Newton Osteopathy

Osteopaths at Newton Osteopathy see patients with many different conditions, two of the more common complaints are discussed below

Sucking Difficulty

A baby having difficulty feeding may be suffering from a nerve compression. Cranial osteopaths would be quick to look at the area at the base of the skull to determine if the nerve was affected. From an osteopathic perspective, a child that has or had difficulty latching-on to its mother's nipple during the first few weeks after birth is a potential indicator that there may be some compression of an important nerve that controls the tongue. Whilst the sucking problem may clear up after a few days or weeks, the issue of compression of the hypoglossal nerve - or indeed other nerves - may not actually be resolved fully in the intial period after birth. A detailed patient history for a child should certainly cover this issue even if the condition for which treatment is being sought is rather different.

Cerebral Palsy

Science has not yet unlocked the mystery of cerebral palsy and there is no cure. Nevertheless a number of treatments have been recognised as helpful to patients. The Henry Spink Foundation which is one of the leading research charities for cerebral palsy recognises the benefits of a number of techniques, some of which are physical treatments. These treatments include Feldenkrais, Acupuncture, Acupressure and the mainstream physical treatments - osteopathy, chiropractic and physiotherapy. The way in which cranial osteopaths treat cerebral palsy patients is by seeking to drain the lymphatic system with gentle massage, increasing blood flow and draining sinus fluids.