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We have a strong focus on caring for babies and children at Stratford Chiropractic. Dr Karen holds a Master of Science in Chiropractic Paediatrics and has many years of experience supporting families from birth through the teenage years. Dr Kim brings advanced paediatric training and a special interest in perinatal and paediatric chiropractic care. As well as being highly skilled and qualified, Dr Karen and Dr Kim are also Mums and know firsthand the importance of wellness within children. Both chiropractors provide professional, gentle care tailored to each child. They work closely with parents and caregivers, offering clear explanations, guidance and ongoing support. Book an appointment today on (07) 4055 1667 or reception@stratfordchiropractic.com.au
Our Cairns paediatric chiropractic care is kind, gentle and age-appropriate, dedicated to helping patients achieve their wellness wishes. We see newborns, toddlers, young children and teenagers. Initial consultations for babies and children usually take around 30 minutes. To streamline your visit, we can email a patient history form beforehand, or you can complete our digital Child Spinal and Postural Examination form online. Children of all ages often respond more quickly to chiropractic care than adults. This is because any nerve disorder or imbalance they may have, has not been present for very long.
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Dr Kim has a particular interest in paediatric chiropractic care. She commonly supports families where there are concerns such as colic, reflux, excessive gas, abnormal head shape, fussiness and delayed milestones. Dr Kim also treats babies and infants with tethered oral tissues (tongue and lip tie) and can assist with body work around tongue tie release procedures. In some cases, early assessment and conservative care may help improve function and reduce the need for surgical intervention; where laser release is recommended, gentle chiropractic care before and after the procedure can help support comfort, movement and recovery.
Dr Kim is passionate about helping children of all ages reach their full potential for health and wellbeing. She has 11 years of experience and advanced paediatric studies through organisations such as Peak Potential Institute, Williams Paediatric Seminars, the International Chiropractic Paediatric Association (ICPA) and Elevate Paediatrics. Her mission is to provide gentle, age-appropriate care and she brings deep passion, skill and attention to every consultation.
Dr Karen’s post graduate Chiropractic Paediatric studies taught her that paediatric patients are not mini adults. Their nervous systems undergo massive developmental changes between birth to 4 years and beyond. There are many primitive reflexes that the body must integrate as they develop.
Dr Karen’s post graduate research dissertation researched the effect of antenatal education and chiropractic care on birth outcomes. It identified a high statistical significance with four factors from the birth history, that were highly predictive of babies which were born showing signs of nerve dysfunction and abnormal tone. These 4 factors were an initial APGAR score of less than 9, initial blueness in the baby or any jaundice in the first 1-2 weeks, grade 1 or more perineal tearing requiring stitches for the mother or any grazes, bruises or swellings noted in the baby after birth.
Why bring your child in for an adjustment? According to Chestnut* 65% of neurological development occurs in your child’s first year. The nervous system controls everything your child does, from breathing and digesting, to running, playing, thinking and feeling. Interference can impair your child’s ability to function at their best.
This can happen from birth. Gutman** found that from 1,000 infants examined, more than 80% had some form of nerve dysfunction. Just as a tooth cavity may have no symptoms, the same principles can apply for a vertebral subluxation (spinal misalignment causing nerve dysfunction).
* Chestnut J. The 14 Foundational Premises for the Scientific & philosophical Validation of the Wellness Paradigm. Canada: Chestnut Wellness & Chiropractic Corporation (2003) Cited in Barham-Floreani J. Well Adjusted Babies 2nd Edi, 2009
** Gutman G. Blocked Atlantal Nerve syndrome in Babies & infants. Manuelle Medzin. 1987;25:5-10 cited in Barham-Floreani J Well Adjusted Babies 2nd Edi, 2009
All of our chiropractic treatments for babies and children are gentle, and tailored to suit age and individual requirements. For the very young, our chiropractors primarily use low-force adjusting techniques that engage the light touch receptors of the body, often with pressure no more than you would use to feel if a tomato or mango is ripe. For older children and teenagers, we may combine low-force and manual techniques. See our Services page for further information on specific treatment techniques.
Restoring nerve function and flow can help babies and children overcome a range of conditions, including trouble sleeping and being ‘clumsy’ (hitting heads, running into things, having trouble coordinating movement for soccer, basketball etc). Anxious children can be supported with the Neuro Emotional Technique, which is a gentle, stress relieving technique.
Children of all ages can suffer nerve dysfunction. This can be caused by simple, every day activities including general knocks, falls and sports injuries from bike riding, roller blading and more. It can also be caused by repetitive or prolonged postures, such as watching TV or playing computer games.
In fact, Lewit, Barth & Leipzig’s study* found that in a group of apparently healthy children, 15.8% had cervical spine or neck subluxation and 40% had pelvic subluxation. Children are incredibly flexible and resilient. Their bodies usually recover quickly and easily from these stresses. Every now and then though, some stressors can have longer lasting and significant effects on the health of your child. Tension builds over time in response to these stresses and children can gradually become less flexible. Chiropractor care for babies and children in Cairns is a major focus for Dr Karen and Dr Kim, who are highly skilled, qualified and dedicated to delivering quality chiropractic care for people of all ages.
*Lewit, K. Barth JA & Leipzig. Functional Disorders of the spine in Children. Maneulle Therapie. 1973;2(7):50-54. Cited in Barham-Floreani J. Well Adjusted Babies 2nd Edi, 2009
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