Réhabital
Pediatric Osteopathy in Côte Saint-Luc
The first months of life bring rapid growth alongside the mechanical strains of pregnancy and delivery, which can leave lingering tension in a newborn's body. Persistent colic, a flattened area on the head, a strong preference for turning the head to one side, feeding difficulties, or restless sleep are common reasons parents seek pediatric osteopathy. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, we offer a gentle approach adapted to the child's age, always in close collaboration with the treating pediatrician. Pediatric osteopathy never replaces your child's medical follow-up; it complements it.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
Pediatric osteopathy addresses mechanical tension that can affect infants and young children, often linked to intrauterine constraints, fetal positioning, or the course of delivery. Infant colic, though multifactorial in origin, sometimes comes with tension in the diaphragm and abdomen that gentle techniques may help release. Positional plagiocephaly, a flattening of one area of the skull, often results from an early postural preference, itself sometimes linked to congenital muscular torticollis limiting neck rotation to one side. This torticollis can also make breastfeeding from one particular breast more difficult, as the baby struggles to turn the head comfortably. Sleep disturbances in young children have varied causes, but postural discomfort and muscle tension sometimes play a role. A pediatric osteopathic assessment includes careful observation of the baby's spontaneous movements, extremely light palpation, and a postural analysis, always respecting the child's pace and comfort. No high-velocity manipulation is used on infants; only gentle, indirect techniques suited to the flexibility of a child's tissues are used.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Intrauterine constraints and fetal position
Limited space late in pregnancy, a multiple pregnancy, or an unusual presentation can place mechanical strain on the baby's body, particularly the neck and pelvis.
Long, rapid, or instrument-assisted delivery
Prolonged labor, vacuum or forceps extraction, or an emergency cesarean can leave cranial or cervical tension in the newborn.
Congenital muscular torticollis
A shortened sternocleidomastoid muscle limits head rotation to one side, encouraging an asymmetric posture and, over time, positional plagiocephaly.
Prolonged back-lying positioning
Time spent on the back, recommended to prevent sudden infant death syndrome, can contribute to skull flattening when combined with a postural preference.
Diaphragmatic and digestive tension
Certain tension in the diaphragm and abdominal region may contribute to digestive discomfort felt by some infants, particularly after feeding.
Our Treatment Approach
The pediatric osteopathic assessment begins with an in-depth discussion with parents about the pregnancy, delivery, and the child's development, followed by observation of spontaneous movements and extremely light palpation suited to the fragility of an infant's tissues. Shahram Ghasemi, with over 30 years of clinic management experience, uses exclusively gentle techniques: delicate fascial mobilization, myofascial release, indirect cranial techniques, and work on diaphragm mobility, never high-velocity manipulation. Sessions are short and follow the baby's pace, including pauses if the child needs comforting or feeding. The number of sessions is always kept to what is necessary, and we consistently recommend continuing medical follow-up with the pediatrician, who remains the primary reference for the child's overall health. We work alongside, never in place of, pediatric medical care.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first visit lasts about 45 minutes in a calm setting, often with the parent holding the child. The osteopath explains each step before performing it and adjusts the pace to the baby's tolerance. You leave with practical positioning and handling tips tailored to what was observed.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Vary your baby's head position during sleep and awake time.
- Encourage supervised tummy time while the child is awake.
- Alternate sides during breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
- Limit prolonged time in car seats or bouncers outside of travel.
- Observe and note the moments when crying or discomfort seem worse.
- Keep up regular pediatrician visits for overall development.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Mild mechanical tension in infants often responds well within a few gentle sessions, especially when care starts early. Plagiocephaly and congenital muscular torticollis usually require combined follow-up with the pediatrician and sometimes pediatric physiotherapy. Every child progresses at their own pace, and progress is assessed session by session.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Consult us if your baby shows a strong head-turning preference, visible skull flattening, persistent colic, or difficulty feeding on one side. See your pediatrician first for fever, weight loss, significant vomiting, or any sign that concerns you about the child's overall health.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc, Shahram Ghasemi brings over 30 years of clinical experience to the care of infants, using exclusively gentle techniques at a pace respectful of each child. We always work in collaboration with your pediatrician.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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