Conditions We Treat
PAEDIATRIC CHIROPRACTIC CARE
When your baby is unsettled, struggling to feed or not sleeping well, it's exhausting and worrying. If you're wondering whether chiropractic care could help, or whether it's safe for your little one, those are exactly the right questions to ask.
Paediatric chiropractic looks nothing like adult treatment. The techniques used on infants involve extremely light, sustained pressure, often no more than you'd comfortably apply to your own eyelid. There's no cracking, twisting or forceful manipulation. Everything is adapted to your child's age, size and developmental stage.
Birth is physically demanding for babies too, especially with assisted deliveries (ventouse, forceps or caesarean) or prolonged labour. The resulting tension through the spine, skull and soft tissues can contribute to feeding difficulties, unsettled behaviour, sleep problems or a preference to turn the head to one side (torticollis). A gentle chiropractic assessment helps identify whether these factors are playing a role.
A BMJ Open meta-analysis found that manual therapy improved symptoms in unsettled, excessively crying infants, and a randomised trial of 200 infants with colic found a reduction in crying hours favouring chiropractic treatment. No adverse events were attributed to treatment.
Our chiropractors have specific training and experience in paediatric care. We take a conservative, evidence-informed approach and always prioritise your child's comfort and safety.
COMMON PAEDIATRIC COMPLAINTS
- Colic, reflux and excessive crying
- Wind, bloating and digestive discomfort
- Latching and feeding difficulties
- Unsettled behaviour or difficulty sleeping
- Traumatic or assisted birth (ventouse, forceps, caesarean)
- Torticollis (preference to turn the head to one side)
- Musculoskeletal concerns related to development
- Assessing normal spinal development
- Postural imbalances in older children (from desk work or screen time)
- Sports injuries in active children and teenagers
We understand that bringing your baby or child to a chiropractor for the first time can feel daunting. That is why we take the time to explain everything we do, answer all your questions and make sure both you and your little one are comfortable before we begin. A thorough history and gentle examination always come first. We never rush into treatment.
Supporting healthy spinal function in childhood sets the foundation for comfort and development. Whether your newborn is struggling with feeding or your older child has a sports injury, we are here to help.
Families bring their children to us from Sandton, Morningside, Bryanston, Fourways, Rivonia, Hyde Park and across the Johannesburg area.
Book an appointment at our Sandton practice and let us support your child's wellbeing from the very start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Paediatric chiropractic uses extremely light, sustained pressure, often no more than you would comfortably apply to your own eyelid. There is no cracking, twisting or forceful manipulation. A randomised trial of 200 infants with colic found a reduction in crying hours favouring chiropractic treatment, with no adverse events attributed to treatment.
Babies can be assessed from birth. We commonly see newborns within the first few weeks. Some parents seek care after assisted deliveries (ventouse, forceps or caesarean) or prolonged labour. The techniques are entirely adapted to the baby's age, size and developmental stage.
A BMJ Open meta-analysis found that manual therapy improved symptoms in unsettled, excessively crying infants. While colic has multiple potential causes, many parents report noticeable improvement after gentle chiropractic care.
The visit begins with a thorough history covering pregnancy, birth and current symptoms. A gentle examination follows, assessing spinal movement, muscle tone and neurological reflexes appropriate for your child's age. We explain everything before we begin and never rush into treatment.
Tension through the neck, jaw and upper spine from birth can affect a baby's ability to latch and feed comfortably. Gentle treatment aimed at releasing this tension often helps improve feeding. We work alongside lactation consultants and other practitioners when needed.
References
- Carnes D, et al. Manual therapy for unsettled, distressed and excessively crying infants: a systematic review and meta-analyses. BMJ Open. 2018;8(1):e019040.
- Holm LV, et al. The effect of chiropractic care on infantile colic: results from a single-blind randomised controlled trial. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. 2021;29:15.