Guest Blog: Paediatric Chiropractic
Today we’re putting out the first of a new type of post here on the website - a guest article! Today the contributor is Karen Habershon from KH Chiropractic. Karen has run her own clinics in London before relocating to Devon - specifically Cranbrook - in 2023 to start a family.
A huge part of Karen’s practice is treating children and especially babies, using Chiropractic Cranial treatment. Here she tells us what it is and why she loves doing it.
Why would you take your baby to a Chiropractor?
Many parents bring their babies to us with a whole host of issues or even just for a “post-birth check-up”. In truth, sometimes we are treating the parents as much as we are treating the infant. The early stages of parenting can be incredibly stressful and finding an approach that can soothe your baby can be very difficult. As a parent all you want is the best for your baby and when struggling with the excessive amount of information available on the internet and friends and family offering varying advice, many feel confused and lost.
Once they get in the room, babies love Cranial Chiropractic! Cranial work can be incredibly relaxing for your baby. They often love it so much they fall asleep.
What if it’s not a Chiropractic issue?
Our priority is your baby getting the correct care.
A Chiropractor’s extensive training prepares them for spotting what they can and can’t help with. A good paediatric chiropractor will examine your baby, check for development such as milestones, carry out a physical examination and then give advice on various aspects/issues.
Once we’ve established that there’s nothing else going on, treatment consists of very gentle body work. Usually during this the baby will relax, laugh, fall asleep, fart or poop (or, if we’re very lucky, all of the above!)
What is Cranial Sacral treatment?
Cranial sacral therapy (aka craniosacral therapy) is very different from the types of Chiropractic treatment you may have seen in “Cracking Compilations” on social media!
It’s a gentle way of working with the body using a light touch, mainly on the bones of the head and sacrum (a triangular bone at the bottom of the spinal column). It is so gentle that it is suitable for everyone from babies to the elderly. It was originally developed by two osteopaths, but many professions now use it, including chiropractors.
Parents love that Cranial Sacral treatment is non-invasive and natural (drug free). It’s so gentle, the pressure used is no greater than that you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Treatment may be applied to the skull (cranium), neck, back and sacrum or a combination of them. It can be very relaxing and calming to your baby. Parents often joke about us coming home with them; I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been called the ‘Baby Whisperer’!
Working with paediatrics is not for every Chiropractor but those who do, generally have a huge passion for it and will guide you within their skills and ability, and refer you to another healthcare professional if deemed necessary.
The difference between an Osteopath and Chiropractor
This is a question that comes up a lot. The short answer is that every chiropractor and osteopath is unique and different and will have special interest and skills – It is more important to find someone that works for you. Both professions use similar techniques. You need to feel comfortable and confident with your choice.
A good Chiropractor or Osteopath wants your baby to have the best care available to them and therefore will only persist with treatment they feel will be beneficial.
Here’s a few key things to consider when selecting a Chiropractor or Osteopath:
Qualified & Registered with the GCC (Chiropractors) or GOsC (Osteopaths)
Special interest in Paediatrics - if necessary phone or email to check whether they will treat your baby or whether they have postgraduate training in paediatrics
Check Local Recommendations - ideally you will be referred by someone who has had a good experience, or sometimes chiropractors who don’t treat babies will have a recommendation for you.
If you would like to book a consultation with Karen, or have more questions about the wonderful world of Paediatric Chiropractic, head over to her website or email her at karen@khchiropractic.com