Osteopathy for children

Is your baby or child experiencing complaints without a clear medical cause? Consider, for example, poor sleep, unexplained abdominal pain, headaches, excessive crying, intestinal cramps, reflux, or eczema. Osteopathy for children focuses on restoring loss of movement. In a gentle and safe manner, osteopathy helps to restore the body’s self-healing capacity.

At Andromeda Center for Osteopathy, we take the time to truly listen to the body and the story of both you and your child. Every child and every complaint is unique, which is why every treatment is custom-made.

What is osteopathy for children?

Osteopathy is a manual form of treatment in which the body is viewed as a single whole. In children, the body is in full development and extra sensitive to tension. Osteopathy is a manual healing method where the body is seen as a whole. An osteopath uses their hands to examine where movement in tissues such as bones, muscles, joints, organs, nerves, and blood vessels is reduced and helps to restore this loss of movement in a gentle way.

Osteopathy for children is not a painful treatment and is always tailored to the age and physical capacity of the child. The approach for a baby is different than for a toddler, school-aged child, or teenager, but the starting point remains the same: restoring the body’s self-healing capacity.

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How do complaints arise in babies and children?

Complaints can arise in babies, for example, due to abnormal stress during or around birth. A delivery process is often accompanied by forces that impact both the mother and child. Usually, this proceeds without problems; however, although a delivery usually occurs without complications, in some cases it can lead to a loss of movement in certain parts of the baby’s body. We see this more frequently after:

a breech birth
a vacuum or forceps delivery
a cesarean section
a very rapid or, conversely, prolonged delivery

Complaints can also arise during development in older children. A fall, a parasite, a virus or bacteria, or severe or prolonged emotional stress can cause certain structures in the body to lose their natural mobility.

With which complaints can osteopathy help?

Common complaints in babies

Osteopathy for babies is often used for:

prolonged or inconsolable crying
sleep problems
intestinal cramps or constipation
reflux complaints
problems with sucking or swallowing
excessive arching (overstretching)
a preferred posture
a flattened skull
recurring ear, nose, and throat problems

Complaints in toddlers and older children

Osteopathy can also offer support for older children with, among other things:

headaches
(chronic) abdominal pain
constipation or bedwetting
scoliosis and postural problems
eczema, allergies, or asthma
recurring ENT complaints
motor development problems
behavioral and learning problems, such as concentration issues, hyperactivity, dyslexia, or dyspraxia

Behandelkamer van Andromeda Osteopathie in Valkenswaard.

What can you expect during a first visit?

During the first consultation, the osteopath takes ample time for you and your child. Questions are asked not only about the current complaint but also about the pregnancy, birth, medical history, and lifestyle habits. This information provides insight into the foundation of your child’s body and into factors that can influence the posture, growth, and overall well-being. This is followed by a careful physical examination, during which the osteopath examines how your child’s body moves and functions.

During the examination and treatment, your child’s comfort is central. We pay great attention to creating peace and trust, as this has a positive influence on the course of the treatment. You are always present. For babies, you may, for example, use a pacifier, toys, a stuffed animal, or a cloth. You can reassure older children beforehand by explaining that the osteopath is examining the body to assess posture and mobility, and that this does not hurt.

How does an osteopathic treatment proceed?

After the examination, the osteopath discusses what he or she has found and draws up a treatment plan. The treatment consists of one or a few sessions, depending on the complaint and the body’s reaction. With gentle manual techniques, tissues are made mobile again step by step.

After a treatment, the body is given time to adjust. Therefore, there is usually one or more weeks between appointments, so that the self-healing capacity can do its work.

Costs and Reimbursement

An osteopathic consultation is fully or partially reimbursed by most health insurers from the supplementary insurance. A referral from a GP is not necessary. The amount of reimbursement varies per insurer and policy. Current information regarding this can be found on our website under Rates.

Some complaints found in adults can also be seen in children. However, they may also experience other specific complaints. We realize that the list below may not be exhaustive.

Osteopathy for children at Andromeda Center for Osteopathy

For more than 20 years, Andromeda Center for Osteopathy has been dedicated to babies, children, and adults. Marc van Leeuwen and Sten Bierens listen with attention, examine carefully, and only treat when it is clear what is going on.

You can visit our practice in Veldhoven and, since 2025, also in Valkenswaard, where we collaborate with midwives and other healthcare professionals. This ensures extra attention for the young family, the baby, and the child, in a peaceful and familiar environment.

About ACO

When is it wise to get in touch?

Are you unsure if osteopathy is suitable for your child? Or do you recognize complaints and want to discuss them? Then it is wise to get in touch. Sometimes a single conversation is enough to gain clarity on the best next step.

Frequently Asked Questions about Osteopathy for Children

What exactly is osteopathy for children?

Osteopathy for children is a manual form of treatment that focuses on restoring the body’s mobility. The osteopath examines where tensions or restrictions are located that could influence posture, growth, and well-being, and treats these with gentle manual techniques.

From what age can a child visit the osteopath?

A child can be examined and treated by an osteopath from birth. Toddlers, school-aged children, and teenagers can also benefit from osteopathy, depending on the complaint and the situation.

Is osteopathy safe for babies and children?

Yes, osteopathy is safe when performed by a well-trained osteopath. The treatments are gentle and tailored to the child’s body. If necessary, the osteopath will always refer you to a GP or specialist.

With which complaints can osteopathy help?

Osteopathy can provide support for various complaints such as sleep problems, abdominal pain, reflux, headaches, postural problems, motor development issues, eczema, allergies, dyslexia, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, eczema, and recurring ENT complaints. The approach is always individual.

Does osteopathy also help with unexplained complaints?

Yes, many parents come to the osteopath specifically when complaints persist without a clear medical cause. The osteopath looks at the body as a whole and examines possible connections that influence the body’s functioning.

How does a first consultation with a pediatric osteopath proceed?

During the first consultation, questions are asked about the complaint, pregnancy, birth, medical history, and lifestyle habits. This is followed by a physical examination where the child is always put at ease and the parent remains present.

"A natural perspective in experienced hands"

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Location Veldhoven

Andromeda 4
5505 RM Veldhoven

Location Bergeijk

Meienshovel 9
Bergeijk

Location Valkenswaard

Waalreseweg 1a
5554 HA Valkenswaard

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