The incidence of limping in children is 1.5 to 3.6 cases per 1,000 children, with some variations in children from different countries.

The cause of a painful limp needs to be evaluated and diagnosed by a general practitioner or pediatrician by means of physical exams, laboratory testing, blood work and imaging studies. However, if the limp or gait disturbance is not painful, but still persists, then a hands-on manipulation approach can be very useful to reduce the limp.

Physiotherapy and osteopathy employ a multitude of muscle and fascial/connective tissue release techniques that can lessen the connective tissue distortions that result in a limp or gait disturbance.

A sprained ankle with weak ankle ligaments is one of the most common causes for a limp in children. The other common cause is a pelvic tilt that leads to a limp and gait disturbance.

Ankle issues can usually be improved with strengthening of the ligaments that allow for ankle movement and release of the muscles and ligaments attached to the ankle joint. While pelvic tilt is usually improved with pelvic, hip and sacrum leveling techniques using hands-on muscle and fascial release techniques performed by physiotherapists and osteopaths.

If you are concerned about a limp, bring your child in for an evaluation and assessment. Treating a limp will improve your child’s gait and allow him or her to be more active in sports and lead a more full and healthy life.

It is important to fix any facial bone abnormalities in newborns early. So much can be accomplished to lessen developmental deformities as it relates to the teeth, if done early.  Cranial specialists can note any asymmetry in the palate (the roof of the mouth) of the newborn, or developing child. If proper gentle mobilization of the facial bones and the palate (the roof of the mouth) are done early, it can help prevent the need for lengthy orthodontics repair in the future.

The timing of evaluation is critical, in that the mid-incisors (front teeth) interval of development is significant and affected directly by the height and symmetry of the palate.

Many situations can affect the alignment of the jaw and the proper growth and position of teeth to include chewing habits, absence of teeth, thumb sucking, poor fitting crowns (replaced teeth), sleeping only on one side of the face, or leaning on your chin, to name a few.

Both adult and children that are requiring teeth alignment adjustments to include braces, palate separator) with the dentist or orthodontic should be evaluated for correct positioning of the jaw (mandible) bone, the arch of the mouth (the palate), and the muscles below the jaw to ensure the most painless and time efficient correction of the teeth.

Periodic follow up to do gentle manipulations to correct the palate and the jaw bones are often necessary while clients are undergoing dental bracing adjustments.  We help adults and children, undergoing braces treatment too!

Being a mom I have seen first hand the dilemma of congested sinuses caused by colds and seasonal allergies. It takes about a week or so to fully recover from sinusitis without antibiotics. To manage symptoms of sinusitis, osteopathy can be a useful complementary treatment. Treatment includes working around the face, sinuses, neck, thoracic inlet and upper back to help with the drainage of the sinuses.

I learned that treating my son with cranial osteopathy techniques early in a cold scenario helped lessen the chances of the cold turning into an upper respiratory or ear infection. At The Body Group, Hong Kong, our Osteopathic Practitioners takes a holistic approach that will help you breathe easier and reduce your risk of sinusitis.

Proper alignment of the bones of the head is needed for ideal health. There is subtle, delicate, deliberate motion between the various bones that make up the sinus cavity. This is very minimal movement but it allows us to blow our nose and sneeze with success. Sinus congestion can be worsened if the bones that make up the nasal passageway are not moving freely and correctly.   If the bones that make up the sinuses become jammed together, for example, then the sinuses can get clogged. If the sinuses become congested, they might be more prone to infection.

Cranial Osteopathy can help clear your sinuses

The walls of the sinuses are made up of the bones of the cranium. Cranial osteopathy helps assess the mobility of these bones and detect where the bones are not moving well which restricts the vitality, size and motion of the sinus cavity. This treatment encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the head and gives relief to the general stresses in the body.

Bring your child or family member in early in the case of a cold or runny nose. Cranial osteopathy can help lessen the severity of the nasal congestion, and the risk of infection.

Book your appointments at The Body Group for Cranial Osteopathy.

The plantar fascia is comprised of three bands of dense connective tissue that originate at the back of the heel, called the calcaneus. The primary goal of the calcaneus is to provide support along the medial longitudinal arch. Basically it acts as the shock absorber for the arches of the feet and transmits the force between the heel and forefoot during the late toe-off phase of the gait.

Components that contribute to plantar fasciitis are the height of the arch, tightness of the calf and the state of the Achilles tendon. First line treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, focused stretching, footwear modifications and over the counter orthotics.

Osteopaths and Physiotherapists can treat the tight Achilles tendon, ankle mobility restrictions, calf tightness and pain, as well as correct the placement of the tibia and fibula. Adjustments to these structures affect the crucial toe-off phase of the gait. We are also trained in stretching the plantar fascia and can teach our clients focused stretching of the Achilles tendon, plantar fascia and the muscles of the feet, so they can accelerate recovery time. We can help get you back on your feet as quickly as possible and feeling pain free!

Contact the Body Group to book an appointment for an assessment and treatment for Plantar Fasciitis.

But what causes snoring? Weakness and loss of tone in the muscular lining in the upper respiratory tract and neck can be a contributing factor. In addition, many of us spend hours slouched at a computer, which results in a ‘chin forward’ posture. This can cause the skull to be pushed back and the upper airways to be compressed even further, making snoring considerably worse over time.

Osteopathy can help alleviate the muscular tension and realign the bones and muscles, reducing sinus congestion. It is necessary to improve bad posture with muscle strengthening exercises and release the muscles at the front and side of the neck with manipulation. It is also important to release the diaphragm, ribs and upper thoracic area with manipulation. All of these manual adjustments will lessen the restriction in the upper airways, decrease snoring and improve your sleep!