Chiropractic care for infants and children is tailored to be gentle and supportive, focusing on the unique needs of their developing bodies. As a holistic approach to well-being, pediatric Chiropractic care involves thorough assessments of the child’s health history and employs non-invasive techniques to alleviate discomfort, promote proper growth, and enhance overall function. This specialized care looks beyond immediate symptoms, seeking to optimize a child’s developmental potential and health from the very beginning.
History for infants and children
Before we even have the pleasure of meeting you and your baby or child, we possess a substantial understanding of their early history, including details about their birth. To further enhance this knowledge, we will ask you to complete a thorough questionnaire regarding the pregnancy, the birth process, and the initial period following your child’s arrival. This information is crucial as it helps us form a preliminary assessment of their developmental trajectory during the early years and identify any potential stressors that may have impacted their well-being. For instance, we will consider factors such as their feeding patterns, any signs of discomfort, and their general health, including the frequency of illness. This comprehensive approach allows us to tailor our care to meet the specific needs of your child.
Physical exam for infants and children
During a Chiropractic physical examination for infants and children, we pay close attention to areas of their spine and skull that might not be moving optimally. The reason for this focus is that restricted mobility in these regions can directly impact the functioning of their nervous system, potentially exerting pressure on the nerves that control various aspects of their body. We also assess their overall range of motion to identify any areas where they might be experiencing difficulties, even if these issues aren’t readily apparent during their everyday play.
Furthermore, we examine their primitive reflexes, which are inborn and typically disappear at a certain age. The presence or absence of these reflexes can offer valuable insights into your child’s development. As we conduct the physical examination, we often incorporate gentle adjustments, mindful of the fact that children can be quite active during the process, playing with toys or moving around. These adjustments involve applying a force akin to what you’d use to assess the ripeness of an avocado, employing a delicate touch and hold to release tension in the spine, which could be affecting the nervous system.
The positive results of these adjustments can be numerous and noticeable. Children may experience improved comfort in turning their heads, leading to more enjoyable car rides or time spent in the pram. Achieving developmental milestones such as rolling, sitting, and crawling may become smoother. Parents may observe that their child is easier to settle and exhibits calmer behaviours. Moreover, these adjustments may contribute to a strengthened immune system, potentially reducing the frequency of illnesses your child experiences.
How often do our infants and children need to be adjusted?
Children and infants, having been exposed to fewer stressors than adults, often do not require as frequent Chiropractic adjustments. Unless there is a particular concern that needs addressing, the approach to Chiropractic care for the younger population is usually less intensive. Initially, we might see your infant weekly for a short period. After this initial period, the frequency of visits may be tailored to correspond with key developmental milestones. For instance, we may recommend visits around the times when your child starts to roll over, begins to crawl, pulls themselves up to stand, and takes their first steps. Aligning Chiropractic care with these critical phases of growth ensures that the nervous system is supported to function optimally during these formative years. By doing so, we aim to provide the best opportunity for your child to develop and function to their fullest potential.
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