Gentle Support for Growing Bodies

Osteopathy for Children & Teens

Osteopathy for children and teens focuses on supporting healthy movement, comfort and development through gentle, hands‑on care. At RG Osteopathy, each appointment is tailored to the child’s age, stage of growth and individual needs. Treatment aims to ease areas of tension, assist with postural changes and help young people move comfortably through active lifestyles and growth phases.

Supporting Mobility, Posture and Growing Bodies

Understanding Osteopathy for Children & Teens

Growing children experience rapid physical changes, and these shifts can sometimes create tension, discomfort or changes in movement. Osteopathy offers a gentle, supportive approach to caring for developing bodies by assessing how muscles, joints and tissues are working together. Techniques are always adapted for safety, comfort and age appropriateness.

During the appointment, Rachel takes time to understand the child’s activities, concerns and daily habits. She observes movement patterns, checks areas of tension and provides clear explanations to both the parent and the child. Rachel has a particular interest and many years of experience working with infants, children, and teens.

How Osteopathy May Support Children & Teens

Osteopathy considers how changes in growth, posture and movement may contribute to everyday discomfort. Using gentle hands-on techniques, osteopaths assess how joints, muscles, nerves, and connective tissues function together as part of a whole-body approach to care.

Treatment aims to help ease tension, support balance and encourage healthy movement patterns.

Parents may seek osteopathic care for their child or teenager to support:

Postural strain from study or device use
Muscle tension after sport or activity
General stiffness or reduced flexibility
Tired or achy legs during growth phases
Back or neck tension
Discomfort related to carrying heavy school bags

Osteopathic Care for Children and Teens

Parents may seek osteopathic care for their child or teenager to support:

Movement and coordination – Assessing flexibility and coordination as children and teenagers develop motor skills.

Postural strain and awareness – Supporting awareness of healthy postural habits, especially during school, study, and screen use.

Aches, pains, injury

Growth and development – Observing movement patterns or areas of discomfort during periods of rapid growth.

Injury recovery – Supporting the recovery process from minor injuries related to play, sports, or other activities.

Sports and physical activity – Encouraging movement, mobility, and flexibility to assist with participation in physical activity.

What to Expect During the Appointment

Appointments with children and teens are relaxed, supportive and guided by comfort. Rachel begins with a detailed conversation about symptoms, hobbies and school-related habits to understand what may be contributing to discomfort. She then assesses posture, movement and areas of tension to create a clear picture of how the body is responding to growth or activity.

Treatment involves gentle, age‑appropriate techniques such as soft tissue release, stretching or myofascial release. The child may sit, lie down or remain with a parent nearby, whatever helps them feel secure. Rachel does not use any ‘cracking’ or high velocity techniques on children or teens.

Rachel may provide guidance on posture, general movement strategies, and home-based exercises suitable for your child’s age and comfort level. For teenagers involved in sports, we can discuss movement patterns, load management, and ways to support balanced development.

RG Osteopathy aims to create a calm, encouraging environment where young people feel comfortable and supported.

Whole-Body Approach to Assessment

We take a whole-body approach when assessing movement and physical function, which may include:

Postural variations as children and teens grow
Joint mobility, flexibility, and soft tissue balance
Muscle tone, coordination, and balance
The relationship between muscles, bones, nerves, and circulation

For younger children, we may also review:

Head and neck mobility
Hip and limb movement
Developmental movement patterns
Developmental motor milestones

Gentle, Hands-On Approach

Osteopathic care for children and teenagers is always adjusted to suit their age, comfort level, and individual needs. Appointments move at a pace that feels right for your child, with plenty of time for pauses or breaks if needed.

Techniques involve light touch and gentle movements, and your child is encouraged to ask questions or let us know if they prefer a different position or approach.
We do not use ‘cracking’ techniques or rapid movements when working with children or teens.

Depending on your child’s presentation, treatment may include:

gentle soft tissue techniques
stretching techniques
myofascial or muscle-related techniques
cranial or indirect techniques

All techniques are age-appropriate and focused on comfort. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during their appointments.
We welcome your involvement and encourage you to ask questions or participate in discussions about your child’s care. You are welcome to stay close or hold your younger child if that helps them feel comfortable during treatment.

If you would like to learn more about osteopathy for children and teenagers at Rachel Gordge Osteopathy, please feel free to contact us to discuss whether an appointment may be suitable for your child.

Warm | Compassionate | Gentle | Relaxing |

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About Dr Rachel Gordge Osteopath

Rachel Gordge is a passionate and highly skilled osteopath who genuinely loves helping her patients feel better and move more freely. Graduating from Southern Cross University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Clinical Sciences and a Master of Osteopathic Medicine, she’s trained in a wide range of manual therapy techniques and exercise prescription. Her personal approach will vary based on the needs of each individual patient and can vary from firm and stronger style to very gentle and subtle based on the needs and preferences of each patient.

Rachel’s passion lies in supporting women’s health, pregnancy, postpartum, child and baby osteopathy, where her calm and caring nature shines. Dedicated to lifelong learning, she continues to attend courses and seminars to stay up to date with the latest research. When she’s not in the clinic, Rachel enjoys exploring the central coast bush tracks, spending time by the beach, or trying to keep her garden alive.

Alara Women’s Health Centre Tuggerah

Our Facilities

RG Osteopathy operates from private treatment rooms within Alara Women’s Health Centre, offering a peaceful, modern and family friendly environment. With a comfortable relaxing reception area and treatment rooms with an array of toys and books for children to play. Located on the ground floor the clinic is easily accessible for both prams and wheelchairs with ample off-street parking directly in front of the clinic.

About RG Osteopathy

Our Services