Osteopathic Pediatric Treatments in Indianapolis

Natural Pediatric Treatment for Your Infant and Child

To encourage vibrant health at the earliest possible stage of your child’s life, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a safe and natural way to resolve problems resulting from a difficult birth, regulate internal functions, and support healthy development.

Osteopathic manipulation treatments can treat any of the following pediatric conditions:

• Agitated sleep and restlessness

• Acid reflux

• Colic

• Difficulty breastfeeding

• Difficulty breathing deeply

• Ear infection and sinusitis

• Hearing problems

• Seizures and tremors

• Spastic muscles and twitches

• Weakened immune system

What is Pediatric Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)?

Osteopathic manipulation is safe and natural way to resolve structural disturbances after the birthing process. OMT is a gentle, hands-on treatment performed to restore structural balance and give your child’s body and brain space for unrestricted growth. Many newborns we treat fall asleep in their mother’s arms while being treated. Treatment is designed to realign joint lines of the skull, relieve pressure on the brain, and improve blood and oxygen supply. Schedule your appointment →

What Causes Pediatric Problems?

Most pediatric problems can be traced back to structural disturbances suffered during the birthing process. Infants with unattended structural disturbances may grow with a misshapen head, visual asymmetries, and slowed neurodevelopment. When bones in the skull are unable to return to their natural alignment, the brain and its surrounding membranes may become compressed as it grows, leading to a compromised oxygen supply to the brain. Your infant may begin to experience neurodevelopmental problems and seizures.

If you’re concerned your infant may be suffering from neurodevelopmental problems, look for symptoms like:

• Vomiting

• Colic

• Restlessness

• Agitated sleep

• Spastic muscles

• Difficulty sucking

CranioSacral Therapy (CST)

Many new mothers experience difficulties when breastfeeding their babies. We recommend a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the problem. When a nursing problem is traced back to structural disturbances resulting from a difficult birth, CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a treatment which has shown to be effective at treating nursing problems. Difficulty latching on, tongue and lip tie, and weak or ineffective suckling occur from pressure on nerves which control muscles of the mouth. Our CranioSacral Therapy treatments gently and naturally relieve pressure on these nerves. Schedule your appointment → 

What is a Difficult Birth?

A difficult birth is one where the baby exits the birthing canal by excessive use of force, use of forceps, or a vacuum extractor. Though necessary to ensure a safe birth, use of force and instruments can result in structural disturbances. The bones in your infant’s skull must decrease in size to pass through the birthing canal, which leads to overlapping of joint lines and possible visual asymmetries. The head is simultaneously bent backwards pressing down on key nerves which run from the brain to the mouth, tongue, and lips.

As the infant grows, these structural changes should correct themselves within the first weeks of birth. When they don’t, the infant can begin to experience neurodevelopmental problems.

Although C-section babies don’t endure the strain of a vaginal birth, the lack of pressure can also result in structural disturbances. The lack of pressure from passing through the birth canal can leave your infant’s head misshapen and the lack of compression of the chest walls can also leave fluid in the lungs which is normally expelled when the chest compresses and decompresses passing through the birthing canal. We perform a thorough examination to uncover any signs of structural disturbances.

Treatment Info:

How much does it cost?Pediatric treatments are included as part of your comprehensive treatment plan, which includes manual manipulation and craniosacral therapy (CST).
 

How many sessions will I need?
Depending on the nature of the problem, we may only need to see your child once, or on a more regular basis. Dr. Dan will advise recommended visits initial appointment.
 

Will my infant or child experience any pain?
Most children experience no pain or discomfort during osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) or craniosacral therapy (CST).
 

Where are you located?
We are located in Carmel. If you're traveling from out of town to see us, we'd be more than happy to assist with travel and accommodations.