Questions and Answers About Cranial Manipulation for Infants

The process of being born can be stressful for infants and their bodies. Cranial manipulation for infants is an option to help reverse the side effects of the compression resulting from birth. While there are many treatment options available, an Osteopath (DO) could help. Osteopathy is one of the few methods that is an acceptable treatment for all ages, from infancy through adulthood.

Q: Is cranial manipulation for infants safe?

The holistic modal of treating humans is safe for infants, provided that the Osteopath (DO) is well trained in the area. Simply do your due diligence and ask the doctor about their experience and credentials. As long as the DO is qualified, the procedure is not only safe, but can aid in a healthy infancy.

Q: Why use osteopathy on an infant?

Most people associate misalignment of the body, aches, and pains to aging. However, injury is also a cause. The birthing experience can be stressful on a baby's body. The compression of passing through a birth canal can cause the skull to push together and misshape. The body can become squeezed. The situation is compounded when forceps or other tools are used due to birth complications. Addressing the problem early through cranial manipulation for infants might prevent worse problems that could develop later in childhood and adulthood.

Q: What things can osteopathy help?

The treatment is holistic, meaning it considers the body as a whole to look for ways to return to health. Many issues not thought to be related could be helped through osteopathic manipulation. Some conditions that could be improved are sleep issues, flat or misshaped head, colic, restlessness, and failure to thrive. Problems with digestion, such as inability to suckle, constipation, and reflux can also be addressed.

Q: What happens during the treatment?

During cranial manipulation for infants, a DO will gently massage the bones, muscles, and tendons in the child's body. With a gentle touch, the body responds to being adjusted back into proper alignment for healing. Through techniques that involve pressure, stretching, and resistance, a careful physician can help the baby's body return to it's normal state.

If you would like to learn more about cranial manipulation for infants in Georgetown, visit Tamara McReynolds, D.O.