An osteopathic approach to paediatrics - From 18 months to 7 years

After the first few months of life, the child enters an extremely dynamic phase of development, characterised by the acquisition of independence, the consolidation of motor skills and the expansion of cognitive, linguistic, relational and emotional abilities.

Between 18 months and 7 years of age, the neurological, musculoskeletal, respiratory, digestive, immune and endocrine systems develop significantly, whilst the child faces new challenges relating to movement, learning, socialisation and emotional regulation.

This postgraduate course has been designed to provide osteopaths with an in-depth understanding of early childhood development and the most common clinical presentations characteristic of this age group, offering practical tools for accurate assessment and safe, informed clinical management.

Through an approach based on clinical evidence, professional reasoning and practical experience, participants will develop greater confidence in observing, assessing and managing young children.

Understanding the growing child

The age range from 18 months to 7 years is characterised by continuous changes that simultaneously affect the child’s body, behaviour and relational skills.

During this period, the following developments occur:

• Development of gross and fine motor skills
• Development of coordination and motor planning
• Development of cognitive and language skills
• The development of personal autonomy
• Development of emotional regulation
• Growth in social and communication skills

Osteopaths working with this age group therefore need a comprehensive understanding of child development, its variability and the possible clinical implications.

Programme

Early childhood development and physiology

• Gross and fine motor development
• Sensory-motor progression
• Motor coordination and control
• Cognitive and Language Development
• Development of personal autonomy
• Emotional and relational development
• Variability in neurological development
• Key developmental milestones between 18 months and 7 years

Common clinical presentations

Analysis of manifestations commonly observed in paediatric practice:

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Feeding and digestive problems
• Recurrent respiratory symptoms
• Ear, nose and throat disorders
• Neurological variability and early manifestations of neurodiversity
• Immune responses and their impact on development

Medical history and clinical reasoning

• Taking a history specific to the 18-month to 7-year age group
• Analysis of factors influencing growth and development
• Clinical reasoning and decision-making
• Differential and functional diagnosis
• Treatment planning and follow-up

Paediatric osteopathic assessment

• Clinical observation of the child
• Age-specific palpation skills
• Developmentally appropriate assessment procedures
• Identification of red flags
• Referral criteria and interdisciplinary collaboration

Therapeutic approach

• Osteopathic strategies at different stages of early childhood
• Guided practical exercises and demonstrations
• Tailoring treatment to the child’s individual needs
• Effective and reassuring communication with parents and carers

Specialist focus: musculoskeletal development, trauma and hypermobility

A specific section of the course will be devoted to the development of the musculoskeletal system during childhood and to issues frequently encountered in clinical practice.

The following topics will be explored in depth:

•  Physiological musculoskeletal development
• Sprains, injuries and recent fractures
• Healing times and mechanisms in children
• Growth plates and their clinical implications
• Fatigue and functional overload
• Paediatric hypermobility and joint laxity
• The influence of diet on the quality of connective tissue
• Genetic and familial factors
• Relationships between neurodiversity and musculoskeletal presentations

Participants will also develop advanced palpation skills, learning to recognise the characteristics of tissues at different stages of development and to interpret their clinical significance.

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the main developmental milestones between 18 months and 7 years of age
• Recognise physiological variations and the most common clinical presentations
• Conduct an osteopathic assessment appropriate to the developmental stage
• Apply structured and sound clinical reasoning
• Promptly identify warning signs and referral criteria
• Plan a treatment approach tailored to the child’s needs
• Communicating effectively with families and carers

A course guided by Julie Fendall’s clinical experience

The programme is led by Julie Fendall, an osteopath with extensive clinical and teaching experience in paediatric osteopathy.

With many years’ experience in the assessment and treatment of newborns, infants and children, Julie has trained osteopaths in numerous international settings, contributing to the promotion of a paediatric approach based on clinical reasoning, patient safety and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Her direct experience with numerous clinical cases enables her to consistently integrate theory with practical examples, real-life cases and strategies that can be immediately applied in professional practice.