What is bodywork? Body work is a general term which can include any of the following:

• Physical therapy
• Massage therapy
• Craniosacral therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Neurodevelopmental therapy
• Chiropractice care
• Osteopathic care

Typically, bodywork involve a range of manipulations – musculoskeletal, fascial, cranial visceral & manipulations.

About Musculoskeletal, Fascial, Cranial & Visceral Manipulations:
Viscera are the organs that are within our body cavities, e.g. abdominal and thoracic cavities. Visceral manipulation re-activates tonicity and communication between the organ and connective tissues. This in turn restores organs to natural health. As the human body is wholly connected by fascia, restoring flow in an organ affects other structures such as the spine where organs are attached via ligaments. Fascia are dense and irregular connective tissue structures (composed of water-based matrices that contain collagen fibers, cells etc.) found throughout the body – fascial mobility is important for each organ, vessel and muscle in the body. Further, fascia play a role in our immune system and receptor functioning which can be activated by light pressure stimuli and stretching in infants.

As the cranial system is developing in infants it involves many components –  bones and cartilage of the skull, face, connective tissue, central nervous system (CNS), brain and spinal cord and cerebro spinal fluid (CSF). Cranial manipulations involve specific hand positions that restore joints motion within the cranial system to affect improved neurological, musculoskeletal, vascular and endocrine functions. Osteopaths (DOs)are most widely known for mastering these manipulations. For an infant, that will involve mild pressure and positioning along the baby’s head, neck, spine or other body parts. The end result can involve anything from loosening of tight muscles in the neck and jaw to allow for a larger range of motion or less discomfort to more gentle micromovements to assist in return to optimal function.

Services such as chiropractic care, craniosacral therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapists, and certain types of massage also utilize these manipulations. A range of professionals may offer these services: chiropractors, massage therapists, physical therapists, IBCLCs, DO/MDs, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapists

Why do bodywork for an infant? Bodywork can be recommended for various reasons. A few examples include assisted delivery such as complex presentation at birth or stuck position, torticollis, episiotomy, forceps, vacuum, difficulty latching, baby preferring head/body movement to one side only, TOT (lip/tongue/buccal ties), etc. Almost all infants need bodywork at some point in early life to adjust.

What is the goal of bodywork? A bodywork referral is often given to assist in baby’s ability to move their head, neck, jaw, or other body areas. The relaxation of areas such as the neck and jaw allow for baby to obtain a wider gape therefore a deeper latch to assist in optimal breastfeeding and transfer of milk.

Do I need a doctor’s referral for bodywork? Most practitioners accept patients/clients without a pediatrician referral, however, we always encourage you to keep your trusted pediatrician in the loop regarding care of your baby.

Will insurance cover the visit? That depends on the modality and practitioner you work with. Below are referrals you can look into to decide what is best for you.

Resources:
Book:
The Developing Infant by Annie Brook – optimal instruction on tummy time, baby handling & infant development

About craniosacral facial therapy infants:
https://www.gillespieapproach.com/birth-professionals/
https://www.gillespieapproach.com/gillespie-approach-craniosacral-fascial-therapy-articles/

Chiropractic Management of Breastfeeding Difficulties: A Case Report
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3259991/

The Impact of Craniosacral Therapy/Cranial Osteopathy on Breastfeeding
https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrcl/11/1/21

Adapted from www.vivalcenter.com courtesy of Katia Ghazi-Dahan, DO. (Fr), LMT.