What Happens During a Pediatric Osteopathy Session?
A parent’s guide for Hamilton & Stoney Creek families
When your child has discomfort, posture changes, or developmental concerns, it helps to know exactly what to expect. At Wellspring Health and Wellness in Hamilton, our pediatric osteopathy sessions are gentle, child‑friendly, and designed around your family’s goals.
1) Before the Session — Understanding Your Child’s Needs
Your visit begins with a warm welcome and a short conversation about:
- Your child’s medical history, birth experience, and key milestones
- Current concerns (e.g., colic, reflux, sleep issues, torticollis, sports injuries, posture)
- Relevant family history or previous assessments
2) The Assessment — Gentle Observation & Testing
The osteopath performs a non‑invasive assessment tailored to your child’s age:
- Observing how your child sits, stands, crawls, or walks
- Feeling for areas of muscular or fascial tension and joint mobility
- Checking symmetry, posture, and movement quality
We explain every step to you (and to your child in age‑appropriate language) so there are no surprises.
3) Treatment — Gentle, Child‑Friendly Techniques
Pediatric osteopathy uses light, precise movements suited to growing bodies. Depending on your child’s needs, techniques may include:
- Cranial osteopathy: gentle touch on the head and spine to ease tension
- Soft‑tissue techniques: relaxing tight muscles and improving circulation
- Mobilization: encouraging normal joint movement without forceful manipulation
Children may sit on your lap, lie on the treatment table, or play quietly while we work—keeping the session calm and friendly.
4) After the Session — What Happens Next
We review our findings and share a simple plan:
- Recommended number of sessions (case‑by‑case)
- At‑home tips: positioning, stretches, or posture habits
- Signs to watch for between visits
Some kids feel relaxed right away; others may be a bit tired for a short period before improvement sets in.
Common Parent Questions
Is pediatric osteopathy safe?
Yes. Our practitioners use child‑specific techniques that are very gentle and adapted to each age and stage.
How long is a session?
Typically 30–45 minutes, depending on your child’s needs and comfort.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No referral is required. You can book directly with Wellspring Health and Wellness in Hamilton & Stoney Creek.
What conditions can osteopathy help with?
Common reasons include colic, reflux, torticollis, posture concerns, sports injuries, balance/coordination issues, and general developmental support.
Why Choose Wellspring Health and Wellness?
- Local care for Hamilton & Stoney Creek families
- Gentle, evidence‑informed techniques from newborns to teens
- Multidisciplinary team (physiotherapy, massage therapy, osteopathy) for whole‑family care
Want a deeper dive into our approach? Learn more on our Osteopathy page or see related services on our Kids Physio page.