osteopathy for kids with cp?

[johannanico]

I am new to Mumsnet so not sure if this is the right board... My question is this- my son (13 months) has either a mild form of cerebral palsy or is developmentally delayed (no firm diagnosis yet). I have heard that cranial osteopathy can be really helpful with this but my neurologist said not to bother and that it wouldn't be worth it. Have any of you had experience with this form of treatment for CP and/or developmental delays?
Thanks!

hello and welcome to mn
my dd is 15 and has cp, but I have to be honest and say I have never heard of it (as in helping cp) but have seen it mentioned on here) so hope someone comes along to help

I don't know about CP but I do see I fabulous lady with my son (prob autistic). For him after seeing her, he get less headaches, is more talkative and less inclined to lash out (marginally). Not a miracle cure by any means but every little helps.

I'd say, try it - you'll probably have an instinct whether or not it's helping!! Also in my experience they'll tell you when they don't feel they can help any further, something that can in itself be dependent on the osteos skill.

(Incidentally we also saw her when DS was 9 months and throwing up constantly and not on solids, she had him eating and throwing up less in three visits, that was a miracle so it depends on the problem)

I haven't any experience of cranial osteopathy personally but I did have a long conversation with a Dad recently who used it for his son who is possibly dyspraxic. He swears that his son can now run better as a result of treatment and that it loosened up muscles in his back and legs.

My DD has no official dx but borderline mild CP due to brain injury at birth. Do you have physio?

Cranial Osteopathy has no plausible mechanism for any condition, including CP.

I'm not aware of any well conducted research that demonstrates effectiveness.

It has clearly defined risks, some of them serious .

we are starting physical therapy next week!

I'd stick with the physio, OT, Portage and hydrotherapy. All tried and tested against something that has never been clinically trialed. If there is any doubt it has risks steer well clear.
How exactly can you manipulate s skull, it is a solid box?

The best cranial osteopath for adults and especially newborn babies is Paul Kyte. He works at Nature Works in London, opposite Selfridges. He worked wonders on my newborn and a few of my friends babies too. He even helped me recover from a very traumatic labour!

Nature works phone number: 020 7629 2927

www.naturworks.net

I'm one of life's cycnics and I tend to believe they are snake oil sellers. I bought into it when DS was tiny, because I felt I had nothing to lose, except I did - money!! They ain't cheap these quacks.

Having said all that, I know parents who swear by it.