Many parents are curious about how chiropractic adjustments might support their baby’s sleep, digestion, and development, but are also curious about what to expect at a treatment, what can it be helpful for, and ultimately, is it SAFE?

At Roots to Branches Whole Health Clinic, Dr. Shannon Gow DC, is here to set the record straight. In this article, she’ll debunk the biggest myths about infant chiropractic care and share some facts about its gentle, effective benefits. If you’ve ever wondered whether chiropractic care is safe for babies, read on to learn more.

Chiropractic Care for Babies: True or False?

????️ A baby has to be at least 6 weeks old to be seen?

❌FALSE. There are many wonderful benefits to chiropractic care following birth. There can be muscular tension resulting from labour and delivery. Tension can be present whether the baby was born via vaginal delivery or cesarean. The youngest patient I have personally seen in the clinic was two days old. I adjusted my daughter within hours of her delivery as well.  

????️ A pediatric chiropractic appointment will always involve “cracking”

❌FALSE. Pediatric care, specifically for infants, is very gentle. If you compare the movements to what is required for an adult adjustment, they are vastly different. Not all pediatric patients get adjusted, as some treatments will just include gentle stretching. If an adjustment is deemed necessary, it is performed with fingertip pressure. 

????️ The pressure used for treatment is like checking an avocado for ripeness at the store

✔️TRUE. Muscle work is not like getting muscles released as an adult. Minor fingertip pressure is used to assess, treat and adjust babies. Some babies even sleep through their treatment. Think about picking up an avocado to check for ripeness or checking the firmness of a tomato. Babies do not need a high amount of force. 

????️ The chiropractor can help other areas outside of the spine.

✔️TRUE. There are a variety ofl benefits associated with chiropractic care for babies. The chiropractor can help tackle conditions that involve the spine, like torticollis, but there are a variety of conditions that can benefit from this care. These include tackling shoulder dystocia, issues with sleeping, gassiness/colic, reflux, or support following a tongue tie release. 

????️ After a tongue tie is revised, no more needs to be done

❌FALSE. If your baby has a tongue tie that has been released, there are many benefits to stretching the tissue and doing other body work as well. Tethered oral tissues are associated with muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and back, and can even present along with conditions like torticollis. The chiropractor can help your baby decrease this tension. 

????️ Chiropractic care is safe and gentle

✔️TRUE. Chiropractic care for babies is a low-force technique. There is minimal pressure put on your new family member. Gentle stretches and muscle release help to increase their overall range of motion, and can help with several conditions.

If you are unsure whether chiropractic care is a good fit for you or your family, feel free to reach out. Let’s get your little one feeling their best!

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