Paediatric Chiropractic
Kids may benefit from chiropractic too! Even children with no pain or symptoms may receive "wellness" benefits from regular chiropractic visits.
Children go through so many changes as they grow. All of the major systems go through countless developmental stages. The nervous system is the first to develop and it controls all the others. It is therefore very important to have as little interference as possible with the nervous system in the growing child. Research has shown that one of the worst interferences with the nerve system is a vertebral subluxation, a misalignment of the spine which results in pressure on the nerve system. Subluxations may occur very early in life. One of the first and most traumatic things to happen to the spine is the birth process. Especially in a difficult delivery, the trauma to the cervical bones can be dramatic.
Chiropractic has been shown through research to be an excellent choice for wellness care. Your children deserve to have their full potential utilized as they grow. Chiropractic care is a very important part of your children's health care. Please make an appointment to have your child's spine checked by a chiropractor on a regular basis.. We can check your child's spine today to make sure your child is in great shape!
Why do we see children?
To encourage good neural plasticity (brain and nerve development) by supporting optimal nerve function
To help strengthen their child’s immunity especially when coupled with nutrition and the right fuel – encouraging fewer colds, ear-aches and general wellness.
To help resolve breastfeeding issues and colic. If a baby’s neck is not working well, breast feeding may not be working well.
Encourages children to thrive by supporting digestive strength , through the chiropractic adjustment and great fuel!
To promote body balance – helping the development of the baby’s cerebellum as they move to become a standing , gravity dependent person!
What are the health benefits of paediatric chiropractic?
A Doctor of Chiropractic examines your child during that important first year of life when spinal trauma can occur during birth as well as from tumbles while learning to sit up or walk. Improper lifting and carrying of your child can also contribute to spinal stress. Your child's spine grows almost 50% in length during that first year (the equivalent of a six-footer growing to nine feet in just 12 months!) It's this kind of tremendous growth and developmental changes which make a complete chiropractic examination so important in the early stages of your child's life.
What are the common conditions that are treated?
Common Presentations:
- Feeding Issues, eg. trouble turning the head to one side
- Flatness on the side of the Skull
- Poor Head Control
- Excessive Crying, "Colic" or Irritability
- Can't Roll Over
- Crawls with one Foot up
- Did not crawl at all
- Sitting in "W Position"
- Recurrent Otitis Media, Middle Ear Infections, typically associated with postural faults.
How long are the consultations?
Initial consultation is 30 minutes, which includes history taking, a full assessment of your child and treatment, if applicable.
Follow up visits take upto 10 minutes for your child’s treatment and take home advice.
What is involved in a consultation?
Initial consultation includes history taking, a thorough spinal check, orthopedic and neurological tests, and if applicable, a chiropractic treatment is also implemented.
In history taking, information is gathered relating to your primary concern of your child’s health, and other general questions are asked in relation to their overall health, growth, development, diet, sleep and posture. This is done in order to gather as much information as possible to assist us in properly diagnosing and providing the best management plan as possible.
How long do I need treatment for?
You chiropractor will identify the extent of a particular problem and will tailor make a management plan. You may make follow up appointments one visit at a time or pre-book your future appointments on your preferred day and time an advance.
Will health insurance cover me?
Yes, most private health insurances cover chiropractic care for your child.
Hicaps machine is available for fast processing of your private health insurance claims.
The rebate varies with different funds and the level of your extras cover.
There are so many different health care specialists today. Who is really responsible for the health of my children?
You are. As a parent, you must take responsibility for your child's health and use your best judgment as to what is most appropriate for your child. Fortunately, there are some outstanding primary health care providers to help you make your decisions, including your Doctor of Chiropractic, pediatrician and/or maternal health nurse. These professionals can make up your child's personal health care team.
What if my child has a health problem that doesn't respond to chiropractic care?
Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to recognize complex health problems. Their primary obligation is the welfare of the child. When they reach their limits of skill and authority, the International Chiropractors Association's position is that "doctors in all fields of practice are ethically and morally bound to make patient referrals to practitioners in other fields of healing when such referrals are necessary to provide the highest quality of patient care."