Ear, nose and throat problems: what can osteopathy do?

Ear, nose and throat problems are common in children and can affect their daily lives considerably. Think recurrent ear infections, chronic colds or throat problems. Parents often seek effective and safe treatments to help their children. A lesser-known but promising approach is osteopathy. On this page, we explain in easy-to-understand language what osteopathy is, how it can help with these specific complaints, and the scientific findings.

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a manual therapy that focuses on restoring mobility and balance to the body. Osteopaths use their hands to detect and treat tension and restrictions in movement. The idea is that the body is a whole in which different systems – such as muscles, bones and organs – are connected. If one part is not functioning properly, it can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body. You can read more about what osteopathy is here.

How can ear, nose and throat problems occur?

In children, the structures in the head and neck are still developing. Factors such as difficult childbirth, falls during play or incorrect posture can cause tension in the skull, neck or jaw. These tensions can affect the normal function of the ear, nose and throat, which can contribute to complaints such as ear infections, sinus problems or throat irritation.

How can an osteopath help?

An osteopath examines the child’s body looking for movement restrictions or tensions that may be causing the symptoms. Gentle techniques are used to try to restore mobility and improve circulation. For example:

• Skull bones: By improving the mobility of the cranial bones such as at the level of the jaw joint, for example, the drainage of the sinuses can be promoted, which helps with chronic colds and sinusitis.
• Neck and jaw muscles: Reducing tension in these muscles can improve the function of the Eustachian tube, reducing the risk of ear infections, or “clearing” the ear infection more quickly.
• Lymphatic drainage: Stimulating lymph flow can help reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.

Scientific insights

Although osteopathy shows positive results in the treatment of ear, nose and throat problems in children, it is important to note that scientific research in this area is still developing. There are studies indicating the effectiveness of osteopathic treatments in children with recurrent ear infections, but large-scale and convincing evidence is still limited. Parents are advised to decide on osteopathic treatment in consultation with their primary care physician or specialist and, if possible, to combine it with conventional medical care.

During the initial consultation, the osteopath will ask questions about your child’s symptoms, medical history and any specifics surrounding birth and development. A physical examination will then be performed to identify tension and movement restrictions. The treatment itself consists of gentle, painless manipulations that children usually find pleasant. The number of treatments required varies from child to child and the nature of the symptoms. However, children generally respond quickly to treatment, so after about 3-4 times there should be noticeable improvement.

Is osteopathy safe for children?

Yes, osteopathy is generally considered safe for children. The techniques are gentle and tailored to the child’s age and condition. However, it is essential to choose a qualified and registered osteopath who is experienced in treating children. Sander Sprong is registered with the Dutch Register for Osteopathy(NRO) and is also registered with the Dutch Association for Osteopathy(NVO). In addition, after the basic training in osteopathy, Sander Sprong also followed specific continuing education regarding the treatment of babies and children.

Conclusion

Ear, nose and throat problems can have a major impact on children’s well-being. Osteopathy offers a gentle and holistic approach to address these complaints by treating the body as a whole and restoring its natural balance. Although there are positive experiences with osteopathy for these complaints, the scientific evidence is still limited. Therefore, it is advisable to consider osteopathy as a complementary therapy and always consult with medical professionals to ensure the best care for your child.

Appointment

If you would like to make an appointment at Sander Sprong Osteopathy, you can do so 24/7 through the online calendar. If you would first like to learn more about what osteopathy may be able to do in your case, please contact us.