Babies
- Always turning the head one way (wry neck / torticollis)
- A flat spot developing on the head
- Feeding more comfortably on one side
- Stiffness or tension after a difficult birth
Babies, children & teens
Gentle chiropractic for growing bodies.
Paediatrics has been a particular interest of mine since I started practising in 2007. Here’s how I help children, how treatment differs from adults, and where chiropractic does and doesn’t fit.
A child is not a small adult
Children’s joints are more flexible, their bones are still growing, and the problems they come in with are different. So treatment is different too: lighter, shorter, and at your child’s pace. For babies, the pressure used is very light. There’s no twisting, and usually no click.
Just as important is knowing what chiropractic can’t do. I’ll always examine carefully first, explain what I find in plain language, and refer you to your GP, paediatrician or a physio if that’s what your child needs.
Why parents bring their children in
Toddlers & school-age children
- Neck, back or shoulder pain
- Aches from heavy school bags
- Bumps and strains from play and sport
- Posture-related aches from desks and screens
Teens & young athletes
- Sports injuries and overuse (knees, heels, shoulders)
- Back pain from sport or growth spurts
- Neck pain and headaches from screens and study
- Getting back to sport safely after injury
Your child’s first visit
You stay in the room the whole time, and nothing happens without your say-so. Bring any reports from your doctor, paediatrician or physio, and a favourite toy for little ones.
More about first visits →- 1
The chat
Birth and medical history for babies, milestones, sleep and feeding, or school, sport and activity for older children. And what’s worrying you.
- 2
A gentle examination
Watching how your child moves and plays, checking joints and muscles, and simple age-appropriate checks like reflexes.
- 3
A plain explanation
What I think is going on, whether chiropractic is likely to help, and what else might. If your child needs a doctor, I’ll say so.
- 4
Gentle treatment
Light, low-force techniques adapted to your child’s size, plus things to do at home. Short sessions, at your child’s pace.
Where chiropractic can help
- Neck and back pain and stiffness
- Head-turning preference and wry neck in babies, alongside home stretches and positioning
- Sports and overuse injuries, with a plan to keep them playing
- Aches from school bags, desks and screens
Where it isn’t the answer
The research doesn’t support chiropractic as a treatment for colic, ear infections, bedwetting, asthma or ADHD, so I don’t offer it for those. Your doctor or paediatrician is the right person. Read about colic.
See a doctor first if your child has
- A fever, or is unusually drowsy, floppy or irritable
- Pain after a fall or accident, or pain that wakes them at night
- Weakness, numbness, or a change in how they walk
- A baby who isn’t feeding or gaining weight well
In an emergency, call 10177 or 112 from a cellphone.
Guides for parents
All guides →Children
Is chiropractic safe for babies and children?
An honest answer from a chiropractor with a special interest in paediatrics: what children's treatment involves, what research says, and when to see a doctor.
ChildrenWry neck (torticollis) in babies: what parents should know
Baby always turns their head one way, or a flat spot is developing? What torticollis is, why early help matters, and what you can do at home today.
ChildrenBack pain in children: what's normal and when to worry
Back pain in children and teens is more common than parents think. What usually causes it, what helps, and the warning signs that need a doctor.
ChildrenSchool bags and back pain: a parent's guide
How heavy should a school bag be? How to choose, pack and wear one so your child's back and shoulders don't pay the price, and when to get it checked.
SportSore knees and heels in active kids: Osgood-Schlatter and Sever's
Sporty child limping after practice? Knee and heel pain are common in growth spurts. What Osgood-Schlatter and Sever's are, and how to manage them.
ChildrenTeens, screens and neck pain
Phones, gaming and homework mean teenagers spend hours looking down. Here's why their necks and heads ache, what actually helps, and when to get it looked at.
ChildrenChiropractic for colic: what the evidence says
Will a chiropractor help a colicky baby? An honest look at the research on chiropractic for infant colic, what else helps, and when a crying baby needs a doctor.
Questions parents ask
From what age can a child see a chiropractor?
Children of any age, including newborns, can be assessed. Treatment is adapted to the child’s age and size, and for babies uses very light pressure. Babies should also be under the care of a doctor or clinic for routine check-ups.
Is chiropractic safe for children?
When it’s done by a properly trained, registered chiropractor using age-appropriate techniques, serious problems are rare. The most important safety step is a thorough assessment first, so that anything that needs a doctor is referred.
Does it hurt? Will there be a "crack"?
Treatment for children is gentle and shouldn’t hurt. With babies and young children there’s usually no click at all. Some children are a little tender afterwards, which settles within a day or two.
Can I stay in the room?
Yes. A parent or guardian stays with their child for the whole consultation and treatment.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly. If your child has seen a paediatrician, physio or other practitioner about the problem, please bring any reports along.
Can chiropractic help with colic, ear infections, bedwetting or ADHD?
The research doesn’t support chiropractic as a treatment for these conditions, so I don’t offer it for them. Please speak to your doctor or paediatrician. If your child also has a musculoskeletal problem, I’m happy to assess that.
How many visits will my child need?
Children often respond quickly. Many problems need only a few visits, and I’ll tell you at the first visit what I expect. I don’t sell long-term treatment plans for children.
Not sure if we can help? Give the practice a call on 012 993 0424. If it’s something I can’t help with, I’ll tell you who can.
Book online →