Pediatrics
working with small miracles everyday
Healing Hands & Caring Hearts
What about our children? Can they benefit from chiropractic care? The answer is a definite yes. In a study cited by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), it was reported that pediatric visits to chiropractors topped the 68 million mark in 2009. At Frisina Family Wellness, we have seen our younger patient population increase markedly as more parents learn about the benefits of spinal alignment and how this factors into complete pediatric care. When young patients come see our doctor of chiropractic for pediatric chiropractic care, they receive top-notch service and leave feeling much better.
There is no difference in the science of care between adults and children, however the methods used are extremely gentle. Don’t compare your own treatment to the methods used on infants and children. The light pressure of a fingertip is often all that is needed to correct misalignments. Children generally respond much faster to care and the benefits of treatment can be immediate. When parents of our patients see the rapid and dramatic improvement in their child after treatment from Dr. Frisina, they often feel they have been cared for by one of the most dedicated and loving pediatric chiropractors in our community, and that is what we constantly strive for.
When should I start bringing my child for chiropractic care?
In newborns, the most common complaints are colic and reflux. Other problems that can be addressed are difficulty with breastfeeding, sporadic sleep patterns, allergies and chronic infections. These ailments can be traced to cranial and spinal misalignments which cause irritation to the nervous system.
Many parents bring their newborns for treatment within days of birth. The trauma of birth is very hard on mother and baby. Both benefit greatly from adjustments immediately following birth. A good rule of thumb is to bring a newborn in as soon as possible, but certainly within the first month, and then as each milestone is achieved. When the baby lifts their head, rolls over, crawls and begins to walk alignment changes and stress is placed on different areas of the spine. Regular visits to our pediatric chiropractor while the child is changing so rapidly can help avoid discomfort and pain from this growth.
Children’s sports injuries and chiropractic treatment
Children may seem to be almost invincible at times with their ability to get up and continue running after a fall. Babies do this dozens of times per day when learning how to walk. Although young children quickly bounce back, they may be dealing with a hidden injury that can influence how they approach physical activity when they are older. Scheduling regular visits to a chiropractor can identify early signs of injury that parents may be unaware of.
Parents of young athletes are wise to develop a relationship with an experienced chiropractor for children. There are several benefits for the child when regular chiropractic visits are part of their medical plan. When an injury occurs it can be identified and quickly treated preventing further injury. Preventative strategies can be put in place to ensure the child is as injury proof as possible. Finally, sports performance can be improved through targeted exercises tailor made for the child to improve coordination, balance and strength.
Children receiving regular chiropractic care which are focused on strengthening and educating them on preventive measures are less prone to injury. Dr Frisina, who regularly treats children, knows how to develop a trusting relationship with them which is especially necessary when treating a painful injury.
Sports injuries are almost inevitable in children who play organized sports with strains and sprains being the most common injury. At Frisina Family Wellness a large proportion of our practice is composed of families who realize the benefits of regular chiropractic care for their active children, particularly if they are playing sports.
Teaching them to be aware of early signs of injury and giving them strategies to use on the playing field is one way of protecting them while they enjoy healthy physical activity.
What are the symptoms of spinal misalignment in infants & children?
In an infant watch for problems breastfeeding or only wanting to breastfeed on one side, disrupted sleep patterns and restricted movement of neck or head. Also, if one shoulder is higher than the other, crooked gluteal fold or if there is a difference in the length of the legs, this would indicate spinal misalignment.
Other common childhood ailments that are linked with a misaligned spine are headaches, bedwetting/constipation, ADHD, scoliosis, asthma, colic, reflux, recurrent ear or throat infections. Because of this, it is important that your child get the care they need from our pediatric chiropractor.