Paediatric

Infant and Pediatric Osteopathy in Paris 6

Paediatric osteopathy is a gentle, non-invasive form of manual therapy adapted specifically for newborns, infants and young children. The birth process, whether vaginal or by caesarean section, involves considerable mechanical forces that can leave subtle tensions or restrictions in the baby's body. Osteopathic assessment and treatment can help to identify and address these early mechanical dysfunctions, supporting the infant's comfort and development.

General Framework

Arnaud Marguin holds a specialist certification in paediatric osteopathy (OSTEONAT, 2019), ensuring that the techniques used are evidence-informed and specifically adapted to the fragile physiology of newborns and infants. All techniques employed are extremely gentle — using no more than a few grams of pressure — and are performed with the utmost care for the baby's comfort.

An osteopathic assessment of a newborn is typically recommended within the first weeks of life, particularly following a difficult or instrumental delivery (forceps, vacuum extraction), prolonged labour, premature birth or caesarean section.

Common Reasons for Consultation

Parents commonly bring their babies for an osteopathic consultation for the following reasons:

• Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) — A positional deformity of the skull that develops when the baby consistently favours one side. Early osteopathic treatment can help to improve cranial symmetry and reduce positional preference.
• Torticollis — A restriction in the neck that causes the baby to turn or tilt the head preferentially to one side. Osteopathic treatment addresses the cervical and cranial restrictions contributing to the torticollis.
• Feeding difficulties — Problems with latching, sucking or swallowing can sometimes be related to mechanical restrictions in the jaw, cranium or cervical spine. Gentle cranial and cervical techniques can support better feeding mechanics.
• Excessive crying and irritability — When a baby cries frequently without an identifiable medical cause, osteopathic assessment may reveal areas of tension or discomfort that, once treated, can improve the infant's overall comfort.
• Sleep disturbances — Restless sleep, difficulty settling or frequent waking may be associated with musculoskeletal tension. Cranial osteopathic techniques can promote relaxation and support more restful sleep.

Digestive Issues

Digestive complaints are among the most common reasons for osteopathic consultation in infants:

• Colic — Characterised by prolonged episodes of intense crying, often in the evening. Osteopathic treatment focuses on the abdomen, diaphragm and autonomic nervous system to help regulate digestive function.
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux — Frequent regurgitation or visible discomfort during and after feeding may be partially related to diaphragmatic tension or cranial restrictions affecting the vagus nerve.
• Constipation — Gentle abdominal techniques can help stimulate intestinal motility and relieve constipation in infants.

Plagiocephaly in Detail

Positional plagiocephaly has become increasingly common since the adoption of back-sleeping recommendations. The condition manifests as a flattening of one side of the skull, often accompanied by a positional preference (the baby consistently turns the head to one side). If left unaddressed, it can progress and become more difficult to correct as the child grows.

Osteopathic treatment of plagiocephaly involves gentle cranial techniques to encourage more symmetrical skull growth, combined with cervical treatment to address any associated torticollis. The osteopath also provides parents with positioning advice and tummy-time strategies to complement the treatment.

KISS Syndrome

KISS syndrome (Kinematic Imbalance due to Suboccipital Strain) refers to a postural asymmetry in infants attributed to strain at the base of the skull and upper cervical spine. It can manifest as a persistent head tilt, asymmetric body posture, feeding difficulties on one side and sleep problems. Gentle cranial and cervical osteopathic techniques can help to address the underlying restrictions.

How a Paediatric Consultation Works

The consultation begins with a detailed interview with the parents, covering the pregnancy, delivery, feeding history and any concerns about the baby's development or behaviour. The osteopath then performs a gentle physical examination, assessing the baby's head shape, cervical mobility, overall posture and muscular tone.

Treatment is carried out with the baby in a comfortable position, often on the parent's lap or on the treatment table. The techniques used are extremely gentle and typically well tolerated. Sessions usually last 30 to 45 minutes.

Depending on the condition, 1 to 3 sessions are usually sufficient. The osteopath may recommend follow-up assessments to monitor progress, particularly for plagiocephaly or persistent torticollis.

References

• Cerritelli F, Pizzolorusso G, Renzetti C et al. (2015). A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of osteopathic manipulative treatment on preterms. PLoS ONE, 10(5):e0127370. PMID 25974071
• Hayden C, Mullinger B. (2006). A preliminary assessment of the impact of cranial osteopathy for the relief of infantile colic. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 12(2):83-90. PMID 16648084