What is Paediatric Chiropractic Care?
At Allen Family Chiropractic, we understand that many parents have questions about the role of chiropractic care in supporting the health and wellbeing of their children. Our approach to paediatric chiropractic care is gentle, evidence-informed, and always focused on the individual needs of your child.
This page has been created to help parents understand what paediatric chiropractic care involves, why families choose to have their children assessed, and the training and expertise that Dr Luke Allen brings to this area of practice.
- What is Paediatric Chiropractic Care?
- Why Parents Consider Chiropractic Care for Children
- Issues that infants commonly present with
- Potential Benefits of Paediatric Chiropractic Care
- What to expect on your first visit?
- Why your child is in the best hands
- Safety and Professional Standards
What is Paediatric Chiropractic Care?
Paediatric chiropractic care involves the assessment of spinal function, posture, and movement in infants, children, and adolescents. Chiropractors use safe, age-appropriate techniques to gently assess and, where appropriate, provide care tailored to a child’s stage of growth and development.
Chiropractic care for children does not involve the same forces or techniques used with adults. Instead, practitioners use gentle, low-force approaches designed for young patients.
Why Parents Consider Chiropractic Care for Children
Parents may seek chiropractic assessment for their children for a variety of reasons, including:
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Checking spinal and postural development during periods of rapid growth
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Addressing concerns about movement patterns, flexibility, or comfort
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Supporting children who may spend extended periods sitting, using digital devices, or carrying heavy school bags
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Promoting healthy habits and spinal awareness from a young age
Issues that infants commonly present to our practice with include:
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Breastfeeding and latching difficulties
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Irritable baby syndrome
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Deformational plagiocephaly (flat head)
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Spasmodic torticollis (neck muscle tightness)
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Sleep issues
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Constipation
Potential Benefits of Paediatric Chiropractic Care
Research and professional bodies suggest that paediatric chiropractic care may provide a range of potential benefits, including:
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Encouraging healthy spinal movement and posture (Australian Chiropractors Association, 2023)
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Supporting musculoskeletal comfort and function (Australian College of Chiropractic Paediatrics, 2023)
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Helping families establish proactive approaches to spinal health from childhood through adolescence
It is important to emphasise that chiropractic care does not claim to treat childhood illnesses or guarantee specific outcomes. Instead, it focuses on assessing and supporting the spine and musculoskeletal system in ways appropriate for a child’s stage of growth.
What to expect on your first visit?
There are three parts to your child's first visit.
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The 'discussion', where we spend time discussing the reasons for your child's visit and your child's current health status. We also spend time to discuss what chiropractic is about and how it we may be able to benefit your child,
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The 'assessment', where we perform a thorough physical assessment to fully understand how your child is functioning and allows us to prescribe the most appropriate management approach.
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The 'treatment', once we have concluded that chiropractic care is appropriate based on our discussion and assessment, your child will be treated first visit.
Why your child is in the best hands
Dr Luke Allen is a registered chiropractor with postgraduate training in paediatric chiropractic. He holds a Diplomate in Chiropractic Paediatrics completed in 2014, a qualification that provides advanced education in the assessment and care of infants, children, and adolescents.
This additional training means Dr Allen has undertaken extensive study in areas such as child development, spinal growth, and gentle chiropractic techniques for paediatric care. His approach is family-centred, ensuring that parents are informed, comfortable, and involved in decisions about their child’s care.
Safety and Professional Standards
At Allen Family Chiropractic, the safety and wellbeing of your child is our highest priority. Our care:
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Uses gentle, age-appropriate techniques
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Adheres to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) advertising and practice guidelines
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Encourages open communication with other healthcare providers when necessary
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Focuses on education to help families make informed decisions about spinal health
References and Further Reading
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Australian Chiropractors Association (2023). Chiropractic and Children. Retrieved from www.chiro.org.au
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Australian College of Chiropractic Paediatrics (2023). Paediatric Chiropractic Care. Retrieved from www.accp.asn.au
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Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) Chiropractic Paediatric Program (2022). Postgraduate Chiropractic Education.
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Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (2020). Chiropractic Care in Paediatrics: Evidence and Safety Overview.
Important Information for Parents
Chiropractic care is not intended to replace medical treatment. If your child has a health condition, we recommend discussing this with your GP or paediatrician. Chiropractors work as part of a broader healthcare team and can provide care that complements other professional advice and treatment. It is important to note that while many parents report positive experiences with chiropractic care for their children, individual outcomes can vary. Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical treatment, and chiropractors work collaboratively with other health professionals when required.
At Allen Family Chiropractic, we are committed to providing safe, professional, and evidence-informed care to families in our community. If you are interested in learning more about paediatric chiropractic care, please contact our team to discuss whether an assessment may be appropriate for your child.
