Osteopathy in infants: the practice called into question

The French Society of Pediatrics (SFP) and the French Union of Manual Medicine Osteopathy (SMMOF) recommend contraindicating osteopathy in newborns and infants , citing " the lack of evidence of effectiveness and potential risks to the health of young children."

This position is based on recent clinical studies which have not demonstrated any significant benefit of osteopathy in disorders such as breastfeeding difficulties or the prevention of cranial deformities, and on the lack of rigorous scientific evaluation of these practices.

In response, the Unit for Osteopathy (UPO) rejects all forms of misinformation and points out that the profession is regulated, with demanding training .

The UPO states that several international studies show " benefits on certain functional disorders in infants, without reporting serious complications, provided that care is provided by qualified professionals specifically trained in pediatrics."

The UPO calls for constructive scientific dialogue and proposes that the SFP collaborate to jointly define rigorous evaluation standards, in the interest of the safety and well-being of infants.