Pediatric Care Should Match the Child
Children differ in size, joint mobility, and activity level. They may also have trouble explaining exactly what hurts or feels different.
A pediatric chiropractic visit shouldn’t look like a smaller version of an adult appointment. The examination, positioning, and adjustment method should reflect the child’s age and stage of development.
Dr. Erin Bishop and Dr. Mackenzie Beckwith both provide pediatric chiropractic care. Both doctors use low-force, instrument-assisted methods instead of rapid twisting or forceful manual adjustments.
Care begins with listening to the parent and the child. We want to understand what you’ve noticed and what your child is feeling. We’ll also ask what has already been evaluated by their pediatrician.
Why Do Parents Schedule Chiropractic Adjustments for their Children?
Parents often schedule an evaluation after noticing pain, stiffness or changes in how their child moves. Older children may be able to describe the problem. Infants and younger children may communicate through movement or positioning.
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Reasons parents may seek a pediatric chiropractic evaluation include:
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Neck, back or joint discomfort
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Limited or uneven neck movement
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A preference for turning the head in one direction
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Changes in posture or mobility
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Discomfort after a fall or previously evaluated injury
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Strain related to sports, dance or gymnastics
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Repetitive stress from school, gaming or screen use
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Shoulder, hip, knee or ankle concerns
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Questions about how a child is moving or using their body
These concerns can have many causes. An evaluation helps the doctor decide whether the issue appears musculoskeletal and falls within chiropractic care.
New, severe or unexplained pain should be discussed with your child’s pediatrician. Injuries may also require medical evaluation, imaging or care from another specialist.
How Is a Pediatric Adjustment Different?
Pediatric adjustments use less force than adjustments for adults. The amount of force and the child’s position depend on their age, size and examination findings.
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Dr. Erin and Dr. Mack often use an Activator instrument during pediatric care. It delivers a quick, focused adjustment without twisting the child’s neck or back.
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An adjustment may focus on the spine or another joint. The Activator can also be used on areas such as the shoulders, hips, knees and ankles.
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Not every area is adjusted during every visit. The doctor may also decide that an adjustment isn’t needed. Your child’s current findings guide that decision.
Care at Different Ages
The Visit Changes as Your Child Grows
Infants and Young Children
Infants and young children may not be able to describe what they feel. The doctor will rely on your observations and an age-appropriate examination.
Care may include watching how your child turns their head or changes position. The doctor may also observe how they move both sides of their body.
Any adjustment will use light, controlled force and supported positioning. A parent or guardian remains involved throughout the visit.
School-Age Children
School-age children spend more time sitting, carrying backpacks and taking part in organized activities. They may also be able to point to an area that hurts or feels uncomfortable.
The doctor may look at posture, joint movement and simple motions. Care will be based on what the examination shows.
Teens and Young Athletes
Teenagers may seek care for back pain, joint discomfort or strain related to sports. Their evaluation may look more like an adult visit, but growth and health history still matter.
Chiropractic care doesn’t provide medical clearance after a concussion or sports injury. Return-to-play decisions should come from the appropriate medical provider.
What Happens at a Pediatric Chiropractic Visit?
The visit begins with a conversation about your child’s health history and current concerns. Please tell us about diagnoses, medications, previous injuries and care received from other providers.
Your child’s doctor will complete an examination suited to their age. This may include observing posture, movement, balance and joint mobility.
We’ll explain what we find before recommending care. You’ll have time to ask questions about the technique, positioning and next steps.
Your child’s comfort matters throughout the visit. We’ll explain each step in language they can understand. If your child becomes uncomfortable or doesn’t want to continue, we’ll stop.
Your Child’s Health History Matters
Some health conditions can affect joint stability, movement or the amount of force that should be used. Tell us if your child has hypermobility or a connective tissue condition. We also need to know about frequent sprains or dislocations.
Please share any neurological conditions, bone disorders, recent surgeries or other significant health concerns. This information helps Dr. Erin or Dr. Mack decide whether chiropractic care should be considered.
We may recommend speaking with your child’s pediatrician or specialist before beginning care. Another type of provider may also be better suited to your child’s needs.
Pediatric Chiropractic Care Has Clear Limits
Chiropractic care doesn’t replace your child’s pediatrician. It should never delay medical testing, prescribed treatment or emergency care.
We don’t present pediatric chiropractic care as a treatment for childhood illnesses or developmental conditions. Our role stays focused on joints, movement and musculoskeletal concerns.
Keep your child’s healthcare providers informed about the care they receive. Clear communication helps each provider make better decisions.
Looking for a Pediatric Chiropractor in Chattanooga?
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Erin or Dr. Mack to discuss your concerns. Your child’s doctor will determine whether pediatric chiropractic care may be appropriate.
A parent or legal guardian must schedule the appointment and complete the required forms for a minor.
Visit us at 6142 Shallowford Road, Suite 101, Chattanooga, TN 37421.