Supporting active kids with Osteopathy

Written by Osteopath Gemma Ahrens 

If you're a parent, you already know that childhood is full of movement. Whether it’s climbing trees, playing football, dancing, gymnastics, or simply running around the playground, kids are constantly testing the limits of their bodies. With that level of activity, it's no surprise that children occasionally end up with aches, pains, or minor injuries. The good news is: children typically respond very well to osteopathic treatment.

As an osteopath, I often see children in the clinic who are otherwise healthy but might be experiencing discomfort that impacts their movement, mood, or sleep. These can range from minor sports injuries and growing pains to postural imbalances or discomfort after a fall or knock.

Common Issues We See in Children

Here are just a few of the typical reasons parents bring their children in for a check-up or treatment:

• Sports Injuries: Sprains, strains, and joint pain are common in kids who are involved in regular physical activity. These can affect performance, cause pain, or lead to compensatory issues elsewhere in the body.

• Postural Strain: With school bags, screen time, and rapid growth, postural issues are more common than ever. A hunched back and uneven shoulders are things we commonly see in kids. If this is also associated with complaints of neck and back pain, it can be very beneficial to address this early on. 

• Growing Pains: Some children experience muscle or joint pain during growth spurts, especially in the legs. Osteopathy may help relieve tension and improve comfort during these phases.

• Minor Falls or Bumps: Children bounce back quickly—but sometimes underlying tension or restriction can linger after a fall. Even if your child isn’t complaining of pain, subtle changes in movement or behaviour can be clues.

• Tension Headaches or Jaw Pain: Less common, but still seen, particularly in older children or teens—often related to stress, posture, or teeth alignment.

How Osteopathy Can Help

Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on approach that focuses on restoring balance and movement in the body. With children, treatments are always adapted to suit their age, size, and temperament. Often, we use soft tissue techniques, gentle joint articulation, or cranial osteopathy where appropriate.

The First appointment

During an initial appointment, we’ll carry out a full assessment—this includes taking a detailed case history, observing movement, and performing hands-on examination to identify areas of tension or imbalance. Treatment is then tailored to your child’s needs and comfort. If at any point we feel further investigation is required, such as imaging or a referral to another healthcare professional, we’ll always discuss that with you and help guide the next steps.

The aim is not only to relieve symptoms but to support the body’s natural ability to heal and adapt. Whether it’s improving mobility, reducing discomfort, or helping a child feel more at ease in their body, osteopathy can make a big difference—often in just a few sessions.

Why Children Respond So Well

One of the joys of treating children is how quickly and positively their bodies respond. Their tissues are more elastic, they heal faster, and they usually haven’t developed the long-term compensations we often see in adults. It’s also incredibly rewarding to help children feel more comfortable in their growing, active bodies and develop healthy habits and patterns early on. 

When to Consider an Appointment

If your child is complaining of recurring aches and pains, seems unusually stiff or tired, or has recently had a knock and “just doesn’t seem right,” it’s worth checking in. Often, a few gentle sessions are all it takes to get them back to feeling like themselves again.

If you have any questions about whether osteopathy might be suitable for your child, feel free to get in touch—we’re always happy to chat.

You can book an appointment for your child to see osteopath Gemma via the below link. Alternatively, give us a call and we can discuss your child's needs.

Book an Appointment

References: 

1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2022). Non-specific low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management. Retrieved from [https://www.nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk)

2. General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). (2021). Osteopathy and Children: Information for Patients. Retrieved from [https://www.osteopathy.org.uk](https://www.osteopathy.org.uk)

3. Cerritelli, F., et al. (2015). Effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on gastrointestinal function and length of stay in preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pediatrics, 15(1), 1–8.  

4. Parnell Prevost, C., et al. (2021). Musculoskeletal Pain in Children and Adolescents: A Review.* *Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 35(3), 289–298.

5. Engel, R. M., & Vemulpad, S. (2007). The role of osteopathy in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain in children. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 11(3), 206–213.