Questions asked of a chiropractor for kids.

 

A former patient recently called and wanted to ask about chiropractic for her 9 month old baby.  She had a lot of really legitimate questions and I want to share some of them with you.  Asking questions is the best way to know if an office is right for you or a loved one.

 

–  Do you work with children and if not who can you send us to?

I happen to work with children and have for 12 years.  I am also trained by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.  Any Chiropractor for kids should complete the entire certification course by the ICPA.  Portland, Maine and surrounding areas have very few fully trained pediatric chiropractors.

 

– What is the exam like?

The majority of the exam is performed in the hands of the parent or lying on a blanket.  There is as much observing as there is palpating (touching) the baby.  The doctor examines the baby’s reflexes, symmetry in the body and head, the joints and movement of the child.

 

– What are you looking for?

We are looking for subluxation of the spine and asymmetries within the neuromusculoskeletal system.

 

– What are the treatments like?

The adjustments performed on small children do not resemble those performed on adults.  They are exceedingly gentle and do not involve the typical “thrust of the hand” that is associated with adult manual adjustments.  Light pressure is applied to the areas needing adjustments but not even enough pressure to break the skin of a tomato.  Gentle.

 

– How long does it take before we see results?

Often, kids respond much quicker than adults.  Generally speaking kids do not require as many appointments as their parents.

 

– We don’t have insurance, how much will it cost?

Visits can cost as little as $35 for kids 12 and under.  For children with injuries who have their parent’s insurance, the cost may be much less depending on the insurance policy.  Erin Judge is in charge of all things insurance and payment in our office.