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Pediatric Chiropractic Care In Mesa & Gilbert, AZ
Gentle, Age-Appropriate Chiropractic Care for Children
Parents want their children to grow, move, and develop as well as possible. At The Well Chiropractic Clinic, we provide gentle, age-appropriate chiropractic care for children when it is clinically appropriate.
Children's bodies are constantly growing and changing. Their musculoskeletal needs are different from those of adults, which is why chiropractic care for children should be approached differently than chiropractic care for adults.
Our goal is to provide a thorough evaluation, explain what we find, and determine whether chiropractic care is an appropriate option for your child.
Why Do Parents Bring Their Children to a Chiropractor?
Children can experience musculoskeletal problems just like adults. The nervous system of an infant or child is rapidly developing and it is important to ensure the connection between their body and their brain is operating as efficiently as possible.
Some common reasons parents seek an evaluation include:
Back & Neck Pain
Older children and teenagers may experience neck or back discomfort related to sports, backpacks, prolonged sitting, computers, gaming, or other activities.
A chiropractic evaluation can help identify musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to discomfort.
Sports Injuries
Young athletes place significant demands on their growing bodies.
Sports-related strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries may benefit from an appropriate evaluation and rehabilitation plan.
Posture & Movement
Children and teenagers spend more time than ever sitting at desks, using phones, playing video games, and using computers.
Poor movement habits and prolonged static positions can contribute to stiffness and discomfort.
We can evaluate movement patterns and provide age-appropriate recommendations when appropriate.
Growing Bodies
Growth involves significant changes to the bones, joints, muscles, and nervous system.
If your child is experiencing persistent pain or difficulty with movement, an evaluation can help determine whether there is a musculoskeletal issue that should be addressed.
What Is Chiropractic Care for Kids?
Pediatric chiropractic care refers to chiropractic evaluation and treatment provided to infants, children, and adolescents using techniques appropriate for their age, size, development, and individual needs.
Children are not simply "small adults." Their bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues are developing as they grow.
When chiropractic treatment is appropriate, techniques are modified to be gentle and age-appropriate. Treatment may involve very gentle manual techniques, joint mobilization, movement recommendations, or exercises depending on the child's age and condition.
Chiropractic Care for Teenagers
Teenagers often experience many of the same musculoskeletal complaints as adults.
School, sports, prolonged sitting, smartphones, computers, and other daily activities can place stress on the neck, shoulders, and back.
For teenagers experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort, chiropractic care may be one component of a broader approach that can include:
- Movement education
- Mobility exercises
- Strengthening
- Ergonomic recommendations
- Activity modification
- Manual therapy when appropriate
Our goal is to help teenagers understand their bodies and develop healthy movement habits that can benefit them as they grow.
What Happens During a Child's Chiropractic Visit?
We understand that visiting a healthcare provider can sometimes be intimidating for children.
Our approach is designed to make the experience comfortable and age appropriate.
1. Talk With the Parent & Child
We'll discuss your child's symptoms, health history, activities, previous injuries, and your concerns.
2. Perform an Appropriate Examination
The examination will be adapted to your child's age and condition. We may evaluate posture, range of motion, movement, strength, and other relevant factors.
3. Explain Our Findings
We'll explain what we find and answer your questions.
4. Discuss Your Options
If chiropractic care is appropriate, we'll explain what we recommend and why.
If we believe your child would benefit from evaluation by another healthcare professional, we'll recommend the appropriate next step.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Children?
Safety is one of the most important considerations when treating children.
Children require age-appropriate assessment and treatment, and not every chiropractic technique used for adults is appropriate for children.
A child's treatment should be based on their individual health history, physical development, symptoms, and clinical findings.
Parents should always discuss their child's healthcare with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional, particularly if the child has a significant medical condition, recent serious injury, or unusual or worsening symptoms.
When Should Your Child Be Evaluated?
Consider having your child evaluated if they experience persistent or recurring:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Sports-related injuries
- Stiffness
- Difficulty with movement
- Pain associated with certain activities
Seek prompt medical attention for serious injuries, severe or rapidly worsening pain, neurological symptoms, or other symptoms that concern you.
Chiropractic Care for Kids in Mesa & Gilbert
If you're searching for a pediatric chiropractor in Mesa, AZ or Gilbert, AZ, The Well Chiropractic Clinic can help you determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your child.
We take a conservative, individualized approach and focus on understanding your child's unique needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
Your child's health deserves an approach that's designed specifically for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can a child see a chiropractor?
We begin seeing kids right away from Day 1. The techniques we use are much different for kids than the average person/adult.
Does chiropractic care hurt?
Generally, no. Appropriate pediatric chiropractic techniques are generally modified to the child's age, size, and development. Children should never be treated using a technique simply because it is commonly used for adults.
Can a chiropractor treat sports injuries in children?
In some cases yes. A chiropractor may be able to evaluate and manage certain musculoskeletal sports injuries. The appropriate treatment depends on the injury. Some injuries require evaluation or treatment from another healthcare professional.
Can chiropractic care help my child's posture?
A child's posture is influenced by many factors, including strength, mobility, habits, environment, and development. A chiropractor can evaluate musculoskeletal factors and provide appropriate movement or exercise recommendations when indicated.
Does my child need X-rays?
Not necessarily. Imaging should be recommended based on the child's history and examination findings and when the expected information would affect management. Routine imaging is not appropriate for every child.