strains related to birth. Osteopaths can support babies by identifying and addressing physical restrictions that may contribute to discomfort. If we feel your baby needs further input, we will always refer to, or collaborate with, your GP, paediatrician, or other trusted health professionals.
Your baby’s first visit begins with a thorough case history, including questions about pregnancy, birth, and your baby’s early development. The osteopath will gently assess your baby’s posture, movement, and musculoskeletal function, always watching for cues to ensure your baby is comfortable. If treatment is appropriate, it typically involves very gentle hands-on techniques suited to infants.
We encourage parents to be present and engaged during the session, and we’ll explain our findings and recommendations clearly. If we feel your baby would benefit from additional care, we will discuss referral pathways and work collaboratively with your GP, paediatrician, or other health professionals.
Yes, Osteopathic care for babies and children works best as part of a collaborative approach. At North Canberra Osteopathy, we frequently communicate and coordinate with GPs, paediatricians, maternal child health nurses, lactation consultants, physiotherapists, and other allied health providers. This ensures that your child’s needs are addressed holistically and that we remain within our professional scope of practice.
If we identify issues that require medical assessment or specialised care, we will refer promptly and provide clear communication to support continuity of care. This team-based approach reflects our commitment to safety, evidence-based practice, and family-centred care.