Children and Osteopathic Medicine: What Parents Should Know

Most people associate osteopathic manual therapy with adult back pain or sports injuries. But OMT has been used in pediatric medicine since the early days of osteopathy — and the evidence for its effectiveness in children is more robust than many parents realize.

Why children respond particularly well to OMT

Children's tissues are more fluid and responsive than adult tissues. The craniosacral system — which governs the rhythmic movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the brain and spinal cord — is particularly accessible and responsive in infants and young children. This makes pediatric OMT both safe and effective when applied by a trained osteopathic physician.

Dr. Burns sees patients across multiple generations — from infants to grandparents — and integrates osteopathic assessment and treatment into routine pediatric care.

Birth and early infancy

Birth is the first major physical stressor most humans experience. Even uncomplicated vaginal deliveries involve significant compressive forces on the infant's skull, spine, and soft tissues. Cesarean births, forceps or vacuum deliveries, and prolonged labors can add additional mechanical stress.

Osteopathic assessment in the newborn period can identify and address restrictions that may underlie:

• Difficulty latching for breastfeeding
• Colic and excessive crying
• Torticollis (neck tilt or rotation preference)
• Asymmetrical head flattening (positional plagiocephaly)
• Feeding difficulties

Childhood conditions that respond to OMT

Beyond infancy, OMT has documented effectiveness for several common pediatric conditions:

• Recurrent ear infections (otitis media) — OMT can improve Eustachian tube drainage, potentially reducing the frequency of infections and the need for antibiotics or tubes.
• Asthma — Some studies show OMT reduces asthma symptom frequency and medication use in children.
• Growing pains — Structural imbalances, particularly in the hips and pelvis, can contribute to leg pain and growing pains. OMT addresses the underlying mechanics.
• Scoliosis — OMT doesn't cure structural scoliosis, but it can address fascial restrictions and postural compensation that contribute to pain and progression.
• Sports injuries — Young athletes benefit from the same regenerative principles as adults: addressing structural causes rather than just managing symptoms.

What does pediatric OMT look like?

Pediatric OMT is significantly gentler than adult treatment. Infant OMT often involves barely perceptible movements — a trained practitioner placing hands gently on the baby's head and following subtle tissue movements. Children generally find OMT comfortable and often fall asleep during treatment. There are no high-velocity thrust techniques used in pediatric osteopathy.