Stillpoint Osteopaths

20/02/2026

Does your baby seem very stiff or constantly arching their back?

Back arching is common in babies and is often completely normal. Research shows infants use whole-body extension as part of early motor development. It can happen with:

• Frustration or overstimulation
• Self-soothing attempts
• Tummy time exploration

The Moro reflex (startle reflex) is also normal from birth and usually integrates by 3–4 months. Babies may briefly extend or arch when startled.

When is it worth looking closer?

If arching is frequent, persistent, or interferes with feeding, holding or dressing, it can sometimes be linked to discomfort.

One possible cause is Gastroesophageal reflux, where babies may arch due to oesophageal irritation. In rare cases, marked arching with reflux is described as Sandifer syndrome.

Look for accompanying signs such as:
• Feeding difficulties
• Frequent vomiting
• Irritability during or after feeds
• Poor weight gain

Arching can also be seen in babies with excessive crying, often labelled Infant colic.

Most arching is benign but if it’s constant, difficult to settle, associated with unusual movements, delayed milestones, or simply doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek professional advice.

If you’re unsure whether your baby’s arching is typical or tension related, reach out. Early support can provide clarity, reassurance, and gentle guidance tailored to your baby.

18/02/2026

Janice Huang has been part of the Stillpoint team since 2018 and is a skilled and caring practitioner. She is fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese, and is experienced in treating all ages and concerns.
Janice practices both osteopathy and western acupuncture, and can combine both techniques if required, providing a truly individualised treatment plan.

17/02/2026

16/02/2026

Lower back pain, constant or recurring can be debilitating.

Osteopathy uses hands-on assessment to find the root cause (from feet to hips and even breathing patterns).

Reach out to the professional team at Stillpoint Osteopaths and work on a solution today, or get a personalised assessment today instead of and find relief today)
Or Reach out to Olivia Wells at Stillpoint Osteopaths and find relief today.

13/02/2026

Does your baby always turn their head to one side?

It could be Congenital Muscular Torticollis.

This is when a baby consistently holds their head tilted to one side, with the chin turned to the opposite side. It commonly involves a neck muscle called the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), which may be tighter or shorter on one side. Occasionally, a small lump can even be felt within the muscle.

If your baby prefers one direction and struggles to turn the other way, it’s worth having their neck assessed.

Why early diagnosis matters

In babies, the earlier torticollis is identified, the better the outcomes.
When a muscle stays shortened:
• It becomes tighter over time
• Less flexible tissue develops
• Neck rotation can become more limited
• Facial or head asymmetry can sometimes develop

Early treatment helps prevent these changes and supports more balanced development.

What causes it?

Torticollis is often linked to:
• Positioning in the womb (limited space or constraint)
• Strain during the birth process

What can help?
Gentle stretches
Encouraging your baby to turn toward their less preferred side
Supported tummy time
Professional assessment and guidance

If your baby isn’t turning their head freely, seems uncomfortable, or holds their head in an unusual posture, an osteopathic examination can help identify the cause and support early intervention.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31350358

Book an assessment to support balanced development early.

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common postural deformity evident shortly after birth, typically characterized by ipsilateral cervical lateral flexion and contralateral cervical rotation due to unilateral shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. New evidence is emerging on the pathog...

13/02/2026

Discover the effects of PEMF Therapy!

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) is gaining attention in healthcare for a reason, it supports your body’s natural healing mechanisms. Think of it like infrared saunas or ice baths: a way to enhance your health from the inside out.

Today I would like to highlight how PEMF can help with Osteoarthritis:

• Pain: Aching pain in or around the joint, often worsening after movement or use.
• Stiffness: Especially noticeable after rest or upon waking, usually improving within 30 minutes of activity.
• Swelling: Inflammation and extra fluid in or near the joint.
• Grating Sensation/Sounds: A crunching or cracking feeling (crepitus) or sound when the joint moves.
• Reduced Flexibility: Difficulty moving the joint through its full range of motion.
• Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the muscles supporting the affected joint.
• Bone Spurs: Hard lumps (bone spurs)

How it works: PEMF emits low-frequency electromagnetic waves through coils, reaching deep into tissues to stimulate cellular repair and restore function.
• PEMF has been shown to:
• Decrease pain
• Reduce stiffness
• Improve function and movement.
If osteoarthritis is slowing you down, PEMF could be a gentle, science-backed way to move better and feel better.

Ref:Phys Ther. 2020 Jul 19;100(7):1118-1131.doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzaa054.

11/02/2026

Attached is an image of various diagrams Pili has drawn for patients.

When you come to your osteopath and they are really trying to help you understand what is happening, we may resort to drawings. They may not be pretty or accurate but they get the point across and help you grasp what we are trying to do.

Developing and maintaining trust is one of Stillpoint osteopaths core values. To develop trust means we need to communicate effectively. Sharing what we find when we examine you and how we think it relates to your health concerns matters.

06/02/2026

Is your baby’s head shape a little different?

Some babies are born with a slightly altered head shape, while others develop it over time. Cranial osteopaths often see parents concerned about this and here’s what you need to know:

Why it happens:
Many babies prefer turning their head to one side because turning to the other side might not be as easy or comfortable to them, but it also puts more pressure on one part of the skull, sometimes leading to flattening.

Why head rotation matters:
When babies can comfortably turn their heads both ways while lying on their back, they’re less likely to develop flat spots.

What can help:
An osteopathic assessment can identify why your baby prefers one side and helps guide gentle hands-on treatments and strategies to encourage more balanced movement.

Tip: Early support can make a difference for comfort, movement, and head shape!

Curious if your baby’s head shape is normal? Let’s take a look! Book a consultation today.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27031440
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36451623
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32450443

05/02/2026

At Stillpoint Osteopaths, one of our core values is CONTINUED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

This March, I’m thrilled to be lecturing at one of the largest osteopathic summits in Australia and New Zealand, with over 220 attendees! I’ll be sharing my knowledge on the respiratory diaphragm with both experienced osteopaths and recent graduates, including some of my classmates from 34 years ago!

Every lecture I prepare pushes me to dive into the latest research, learn something new, and expand how osteopaths think about what they can and can’t palpate and how they can support the patients who walk into their clinics.

I’ve never attended a course without coming away a better osteopath and I’m excited for the insights I’ll gain and the incredible colleagues I’ll connect with this time too.

30/01/2026

Have you noticed how your baby moves their arms and legs?

Do they kick both legs equally? Move both arms the same way?

Sometimes the stresses and strains of birth can affect how freely a baby moves. Muscles may have been overstretched, areas compressed by the pressures created during contractions, resulting in areas of tension or restriction.

You might notice things like:
• One arm staying down more than the other
• One side moving less or seeming stiffer
• A clear preference for one side

If something feels a little off, it’s worth having it checked.

An osteopath can gently assess what’s going on, help identify the underlying cause, and work with you on a clear, supportive management plan for your baby.

If something doesn’t feel quite right, trust your instincts.
Early assessment can make a big difference.

Book with Stillpoint Osteopaths to have your baby checked.