Osteopathic Treatment of Somatic Dysfunctions in NewbornInfants: the NE-O Model

Background: Several studies showed the effect of osteopathic treatment in newborn infants in reducing length of stay in hospital, gastrointestinal problems, clubfoot complications and improving cranial asymmetry of infants affected by plagiocephaly. Despite several results obtained, there is still a lack of standardized osteopathic evaluation and treatment procedures for newborns recovered in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The aim of this paper is to suggest a protocol on osteopathic approach (NE-O model) in treating hospitalized newborns.