Services - Chiropractic and cranial
Chiropractic and cranial BABY 'MOT'
It is an optimal time to get a spine, hip and cranial assessment as a new born.
Many parents bring their children in for a Chiropractic MOT check, as they feel it is helpful to know their baby is starting out in good mechanical balance and neurological function.
At the baby MOT the parents are asked for a full history of the pregnancy and birth.
Of interest is the position of the baby in the womb and if it was in a breech or transverse position, and for how long. It is also important to know about your child presently, such as how well it sleeps, feeds and his general well being.
As babies are unable to tell us by words, we have to ascertain by enquiring of their behaviour and daily routines. One can ascertain a lot of information even at this stage.
Examination
During the examination the postural and muscular tension is assessed as well as the individual and global movement of the body, spine and neck.
The head shape and symmetry of how the cranial bones are aligned, is important. For issues of feeding difficulties, the sucking reflex will be assessed together with other important functions of the mouth and the jaw.
The hips are examined and tested for alignment and hyper mobility as well as the knees and feet. This is essential for sitting, crawling, running and walking.
In Chiropractic Paediatrics, there is a “window of opportunity” for growth and development. The bodies and cranial system of newborns are more adaptable within the first three months.
As adults we are good at going to the dentists for our MOT check, but we forget that our babies have been in the womb for 9 months to then come out in the most incredible journey called birth.
The good news with babies is, that they usually don't need many treatments to respond and improve!
When babies get treatment, they usually start sleeping better and appear more at ease and less strained. They can burp and have bowel movements with less pain and tension. Some parents find the bonding easier as the babies calm and settle down.
We also work alongside with the GP's, specialists and health visitors when necessary.
The treatment is very gentle and always with the cooperation of the baby. Some sleep through the session and we make every effort to make it comfortable for them. We also encourage both parents to join us during the treatment.
Some of the things we treat at the clinic:
- Infantile colic or “cry babies” (babies who cry for no apparent reason and are unhappy)
- Torticollis (wry neck)
- Plagyocephaly (head shape asymmetry)
- Constipation, sluggish gut and excess wind.
- Sleep difficulties
- Malalignment of the feet or hips, shoulders
- Upper respiratory chest or sinus congestion
- Glue ear
- Recurrent vomiting or burping difficulty