Infant Care

Our Assessment:

This might be the most important page on our website. Infants and young children can be the most rewarding clients to treat. Because their central nervous system is still developing and changing so rapidly, even minor intervention can have profound results. The thank yous we receive from parents and their feedback that they wish everybody knew about the work we do motivate us to share our stories.

Newborns are born with a predictable path of reflexes that determine how the central nervous system is integrated and how it forms the foundational movements and functions needed for optimal development. Using our hands-on skills and the assessment of specific paediatric reflexes, your physiotherapist or osteopath can determine how well your child is developing. Using extremely gentle touch and teaching parents to integrate these reflexes and stimulate proper movement, our next generation will develop more relaxed, move better, and be healthier.

Some examples of why parents and their newborns visit us include latching difficulties, breastfeeding challenges, colic, reflux, and crawling issues. Other concerns include unusual gait patterns such as toe-walking, or sometimes parents simply seek peace of mind—small adjustments can make a huge difference.

Our Treatment:

Our Technology

Most infants do not require any technology. For some of our younger patients, we have incorporated the Integrated Listening System (iLS) to assist with vestibular integration. Our most profound story involves watching a young boy walk into our clinic exclusively toe-walking, unable to flatten his feet. Once he had the iLS system on his head, he was able to walk normally and balance perfectly.

Infant and Pediatric Conditions Treatable by Physiotherapists and Osteopathic Practitioners

At PhysioActive, our compassionate team of physiotherapists and osteopathic practitioners specializes in treating a wide range of infant and paediatric conditions. We understand how important it is for your child to thrive, and our gentle, holistic approach is designed to support their well-being at every stage. Here are some of the conditions we effectively treat:

Colic and Digestive Issues: Our gentle techniques help soothe discomfort, improve digestion, and promote a calmer baby, reducing the distress associated with colic.
Developmental Delays: We support your child’s milestones with customized interventions that enhance motor skills, coordination, and overall development.
Plagiocephaly (Flat Spots on the Head): Early intervention can help reshape your baby’s head, alleviate pressure points, and prevent long-term issues.
Torticollis (Twisted Neck): We use manual therapy and specific exercises to improve neck movement and comfort for your baby, ensuring a balanced and pain-free range of motion.
Lip and Tongue Ties: Our gentle treatments can help address these issues, improving your baby’s ability to latch, feed, and thrive.
Breastfeeding Difficulties: Addressing underlying issues in the cranial and oral structures, we help improve your baby’s ability to feed effectively, making breastfeeding a more comfortable and successful experience.
Feeding Difficulties: Our practitioners work to resolve any structural issues that might be affecting your baby’s ability to feed, ensuring they receive the nutrition they need.
Sleep Disturbances: Through gentle treatments, we help regulate your baby’s sleep patterns, allowing both you and your child to enjoy better rest.
Respiratory Issues: We assist in improving breathing patterns and reducing respiratory discomfort, helping your child breathe easier.
Neuromuscular Conditions: For children with conditions like cerebral palsy, we enhance mobility, strength, and overall function through tailored therapies.
Sensory Processing Issues: We provide strategies and treatments to help children better process sensory information, leading to improved daily functioning.
Birth Trauma: Our gentle osteopathic techniques help alleviate any physical stress or imbalances caused during birth, promoting a healthy start.
Chronic Ear Infections: Manual therapy can improve drainage and reduce the frequency of ear infections, helping your child feel more comfortable.
Gait Abnormalities: We assess and treat issues with walking and balance to ensure your child’s movement is as natural and pain-free as possible.
Toe-Walking: Toe-walking can be a sign of underlying issues in the musculoskeletal or nervous system. Through targeted therapy, practitioners can help correct this pattern by addressing muscle tightness, balance, and coordination. Early intervention can prevent future complications and support your child’s healthy development. Using iLS and vestibular and cranial treatment, there usually ends up being little to no stretching needed.

At PhysioActive, we are dedicated to supporting your child’s health and development. Our treatments are designed to provide relief, promote growth, and ensure your child has the best possible start in life. We are here to help your family every step of the way.

FAQs for Osteopathic and Physiotherapy Treatment for Infants

How can an osteopathic practitioner help my child with colic or gut issues?

Osteopathic practitioners use gentle, hands-on techniques to alleviate tension and improve the function of your baby’s digestive system. By addressing imbalances in the body, they can help reduce discomfort, soothe colic symptoms, and promote a happier, healthier baby.
How many sessions does it take?

The number of sessions varies depending on your baby’s specific needs. Some infants show improvement after just a few sessions, while others may require ongoing care. Your practitioner will provide a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s progress.
Is it safe for a physiotherapist or osteopath to treat my infant?

Absolutely. Our practitioners are highly trained and experienced in working with infants. The techniques used are incredibly gentle and safe, specifically designed to suit the delicate nature of a baby’s developing body.
My doctor says my baby will grow out of it, will this help anyways?

While many babies do eventually outgrow issues like colic, early intervention can help ease discomfort and improve quality of life for both your baby and your family. Osteopathic and physiotherapy treatments can offer relief and potentially prevent further complications.
How fast can I expect to see a change?

Many parents notice improvements within a few sessions, sometimes even after the first visit. Every baby is different, so the speed of change can vary, but our goal is to provide relief as quickly as possible.
How can a therapist help with motor and nervous system delay by integrating primitive reflexes?

Therapists work to integrate primitive reflexes, which are essential for proper development. By doing so, they help your child develop motor skills, improve coordination, and support the nervous system, laying the foundation for healthy growth and development.