A Parent’s Guide to Pediatric Chiropractic: What You Need to Know
As a chiropractor and a mother of twins, I approach pediatric chiropractic with both professional knowledge and personal insight. As every parent can likely attest, parenting is a constant balancing act, navigating a mix of trial-and-error solutions and determined problem-solving. After becoming a mother, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for pediatric chiropractic care’s role in achieving those small yet meaningful victories that can make everyday life a little easier.
It is gentle…
Chiropractic care for babies is rooted in gentle, practical techniques tailored to their delicate bodies. Newborns aren’t immune to muscle and joint problems, and key factors can cause asymmetry in those tiny bodies. Birth trauma, like a difficult delivery, especially with forceps or a vacuum, can strain muscles, sometimes causing a little neck twist called torticollis. How they were positioned in the womb can also play a role; breech babies or twins in tight quarters might come out with uneven muscle tone. Conditions, like developmental dysplasia of the hip, can add to the mix, too.
Baby chiropractic visit
During a typical chiropractic visit, your doctor will thoroughly assess your baby’s joints, muscles, and neurological function. By observing and examining their movements, strength, and reflexes, the chiropractor can pinpoint areas that may cause discomfort. Treatment focuses on easing tension and improving function through light massage and gentle mobilization of the affected area. To build on the progress made, we’ll give you practical tips and exercises to continue care at home.
While these adjustments won’t make parenting effortless, they can often relieve some of the physical discomforts that lead to fussy evenings and restless nights. Also, treatment often has the fortunate side effect of encouraging bowel movements, which can be a welcome relief if constipation has been part of the struggle.
This approach also offers a supportive framework for your baby’s physical development. From learning to lift their head to taking those first wobbly steps, babies are working through an impressive list of milestones. If any challenges arise during these milestones, such as delays or difficulties in movement, we’re here to provide targeted care to help address those concerns and guide your baby toward smoother progress. For any specialty concerns outside our expertise, we’re happy to connect you with trusted professionals like physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or lactation consultants etc., who can provide additional tailored care.
In the end, pediatric chiropractic care is a pragmatic tool among many that can help your baby thrive. For a parent navigating the unpredictable terrain of raising children, I genuinely valued having my infants receive a thorough assessment and treatment, which felt both effective and reassuring. Every parenting journey is unique, and I hope this article offers clarity and encouragement as you move forward.
So why choose chiropractic care for your baby?
- Boost recovery from post-birth trauma
- Support the baby’s physical development
- Address milestone difficulties (rolling, crawling, walking)
Common issues we can address
- Torticollis
- Flat head syndrome
- Muscular imbalances
Questions? Email Dr. Jessie at admin@triadahealthottawa.com or book online here
