Paediatric Osteopathy in Adelaide
Helping babies, children and adolescents move comfortably, recover from injury and stay active with thoughtful, age-appropriate osteopathic care.
Every child develops differently. Whether you're seeking advice about your baby's movement, your child's recovery after an injury, or musculoskeletal pain in adolescence, Dr Rosalind Hill provides osteopathic assessment and care tailored to your child's age, development and individual needs.
Treatment is only recommended where clinically appropriate and is always discussed with you before it begins.
Meet Dr Rosalind Hill
Care centred around your child
Dr Rosalind Hill is an Osteopath with a particular interest in paediatric osteopathy, pregnancy and postnatal care, and family-focused musculoskeletal healthcare.
Roz provides osteopathic assessment and care for babies, children and adolescents in a calm, welcoming environment where both children and parents are encouraged to ask questions and be actively involved throughout the appointment.
Every child is different. Rather than following a standard treatment approach, Roz adapts each assessment according to the child's age, development, comfort, communication and individual presentation.
What is Paediatric Osteopathy
Paediatric osteopathy focuses on assessing and managing musculoskeletal concerns in babies, children and adolescents.
Appointments may include:
• discussing your child's history and current concerns
• observing movement and development where appropriate
• an age-appropriate musculoskeletal assessment
• explaining findings in clear language
• providing advice, education and management options
• gentle hands-on treatment where clinically appropriate and with your consent
Some appointments involve treatment, while others focus on assessment, reassurance, movement advice, monitoring or referral to another healthcare professional if that is the most appropriate next step.
Care Across Different Ages
Babies & Infants
Appointments are designed around your baby's comfort, feeding and sleeping routine where possible.
Assessment is gentle and may involve observing movement, posture and comfort while your baby is held, lying down or interacting naturally with you.
Parents remain involved throughout the appointment, and treatment is only considered where clinically appropriate.
Children
As children grow, appointments become more interactive.
Assessment may include movement, balance, coordination, posture and everyday activities relevant to the concern. Roz explains each step in language that both parents and children can understand.
Adolescents
Teenagers often present with concerns related to sport, growth, study or everyday life.
Where appropriate, adolescents are encouraged to participate in discussions about their assessment, goals and management while parents remain involved in decision-making and consent.
Why Families May Seek an Assessment
Parents may choose to arrange an osteopathic assessment when they have concerns about their child's movement, comfort or musculoskeletal function.
Examples may include:
• musculoskeletal discomfort
• preference for turning or moving one way
• recovery following a minor injury
• sport or activity-related pain
• neck, back or shoulder discomfort
• headaches associated with musculoskeletal factors
• posture or movement concerns
Some concerns may have multiple contributing factors. Where appropriate, Roz may recommend review or co-management with your GP, paediatrician or another healthcare professional.
What Happens During Your Appointment?
Your Role During the Appointment
Parents and guardians play an important role in every paediatric appointment.
A parent or legal guardian should attend the consultation and provide consent for assessment and treatment where required.
You're welcome to:
• hold or comfort your child
• feed or settle your baby
• ask questions at any stage
• pause the appointment if your child needs a break
Older children and adolescents are also encouraged to be involved in discussions about their care in a way that is appropriate for their age and understanding.
Preparing For Your Appointment
To help us make the most of your visit, it can be helpful to bring:
• any relevant scans or reports
• referral letters (if applicable)
• your child's health record or Blue Book where relevant
• a list of current medications
• comfortable clothing suitable for movement
• a favourite toy, dummy or comfort item for younger children
Don't worry if you don't have everything—just bring what you have.
Before We Begin
We'll take time to understand your concerns, discuss relevant medical history and answer any questions before beginning an assessment.
For babies, this may include discussing pregnancy, birth history and early development where relevant to the presenting concern.
Assessment
Assessment is adapted to your child's age and may include observation, movement assessment and an age-appropriate musculoskeletal examination.
Parents remain involved throughout, and older children are encouraged to participate in discussions whenever appropriate.
Care Plan
Following the assessment, Roz will explain her findings and discuss the most appropriate management options.
Depending on your child's needs, this may include:
• education
• movement advice
• exercises
• activity modification
• gentle hands-on treatment
• monitoring progress
• referral to another healthcare professional when appropriate
Gentle, Age-Appropriate Care
Children respond differently to healthcare than adults, and appointments should reflect that.
Treatment is never forced.
Your child's comfort and willingness to participate remain central throughout the consultation.
Depending on the situation, appointments may include:
• observation only
• discussion and education
• movement advice
• exercises
• gentle manual techniques
• reassurance and monitoring
Some children are ready for hands-on treatment during their first appointment, while others may simply benefit from assessment and a clear management plan.
Working With Your Healthcare Team
Osteopathy is one part of your child's healthcare.
Where appropriate, Roz is happy to communicate with your GP, paediatrician or other members of your child's healthcare team to support coordinated care.
Depending on your child's needs, this may include working alongside:
• General Practitioners
• Paediatricians
• Physiotherapists
• Lactation Consultants
• Speech Pathologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Dentists
• Other healthcare professionals
If Roz believes further medical assessment is appropriate, she will explain why and help guide you towards the most suitable next step.
Which Appointment Should I Book?
Initial Paediatric Osteopathy Appointment
For babies, children and adolescents attending their first paediatric appointment or returning with a new concern.
Standard Osteopathy Appointment
– 30 Minutes
For returning paediatric patients continuing care for a concern that has already been assessed.
Extended Osteopathy Appointment
– 45 Minutes
For returning patients who would benefit from additional assessment, discussion or management time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Most families book directly without a referral. If another healthcare professional has referred your child, you're welcome to bring any relevant information to your appointment.
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Not necessarily. Some appointments focus on assessment, explanation and planning before any treatment is recommended.
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Yes. A parent or legal guardian should attend the appointment and is encouraged to remain involved throughout the consultation.
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Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement is ideal.
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Yes, you can bring siblings.
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Yes. With your consent, Roz can communicate with other healthcare professionals involved in your child's care where appropriate.
Looking for thoughtful, age-appropriate osteopathic care for your child?
Whether your child is a newborn, a toddler, a school-aged child or a teenager, Dr Rosalind Hill provides osteopathic assessment and care tailored to their individual needs.