Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Dr. Leighton has studied and trained with American Chiropractic Association Council on Pediatrics, International Pediatric Chiropractic Association and Motion Palpation Institute to effectively and safely care for the youngest members of your family.
Childhood conditions commonly managed with chiropractic care:
- Torticollis
- Plagiocephaly (“Flat spot” on the head)
- Developmental Milestone Delays
- Breastfeeding or latch difficulties, oral ties
- Headaches
- Poor posture
- Frequent ear aches/infections and sinus congestion
- Constipation
- Reflux and GI discomfort
- Sports injuries
- Neck, back, or joint pain
- Improving joint mobility and/or stability
- Bedwetting
- Reflex Integration
Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs)
Tethered oral tissues are thickened or shortened tissues that restrict proper movement of the tongue, lip or cheeks. This limited movement can impact breastfeeding, bottle feeding, breathing and airway mechanics, speech, and orthodontic health.
Tongue-tied babies and children practice sucking against resistance until their ties are released. Generally, there is significant muscle dis-coordination that causes the child to nurse inefficiently. Chiropractors can alleviate significant muscle tension with gentle adjustments, myofascial release techniques and stretches. Tongue ties can contribute to torticollis, which can impact both breast and bottle fed babies.
Manual therapy both inside and outside of the mouth is utilized to stretch tight muscles, and release adhesions that restrict proper jaw, tongue, and lip movement. Simple exercises are then performed and discussed with the child’s guardian to help encourage full movement of the oral structures and neck. Gentle, safe adjustments can be made when necessary to the spine. Pediatric chiropractic care is an ideal therapy and solution for children pre- and post- tie release.
Symptoms of TOTs may include;
Baby:
- excessive drooling
- prolonged feeding times, falling asleep at the breast
- crying, irritability, colic, snoring
- reflux, gassiness
- slow or no weight gain
- pulling at the breast, inability to maintain a latch
- clamping on the nipple, clicking while nursing
- leaking milk while bottle or breast feeding
- lip callus formation, heart-shaped tongue
Mother:
- pain during or after breastfeeding
- cracked, blistered, bleeding, flattened, creased nipples
- compression bruising
- low milk supply
- clogged ducts or mastitis
*a breast feeding mother’s symptoms are just as important as the baby’s
*Dr. Leighton has completed extensive training with Dr. Bobby Ghaheri, The Breathe Institute as a Breathe Baby Ambassador, the ICPA, Dr. Monika Buerger and Lisa Paladino CNM/IBCLC for the management of tethered oral tissues. She is also a professional member of the International Affiliation of Tongue-tie Professionals (IATP), International Consortium of Ankylofrenula Professionals (ICAP), and the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA).*
Pediatric Resource Handouts
Gross Motor Milestones 0-24 Months