Expert manual therapy for infants, children, and teens
Pediatric osteopathy uses specialized hands-on techniques to assess and address musculoskeletal tension in growing bodies. At Revibe, our practitioners adapt osteopathic principles for infants, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents. Each session is individualized based on your child's developmental stage and specific concerns. Gentle, age-appropriate techniques support your child's physical development and comfort.
What is Pediatric Osteopathy
Pediatric osteopathy is a gentle manual therapy approach that examines how muscles, joints, and connective tissues function during childhood development. Practitioners use light touch to assess areas of tension or restricted movement, considering how physical structures interact as children grow.
Treatment methods include soft tissue work, joint mobilization, myofascial release, and gentle stretching selected based on assessment findings. Pressure is adjusted for age—as light as 5 grams for newborns—with shorter session lengths for younger children and parent presence throughout all sessions.
Treatment Approach
Sessions are adapted to your child's age and comfort level. Infants may be treated while lying on a table or in your arms. Toddlers can sit, stand, or play during treatment. School-age children typically lie on a treatment table with procedures explained in age-appropriate language. All sessions use gentle, comfortable pressure adjusted for developmental stage.
Who Can Benefit?
Pediatric osteopathy is suitable for patients from birth through adolescence. The gentle nature of treatment makes it appropriate for infants recovering from birth trauma, children with developmental concerns, and adolescents managing sports-related tension or growth spurts. We work with newborns within days of delivery through teenage years.
Common Reasons Parents Choose Pediatric Osteopathy
Our osteopaths at Revibe address a wide range of conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents through gentle manual therapy techniques.
Infants (0-12 Months)
Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) and positional preferences create asymmetrical head shape from consistent positioning. Torticollis limits neck rotation when neck muscles develop tightness. Feeding difficulties relate to jaw or neck tension affecting latch mechanics. Colic symptoms and excessive crying may connect to digestive tension or discomfort.
Common scenarios:Birth trauma recovery after prolonged labor or assisted delivery, sleep positioning concerns, recurrent digestive discomfort.
Toddlers & Young Children (1-7 Years)
Persistent toe walking patterns develop when calf muscles or Achilles tendons maintain tightness. Recurrent ear infections relate to Eustachian tube drainage affected by cranial or neck tension. Jaw tension or TMJ concerns affect chewing mechanics. Bedwetting (enuresis) may connect to pelvic floor tension or nerve function.
Common scenarios:Post-illness tension from respiratory infections, developmental coordination concerns, behavioral changes linked to physical discomfort.
School-Age Children & Adolescents (8-18 Years)
Scoliosis management addresses muscle tension around spinal curves without correcting the curves themselves. Sports-related tension and repetitive strain develop from training demands. Tech neck and posture issues stem from prolonged device use. Headaches relate to neck or jaw tension patterns. Growing pains occur during growth spurts when bones grow faster than surrounding soft tissues.
Common scenarios:Back-to-school postural changes from backpack weight, athletic performance concerns, puberty-related musculoskeletal changes.
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What to Expect: First Visit
Initial pediatric osteopathy assessments typically take 45-75 minutes total, combining health history review, movement observation, hands-on assessment, and initial treatment.
We discuss pregnancy details, birth circumstances, developmental milestones, previous injuries, and current concerns. This establishes context for physical assessment and helps identify patterns that may relate to present symptoms.
Your child moves naturally while we observe movement patterns. Infants may lie on the table or rest in your arms. Toddlers might walk or play. Older children demonstrate specific movements. We assess coordination, posture, and movement preferences without intervention.
Gentle palpation examines tissue tension and joint mobility throughout the body. Pressure remains very light—for infants, we use fingertip pressure equal to the weight of a nickel. Most infants stay calm or sleep during this process. We assess cranial bones, spine alignment, and areas related to your concerns.
Treatment addresses primary areas of restriction identified during assessment, using age-appropriate techniques. Methods may include cranial work, soft tissue release, joint mobilization, or myofascial techniques depending on findings and your child's response.
We explain findings in clear language, answer your questions, and provide recommendations for follow-up timing. You'll receive guidance on home observations and any activities or positions to monitor between sessions.
Pediatric Osteopathy by Age Group
Treatment approaches adapt specifically to each developmental stage, with techniques modified for infant, toddler, child, and adolescent bodies.
Infant Osteopathy (0-12 Months)
Sessions occur while your baby lies on a treatment table or in your arms. We use fingertip pressure equal to the weight of a nickel—most infants sleep during treatment.
Focus areas:Cranial bones, spine alignment, diaphragm tension, neck mobility, and feeding mechanics.
Toddler Osteopathy (1-3 Years)
Treatment adapts to your toddler's attention span and movement patterns. We work while they sit, stand, or play, with you staying within arm's reach.
Focus areas:Walking development, coordination patterns, and physical responses to increased mobility.
Children's Osteopathy (4-12 Years)
School-age children typically lie on a treatment table. We explain procedures in age-appropriate language they can understand.
Focus areas:Posture from school activities, backpack weight effects, screen time impacts, sports participation, and growth-related tension.
Adolescent Osteopathy (13-18 Years)
Sessions resemble adult osteopathy with modified techniques for developing bodies. We discuss body mechanics and postural habits directly with teens.
Focus areas:Athletic performance, growth spurt discomfort, device posture, and puberty-related musculoskeletal changes.
How Pediatric Osteopathy Integrates with Other Care
Pediatric osteopathy works alongside multiple healthcare disciplines at Revibe. We don't diagnose medical conditions—families maintain relationships with pediatricians for wellness checks, vaccinations, and medical diagnosis. Our manual therapy addresses physical restrictions while other specialists manage their areas of expertise.
Complementary therapies include: Physiotherapy works on strengthening and motor skills while we address tissue restrictions. Occupational therapy addresses fine motor tasks that physical tension in neck and shoulders may affect. Speech therapy manages oral motor function influenced by jaw position and cranial alignment. Lactation consultants optimize feeding while we assess physical restrictions affecting infant latch. Chiropractic care uses different approaches addressing similar musculoskeletal concerns.
With your consent, we communicate findings to other providers through written reports to coordinate care. This collaborative approach ensures all practitioners working with your child understand the complete picture and avoid conflicting treatment strategies.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before your visit, note specific concerns about your child's movement patterns or comfort. Review health history including pregnancy, delivery details, and developmental milestones. Bring relevant medical records or imaging results if available.
Pack comfort items, snacks, and bottles for younger children. Dress your child in comfortable, flexible clothing. Children wear comfortable clothing during treatment—infants may be treated in a diaper, older children in shorts and t-shirts or athletic wear.
After treatment, your child may feel tired or energized—both are normal responses. Sleep patterns, appetite, or bathroom habits may temporarily shift as the body processes treatment. Encourage water intake, allow rest if needed, and avoid intense physical activity for 24 hours. Monitor movement patterns and comfort levels, and contact us with any questions about your child's response.
Before Your Visit
• Note specific concerns: What movement patterns seem different? Does your child favor one side?
• Review health history including pregnancy, delivery, and developmental milestones
• Bring relevant medical records or imaging results
• Pack comfort items, snacks, and bottles for younger children
• Dress your child in comfortable, flexible clothingAfter Treatment
• Encourage water intake
• Allow rest if needed
• Avoid intense physical activity for 24 hours
• Monitor movement patterns and comfort levels
• Contact us with any questions about your child's response
• Sleep patterns, appetite, or bathroom habits may temporarily shift
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Osteopathy
Yes. Techniques are specifically adapted for younger patients with pressure adjusted for age, size, and response. Treatment never continues if a child shows distress. We use gentle pressure within comfortable ranges—many children fall asleep during sessions.
No. We use gentle pressure within comfortable ranges. Many children fall asleep during sessions. Some areas may feel tender if significant tension exists, but techniques shouldn't cause pain. We adjust our approach based on your child's responses.
Children wear comfortable clothing during treatment. Infants may be treated in a diaper for full body access. Older children typically wear shorts and t-shirts or athletic wear that allows the practitioner to assess and treat relevant areas.
This varies by individual presentation. Acute concerns may respond to 1-3 sessions. Chronic patterns may require ongoing sessions over weeks or months. We discuss recommendations after initial assessment based on your child's specific condition and response to treatment.
We work with patients from birth through adolescence. Some practitioners treat newborns within days of delivery. Treatment is adapted for each developmental stage from infancy through teenage years.
No referral is needed to book at Revibe. You can schedule directly with our pediatric osteopaths. However, some insurance plans may request referrals for reimbursement—check your specific policy requirements.
Yes. Pediatric osteopathy integrates well with physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Inform all practitioners about concurrent treatments to ensure coordinated care.
Consult your pediatrician first for fever, unexplained weight loss, new weakness, loss of milestones, changes in consciousness, seizures, or symptoms after significant head injury. Osteopathy addresses musculoskeletal concerns, not acute medical conditions.
Many extended health insurance plans in Ontario include osteopathy coverage, typically ranging from $300-$1,500 annually. Per-visit coverage often ranges from $50-$125. We provide detailed receipts for insurance submission. Contact us to inquire about direct billing for your provider.
Yes. Osteopathy qualifies as a medical expense for Canadian tax purposes. Keep all receipts for tax filing. We provide detailed documentation including practitioner credentials, treatment codes, and cost breakdown.
Meet Our Osteopath Practitioners
Anesto Charles Osteopathic Manual Practitioner
Erica Runnalls Osteopathic Manual Practitioner
Emily Wilson Osteopathic Manual Practitioner
What Our Patients Are Saying
Anesto is an excellent osteopath who's been a huge help in my ankle injury recovery. He's knowledgeable, attentive, and takes the time to explain everything clearly. Each session has made a real difference in my mobility and pain levels. I truly appreciate his care and expertise. I highly recommend him!
I have been seeing Anesto for 6-7 months now for Osteopathy. From not knowing what Osteopathy was and not understanding what the benefits could be I decided to try it out. Anesto is such an amazing Osteopath, from my first meeting/assessment with him i knew i was going to be in good hands, he has such a chill and caring personality; which made me feel comfortable. Anesto explained to me what Osteo was, what the benefits it could bring me as well, any questions i would have, he always clarified/explained the cause and effect so well. For context I play 4-5 nights if volleyball, i play golf in the summer and sprinkle in a bit of tennis aswell. My knees, hips and ankles take a lot of impact and with Anesto's guidance, I am so much more pain free; in addition to how my performance in the different sports have gone up. If you are curious on what Osteopathy is or you would want someone to approach therapy in a holistic way, i would 100% recommend you try it specifically with Anesto.
This place was my last stop to my hip and neck pain. I worked with the Osteopath, Anesto and I absolutely love his approach. He helped eliminate that nagging pain that I had for some time. One of the things that stood out the most for me is that he listened to me as I explained what I was going through. Anesto is very knowledgeable with his work and saved me from overthinking about my pain as he explained thoroughly to me what was really happening in my body. Revibe is a very welcoming and clean space and everybody is so kind!
It was recommended that I try osteopathy for my back pain, so I decided to see Emily Wilson at Revibe. During my initial visit, she was very positive, and always makes me feel comfortable during my follow up treatments. Emily explains the treatments to me and helps me understand how it benefits my back pain. I always look forward to my appointments with her! I would highly recommend booking with Emily and trying osteopathy!
Book Your Appointment in Mississauga, Markham or Burlington
Revibe operates clinics in Mississauga (serving Streetsville, Erin Mills, Meadowvale, and surrounding areas) and Markham (serving Unionville, Thornhill, Buttonville, and surrounding areas). Both locations provide comprehensive assessment and treatment services for your health and wellness needs.
Mississauga Clinic
Location: 2290 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON L4Y 1Z4
Phone: 905-783-8423
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm
New patient visits include comprehensive assessment and first treatment session (75 minutes). Bring previous imaging reports, medical diagnoses, and lists of current symptoms. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to treatment areas.
Serving: Streetsville, Erin Mills, Meadowvale, Churchill Meadows, Lorne Park, Port Credit, Clarkson, and surrounding Mississauga neighborhoods. Convenient access from Highway 403, QEW, and Erin Mills Parkway.
Book Mississauga
Markham Clinic
Location: 220 Torbay Rd, Markham ON, L3R 1G6
Phone: 905-783-8423
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm
Insurance coverage varies by provider. Extended health plans often include manual therapy and wellness services. Direct billing available for plans that Revibe accepts. Receipts provided for insurance submission or tax purposes.
Serving: Unionville, Thornhill, Markham Village, Buttonville, Milliken, Cornell, Angus Glen, and surrounding Markham and Richmond Hill areas. Easy access from Highway 7, Highway 404, and Major Mackenzie Drive.
Book Markham
Burlington Clinic
Coming Soon
We're excited to announce that our Burlington location will be opening soon. Stay tuned for updates on our new clinic serving the Burlington, Oakville, and surrounding areas.
