Paediatric Osteopath Essendon: Gentle Care for Growing Bodies
As parents, we all want to see our children grow, move, and thrive as comfortably as possible. From the newborn stage through to adolescence, children’s bodies go through many changes. Sometimes, these changes can bring challenges such as unsettled sleep, feeding difficulties, growing pains, or aches from sport and activity. That’s where seeing a paediatric osteopath in Essendon can help.
At Lifespan Osteopathy, we care for families in Essendon and the surrounding suburbs—including Moonee Ponds, Strathmore, Niddrie, and Airport West. Our osteopaths take a gentle, hands-on approach to supporting babies, toddlers, children, and teens.
What Does a Paediatric Osteopath Do?
A paediatric osteopath is an osteopath with a particular focus on caring for babies and children. Our role is to assess how a child’s body is moving and functioning, then use gentle techniques to help ease tension, support healthy development, and improve comfort.
Treatment for babies and children looks different from that for adults. Techniques are usually very light, using subtle pressure, stretching, or gentle mobilisation. Parents are often surprised by how calm and relaxed their little ones can be during an osteopathy session.
Why Might Parents Bring Their Child to See a Paediatric Osteopath in Essendon?
Every child is different, but here are some of the common reasons families choose to book with us:
- Babies: unsettled behaviour, feeding challenges, preferences for turning the head one way, or tension after birth.
- Toddlers & preschoolers: support with coordination, balance, or recovering from bumps and falls.
- School-aged children: posture-related aches, growing pains, or sports injuries.
- Teenagers: rapid growth, scoliosis monitoring, or strain from increased sporting loads.
While osteopathy doesn’t replace medical care, many families find it a helpful part of their child’s overall healthcare support.
Our Approach at Lifespan Osteopathy
When you visit our Essendon clinic, here’s what you can expect from a paediatric consultation:
- Comprehensive history – We’ll chat about your child’s birth, development, and current concerns.
- Gentle examination – We look at movement, posture, and function to get a clear picture.
- Hands-on treatment – Using techniques suited to your child’s age and comfort.
- Parental guidance – Tips for home, such as stretches, positioning, or simple activities to support development.
Our goal is always to create a calm, supportive environment where children feel comfortable and parents feel reassured.
The Benefits of Paediatric Osteopathy:
Families often seek osteopathy for children because it’s:
- Gentle – Techniques are adapted to suit little bodies.
- Holistic – We consider the whole child, not just the area of discomfort.
- Family-friendly – Our clinic has a welcoming, relaxed environment.
For children involved in sport, osteopathy can also help manage aches and strains that come with active lifestyles. Whether it’s netball, soccer, swimming, or martial arts, our team understands the demands of growing athletes. Many of our Osteopaths have either been heavily involved in many types of sports throughout their lives, or have young children who are still actively participating in sports- so we truly “get it”.
Why Choose Lifespan Osteopathy in Essendon?
At Lifespan Osteopathy, we’re proud to support families across the Essendon community. Here’s what makes us unique:
- Family-centred care – We see newborns, parents, grandparents, and everyone in between.
- Experienced practitioners – Several of our osteopaths have particular interest and additional training in women’s health and paediatrics.
- Sporting insight – Many of our team members have competed in sports at state or national level, giving us first-hand understanding of kids’ and teens’ injuries.
- Convenient location – We’re located at 73A Napier Street, Essendon, right across from Windy Hill football oval, with easy on-street parking.
- Flexible hours – Appointments available early mornings, evenings, and Saturdays.
We welcome families from Essendon as well as neighbouring suburbs like Moonee Ponds, Strathmore, Niddrie, and Airport West.
Paediatric Osteopathy FAQs
Is osteopathy safe for babies and children?
Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on approach. Techniques are always adapted for the age and size of the child. If we feel osteopathy isn’t suitable, we’ll refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional.
How soon after birth can a baby see an osteopath?
Babies can be seen at any age. Some families choose to book within the first few days to weeks, while others come later if concerns arise.
Do you need a referral to see a paediatric osteopath in Essendon?
No referral is required. You can book directly with our clinic. However, if your GP or maternal child health nurse recommends osteopathy, we’re happy to work alongside them.
Will my child need more than one appointment?
Every child is different. Some may benefit from just a few sessions, while others come for ongoing care, particularly during growth spurts or sporting seasons.
Can osteopathy help with sports injuries in children and teens?
Yes—many of our young patients come to us for issues like sprains, strains, or overuse injuries. We work to ease discomfort, improve mobility, and support recovery so they can get back to their activities.
Supporting Healthy Growth and Development
Childhood is full of milestones—first steps, first bike rides, first sports games. Sometimes, aches and strains come with the territory. Having a paediatric osteopath in Essendon to turn to means you’ve got a supportive team ready to help along the way.
Our osteopaths are here to guide, reassure, and provide gentle treatment when your child needs it most.
Book an Appointment
If you’d like to learn more about paediatric osteopathy or book an appointment for your child, we’d love to hear from you.
📍 Visit us at 73A Napier Street, Essendon (across from Windy Hill).
🌐 Book online anytime, or call our friendly reception team.
👶 Caring for families from Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Strathmore, Niddrie, and Airport West.