Pediatric Osteopathy
Gentle support for growing bodies
Pediatric osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on approach to treatment that supports the health and development of infants, children, and adolescents. Rooted in a holistic understanding of the body, Osteopathy focuses on how the structure and function of the body are interrelated—and how restoring balance can support the body’s natural ability to regulate, heal, and thrive.
Unlike more forceful or high-velocity techniques sometimes associated with adult chiropractic or manual therapy, pediatric osteopathy is incredibly soft and subtle. Practitioners use precise, responsive touch to assess the mobility and alignment of bones, joints, fascia, and soft tissues. This gentle technique allows the practitioner to identify areas of restriction or tension that may be affecting your child’s comfort, mobility, digestion, or sleep. Treatment is always tailored to your child’s individual needs, developmental stage, and health history.
How Can Osteopathy Help My Baby or Child?
There are many reasons a caregiver might seek osteopathic care for a child. For newborns and infants, osteopathy may help address:
- Breastfeeding or latching difficulties
- Digestive issues such as colic, reflux, constipation, or gas
- Torticollis or head favouring
- Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)
- Irritability or trouble settling
- Sleep disturbances
For older children and adolescents, osteopathic treatment may support:
- Postural imbalances
- Growing pains or joint discomfort during growth spurts
- Injuries related to play or sport
- Tension from carrying heavy backpacks or prolonged screen time
- Headaches, jaw tension, or sinus congestion
- Support following illness or surgery
Because osteopathy addresses the root causes of dysfunction rather than just symptoms, it may also be helpful as part of a comprehensive, integrative care plan for children with developmental delays, sensory processing concerns, or motor coordination challenges—always in collaboration with your broader healthcare team.
Is It Safe?
Yes—when performed by a qualified Osteopathic Manual Practitioner with specific training in pediatrics, osteopathic treatment is considered very safe. The techniques used with babies and children are far more delicate than those used with adults, often involving no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a peach. Many babies even sleep through treatment, while toddlers and older children may respond with increased calm, improved sleep, or more easeful movement.
Practitioners are trained to recognize when manual therapy is appropriate and when referral to another healthcare provider is needed. Osteopathic treatment should never replace medical care, but it can be a highly effective complement to your child’s wellness plan—especially when integrated with care from your paediatrician, lactation consultant, physiotherapist, or other health professionals.
Why Start Early?
The early years of life are a time of rapid growth and adaptation. Even a straightforward birth can place pressure on an infant’s head, spine, and body. Sometimes, babies will naturally resolve these imbalances on their own—but in other cases, restrictions can persist and contribute to functional issues, discomfort, or developmental asymmetries.
By identifying and treating these patterns early, pediatric osteopathy may help support more balanced movement, improve feeding and digestion, and promote more restful sleep. As children grow, regular osteopathic check-ins can help ensure their bodies are adapting well to the demands of school, play, and activity.
Meet Our Pediatric Osteopathy Specialist: Simon El Malik
Simon El Malik is an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner with over 10 years of experience treating patients across France and Canada. With dual diplomas from the European School of Osteopathy (UK) and the Atman Institute (France), Simon brings a highly integrative and evidence-informed approach to manual therapy.
Simon has pursued extensive post-graduate training in osteopathic care for infants, children, and pregnant individuals—complemented by advanced studies in breastfeeding support, somato-emotional release, and functional anatomy. He is also a certified instructor in babywearing and Thalasso Bain Bébé, and has taught osteopathic technique to senior students at the university level.
His clinical focus includes pelvic health, pediatric and perinatal care, myofascial rehabilitation, and lymphatic drainage. Known for his calm, attentive presence and individualized care, Simon works in partnership with his patients to address underlying imbalances and support long-term health. He is fluent in both French and English, with additional language skills in Italian and Spanish.
Whether you’re navigating feeding challenges, postural changes, or growing pains, Simon’s goal is to help your child feel more at ease in their body—supporting movement, comfort, and resilience from the very beginning.
A Calm, Supportive Environment
At Anatomica, our osteopathic treatments for children take place in a calm, welcoming environment where comfort and consent are always top priorities. Parents and caregivers stay with their child throughout the session and participate in the process as much or as little as they like. We recognize that every child is different—and that families know their children best.
We believe that good healthcare is collaborative. Your osteopathic practitioner will take the time to listen to your concerns, explain what they’re observing and treating, and help you understand how each part of your child’s body contributes to their overall function and well-being.
When to Book
If you’re noticing changes in your child’s movement, sleep, digestion, or comfort—or if your intuition simply says something seems off—osteopathy may offer gentle, supportive care that works alongside other therapies. You don’t need to wait until there’s a problem: many families also book preventive visits during key developmental transitions, like after birth, before starting daycare, or following a growth spurt or illness. Osteopathic treatment supports your little one’s nervous system and resiliance to stress.
Want to Learn More?
If you’d like to know whether osteopathy is right for your child, we’re here to help. Contact our team at Anatomica or book a consultation online with Simon to get started.
