Amber Laris
Chiropractor and Osteopath INFORMATION SHEET
Osteopathy for Children Also, carrying heavy schoolbags, or sitting for long hours at a desk studying or using a computer can also create postural issues for developing bodies, such as asymmetry in the shoulders, excessive slouching, walking awkwardly, or having feet that turn in or out. Therefore, while young bodies are inherently flexible and resilient, they are not immune to physical stresses that have the potential to cause longer lasting harm, beyond the normal rough and tumble of growing up.
Young bodies undergo a lot as children grow into adults. First, there are the thumps and bumps incurred in everyday childhood activity, as well as the knocks and scrapes suffered when playing sport. Then, there are more severe types of traumas, that can occur as the result of an accident, that might include serious falls, fractures or broken bones.
In addition, there are also musculoskeletal strains associated with the actual process of growing itself. These are often dismissed as ‘growing pains,’ but they can be an indicator of an underlying, invisible problem, and so could provide an early warning system that a child might be on the way to being susceptible to posture problems as an adult. Therefore, while it might be tempting to dismiss such discomfort merely as part of growing up, it may nevertheless have more significance. Throughout this tumultuous time, therefore, a regular osteopathic examination and, if necessary, treatment, can be extremely beneficial in