 Osteopathy
for children
Mum of five, Clodagh Foelster, describes how The Osteopathic Centre
for children treated her daughter's talipes, with amazing results.
Rio's talipes
When my daughter, Rio, started crawling she didn't use her legs at all
but dragged herself along with her arms. Despite reassurances from my
health visitor and GP, as the mother of 3 older children who were all
walking by their first birthday I was naturally concerned at my daughter's
inability to even crawl properly.
By the time she was 16 months old, she was still unable to take any weight
on her legs so we saw an orthopaedic specialist who diagnosed talipes
calcaneus, a condition where the tiny bones and muscles in her feet had
grown at an incorrect angle. As well as this, her ankles were double-jointed,
leading to even more instability.
I was relieved to finally have a diagnosis for her problems but shocked
when the consultant said there was no treatment for it. He sent me off
with the advice to return if she still wasn't walking at the age of two.
A few days later I was talking with Stephanie at babyworld and mentioned
the problems I was having. She said that she had heard some good things
about the Osteopathic Centre for Children and suggested I give them a
ring.
To start with I'll admit I was sceptical. I'm a nurse, had been a member
of the 'conventional medical brigade' for 16 years. I knew practically
nothing about osteopathy. But then I thought what did I have to lose?
I had an irritable 16-month-old daughter who was desperate to walk but
physically couldn't. If osteopathy didn't work then we wouldn't have lost
anything and if it did we would gain so much.
I rang the OCC in London and was given an appointment for the following
week.
The Osteopathic Centre for Children
 The
OCC has two branches, one in East London and the other in Manchester.
Just a ten minute bus ride from King's Cross station, the London branch
was most convenient for me.
I wasn't at all sure what I was expecting but it certainly wasn't the
warm, relaxed, airy 'clinic' that I walked into. Bright and friendly there
wasn't a hint of clinicalness. More surprisingly, as we were led into
the treatment area I noticed that the space was open. There were no frightening
curtains or doors for the children to be hidden behind.
 Rio was
instantly at ease and my normally shy little girl smiled happily for the
osteopath who was treating her and who, incidentally would be treating
her for the duration of her course.
What is paediatric osteopathy?
The OCC define paediatric osteopathy as being based on the principle
that all ailments - whether minor or serious - are as a result of an imbalance
somewhere in the network of the body's systems.
A paediatric osteopath, who trains for a further two years after a general
osteopathy degree, will use manual techniques to bring about profound
changes within the child's body through gentle manipulation.
This will allow the different body systems - the nervous system, the
immune system, the muscular system and the circulatory system - to work
effectively and optimally. The treatment uses no drugs, and is non-invasive.
What does it treat?
Paediatric Osteopathy can be used to treat children with a wide range
of conditions, from relatively minor ailments through to asthma, epilepsy,
contagious diseases and cerebral palsy.
As well as treating specific problems, the OCC also visit Barnet Hospital
to treat premature babies who may have experienced a traumatic birth.
They also offer treatment to post natal mums to ensure everything is going
back into the right place after delivery.
Is it regulated?
Osteopathy is a well-established medical discipline, regulated by a statutory
council and backed up by research.
Each paediatric osteopath is a fully qualified osteopathic graduate,
who undergoes two years clinical training with the OCC to obtain the Diploma
in Paediatric Osteopathy.
Notes and records are confidential in the same way as at the doctors
and written permission is asked for prior to contacting any other medical
profession.
How does it work?
At her first appointment I was asked about Rio's general health as well
as family history in much the same way as a regular consultation. The
osteopath then used her hands on Rio's feet and hips to physically assess
her condition which she confirmed as talipes as well as some hip instability
which she thought was due to the birth.
 Forty
five minutes later the first treatment was complete without Rio even aware
that she was being treated. The procedure is gentle and non-invasive and
Rio thought she was just enjoying some quiet time - a miracle in itself
considering she doesn't normally sit still for longer than five minutes
at a time.
I was advised she would probably need another 4 or 5 treatments and
made an appointment for the following week. The OCC do not charge for
treatments but as they are a charity any donations are very welcome.
That first evening I watched in amazement as Rio stood upright for the
first time in her life. She was actually weight bearing.
Now, 2 months and 4 treatments later, Rio is running around like any
other toddler. Her foot position is nearly 100 per cent improved and she
is full of confidence with her new-found independence.
Hundreds of families have been helped by the OCC. Tom was diagnosed with
cerebral palsy at six months old and could not hold his head up or walk.
After just one treatment he was holding his head erect and after more
treatments he not only walked but eventually was able to attend a mainstream
school
Find out more about the OCC
Harriet Griffey from the OCC explains that they offer no miracle cures
or healing but can often help with many conditions including sleeping
problems and temperament worries as well as physical aiments.
She says that you don't need to understand how it works adding, "I don't
know how a combustion engine works but I can drive a car."
The OCC in London is well established having been open for many years.
The newer branch in Manchester is already enjoying treating children and
hope to become as well known as it's London counterpart.
Visit the OCC website for more information
and contact details.
Where to next?
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