Gentle Relief: Osteopathy for Colic & Infant Digestion
I can still vividly remember that mid-October evening. I was a new mom, and my firstborn was just six weeks old. We were both struggling, but that night, I hit rock bottom. She had been crying in obvious discomfort for hours, on and off. I was exhausted and overwhelmed. Deep down, I knew — she was “colicky.”
As an osteopathic manual practitioner, I had worked with countless babies and supported parents through this exact stage—but now, I was living it myself.
While crying and fussiness are normal parts of a baby’s early months, for babies with colic, these episodes are far more intense, frequent and prolonged - often leaving parents feeling helpless and exhausted.
What is Colic or Infant Digestive Discomfort?
Colic is like a fire alarm that keeps going off, even when there’s no fire. The baby is otherwise healthy, but something—whether it’s digestive discomfort, overstimulation, or tension—is triggering their distress. Colic is characterized by prolonged, excessive crying in an otherwise healthy infant. It typically peaks around six weeks of age and gradually improves by three to four months. While not harmful, it can be overwhelming for both babies and their parents.
Up to 40% of healthy infants are diagnosed with infant colic during the first 3 months of life. (1)
Understanding Colic and Infant Digestive Discomfort
Babies can experience digestive discomfort due to several factors:
Birth-Related Strain & Tension – The birthing process can create tension in the neck, diaphragm, and abdomen, affecting digestion.
Immature Digestive System – A developing gastrointestinal (GI) tract can lead to reflux, gas, colic, constipation, and slow digestion. An underdeveloped gut microbiome also impacts digestion and immune function.
Nervous System Regulation – The gut-brain connection (via the vagus nerve) is still maturing, influencing digestion and overall comfort. Tension in the cranial and spinal regions may affect this nerve, which plays a key role in digestion.
Feeding Difficulties – Latching issues, swallowing air, and sensitivities to cow’s milk protein can contribute to discomfort.
Signs of Colic and Digestive Discomfort:
Long bouts of crying
Arched backs while crying
Clenched fists
Frantic or disorganized sucking or latching
Global body stiffness
Unable to settle
Seeming uncomfortable after feeds
Trouble passing gas
Trouble sleeping
How Can Osteopathy Help My “Colicky” Baby?
By using soft, precise techniques, osteopathic manual treatment works with the body to release tension and support nervous system regulation.
Releasing Birth Strain: The birthing process can create tension, especially around a baby’s head, neck, spine & diaphragm - which may impact the vagus nerve—an essential nerve that supports digestion and inflammation regulation. Osteopathy gently relieves these strains, promoting better function and overall comfort.
Easing Digestion: By reducing tension in the abdomen and diaphragm, osteopathic techniques can help relieve gas, support digestion, and ease discomfort.
Calming the Nervous System: Gentle hands-on work along the cranium and spine may help soothe an overstimulated nervous system, encouraging relaxation and a sense of ease.
A 2023 randomized controlled study (1) found that osteopathic manual therapy significantly reduced colic symptoms compared to the control group. Babies who received treatment:
Cried less frequently, with noticeable improvements after the second session
Experienced better sleep
Showed reduced regurgitation
Had no reported adverse effects
Soothing Strategies for an Inconsolable Baby
When your baby won’t stop crying, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Here are some simple techniques to help comfort and calm them:
Swaddling – Wrapping your baby snugly can mimic the security of the womb.
Colic Hold – Place your baby face-down across your arm or lap and gently massage their back.
Neck Nestle Carry – Rest their head against your chest, sway gently, and softly hum or sing.
Buddha Baby Hold: Gently place your baby’s back against your chest or upper belly. Fold or cross their legs in a relaxed, Buddha-like position, bringing their knees close to their belly. Slowly rock them back and forth to provide comfort.
Movement – Gentle rocking or rhythmic bouncing can provide comfort.
White Noise – A fan, vacuum, or white noise machine can mimic womb sounds and soothe their nervous system.
Burping – Frequent burping can help release trapped gas and reduce discomfort.
Tummy Time – Short sessions (1-2 minutes) can aid digestion and relieve gas.
Diet Adjustments – Breastfeeding parents may try reducing dairy, caffeine, onions, chocolate, and spicy foods. Formula-fed babies may benefit from hypoallergenic options.
Gentle, Baby Lead Care: What to expect during your baby’s osteopathy session?
Our approach is gentle, responsive, and always guided by your baby’s comfort. Some babies relax deeply, while others express themselves more vocally—especially when we find areas needing attention. Crying is their way of communicating, and we listen closely to understand whether they need support or reassurance.
Your baby leads the session—they can be treated in your arms or even while nursing. We explain as we go and welcome your questions, but our primary focus remains on the hands-on connection with your baby. Babies are highly perceptive, so we prioritize their needs while ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
References:
Martínez-Lentisco MDM, Martín-González M, García-Torrecillas JM, Antequera-Soler E, Chillón-Martínez R. Osteopathic Manual Therapy for Infant Colic: A Randomised Clinical Trial. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Sep 21;11(18):2600. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11182600. PMID: 37761797; PMCID: PMC10531355. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10531355/
Schwerla, F., Zimmer, M., Göpfert, J. et al. Osteopathic treatment of infants with infantile colic/excessive crying: a prospective, multicentric, randomized controlled trial and nested observational trial. BMC Pediatr 25, 77 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-025-05413-1 - https://bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12887-025-05413-1
