I had a patient emailing me last week, asking if it's possible to get treatment for children from Bristol osteopaths. And, of course, yes it is possible.
With the Spring nearly upon us, and kids going back to school, many children will see a huge increase in physical activities compared to lockdown.
For many, the Winter lockdown has meant an unusually-long period of reduced activity for kids, some sitting on Zoom lessons for long periods often with sub-optimal posture.
Sudden increases in activity can be a prominent factor in musculoskeletal injury, even in kids. Although children are incredibly resilient and their young bodies repair rapidly from bumps, knocks and niggles some aches and pains can linger.
Most of the time, a good night's sleep or a few days rest is all that our kids need to give them that all important recovery time.
It is always recommended that getting back into physical activities is done gently and slowly, but my experience is that kids rarely take this advice on board.
As with all patients (but particularly children) looking for treatment from Bristol osteopaths, it's critical to identify early on if something is seriously wrong so that the appropriate medical intervention can be implemented.
Aches, pains and minor musculoskeletal injuries in children can usually be quickly and safely identified and managed with osteopathy.
Some of the key factors to consider when getting treatment from Bristol osteopaths include the following:
All Bristol osteopaths are equipped and trained to identify and diagnose musculoskeletal problems, and once identified by an osteopath can then be treated or referred on to another suitable medical professional if needed.
Many musculoskeletal injuries in children can be treated using careful and gentle osteopathic techniques. Osteopathic treatment for children will aim to aid healing, speed recovery and prevent a similar injury happening again.
Bristol osteopaths can provide advice and specific exercises for children helping to keep a child's body stable, supple and injury-free during this important time of their development.
Importantly, an osteopath is professionally trained and medically equipped to identify potential 'red flag' conditions that require referral for specialist attention, or serious health problems that could be masking as musculoskeletal pain in a child.
Osteopathy for children at my Henleaze clinic will always be gentle and nurturing, and suited to the individual child and their stage of development. Treatments might involve gentle joint movement and muscular treatment techniques.
Sometimes, a subtle osteopathic technique such as Cranial Osteopathy might be beneficial.
Minor muscular and joint issues can be gently treated, with help and advice offered by a Bristol osteopath, which will also provide reassurance to both child and parent. It’s worth noting that some aches and pains in kids can also be growth-related.
Managing activity levels in children can be difficult for parents, especially if their kids are exceptionally active. Rest is the key to both injury prevention and injury recovery.
If, for example, a child's body is going through a growth spurt, this might be a good time to not push their physical activity levels too much.
One thing that's critical to remember, however, is that pain is a good indicator of injury and should not be ignored - especially in a growing child.
I recently wrote a News article about an online-based postural assessment service available from my Henleaze osteopathy clinic so if you're concerned about your child's posture this is well worth reviewing and getting in touch with me.
I've also written another news post on the main considerations when booking Bristol osteopaths, so please do read this before booking treatment for your child.
My Bristol osteopathy clinic is fully open so if you’re looking for Covid-safe osteopathic treatments for children, please read this news post to find out about the measures in place at my Henleaze osteopathy clinic for all patients, young and old.
To find out more about the full range of Covid-secure osteopathic treatments that I’m providing in Bristol for kids, please visit here for details.