What Are the Risks of Osteopathy for Newborns?

In a statement published on December 3, 2024, the French Academy of Medicine warned against offering osteopathy sessions for newborns in hospitals.

The Academy emphasized that these practices, aimed at addressing common issues such as breastfeeding difficulties, colic, or insomnia, are not supported by solid scientific evidence.

It explained that these treatments, which include techniques known as “visceral osteopathy” and “cranial osteopathy,” are neither proven effective nor considered safe. The Academy also noted that many hospitals and healthcare centers promote these treatments without valid justification.

The Academy argued that the advertisements displayed by certain medical centers do not align with the protection that should be provided to newborns, particularly given the lack of scientific evidence supporting these practices.

Additionally, the Academy pointed out that osteopathy is not covered by French social security. Despite this, many doctors and healthcare centers still recommend it, making it part of the healthcare system in certain areas.

The Academy called for an end to the promotion of these practices in hospitals and urged for stricter standards in training neonatal medicine specialists regarding the effects of these alternative techniques.

Furthermore, the Academy referenced studies showing that the outcomes of osteopathic treatments are no more effective than placebo treatments. A study published in 2021 in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine compared osteopathy with placebo techniques for patients suffering from back pain and found no significant medical difference.

Amid the growing popularity of alternative medicine, the Academy called for thorough scientific evaluations of these practices to ensure the safety of newborns.