It’s a common conversation that I have with patients and friends: “you can really do Chiropractic on babies?” the answer is yes, and it’s astounding.
During my five years of training to be a Chiropractor, I undertook extensive training in anatomy, physiology and biomechanics with particular emphasis on the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. With this as my ground base knowledge, I completed extra training in paediatric care. This, together with my experience in voluntary work for the Feeding Clinic (a free service ran by chiropractic and midwifery students to help mothers achieve exclusive breastfeeding), is where my passion for helping babies and children began.
Chiropractic care for babies and children is safe and gentle. The techniques used are modified to accommodate the infant’s soft and forming skeleton. For babies in particular it is important to note that pressure will only be applied to your baby that is similar to the pressure that you would use to place your finger on your eyeball. These very gentle manipulative techniques could help to soothe and relax your baby.
Like adults, no infant or child is treated without a thorough and focused examination. I will ask a lot of questions and undertake a thorough musculoskeletal and neurological examination. For babies, this will also check to see whether their primitive reflexes are present or gone which could impact on their development. Research tells us now that 90% of babies experience birth trauma of some kind, and here at Kind Health we believe it is so important that any new baby’s musculoskeletal system and nervous system are checked, so much so that any child under the age of 16 will always receive their initial consultation and treatment at a reduced price.
Catherine Alsworth MSc BSc DC