Pediatric Chiropractic Care in Smithfield
Children and teenagers can experience many of the same types of musculoskeletal problems as adults—from everyday aches and strains to sports injuries, falls, posture-related discomfort, and restricted movement.
At Smithfield Chiropractic, pediatric care begins with understanding what is bringing your child in and determining whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate. When treatment is recommended, the techniques and amount of force used are adapted to the child’s age, size, condition, and comfort level.
What Is Pediatric Chiropractic Care?
Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on evaluating and treating musculoskeletal complaints involving the joints, muscles, and movement of infants, children, and teenagers.
Children are not simply treated like smaller adults. Their examination and treatment are modified according to their age, stage of development, symptoms, and individual needs.
When chiropractic adjustments are appropriate, our chiropractors use controlled, age-appropriate techniques. Low-force and instrument-assisted approaches may also be used when appropriate.
Why Do Parents Bring Children to a Chiropractor?
- Neck or back pain
- Muscle and joint discomfort
- Restricted or uncomfortable movement
- Sports and recreational injuries
- Strains and sprains
- Falls and other minor musculoskeletal injuries
- Posture-related discomfort
- Repetitive strain from activities, sports, or school
- Musculoskeletal concerns associated with rapid growth
- Evaluation of recurring stiffness or movement complaints
Chiropractic Care for Young Athletes
Sports and recreational activities place physical demands on growing bodies. Running, jumping, throwing, lifting, contact sports, and repetitive training can all contribute to muscle soreness, joint irritation, strains, and other musculoskeletal complaints.
When appropriate, treatment may include chiropractic adjustments along with stretching, therapeutic exercise, soft-tissue techniques, or other rehabilitation based on the child’s injury and needs.
Our goal is to help young athletes recover appropriate movement and function and return safely to the activities they enjoy.
Posture & Growing Bodies
School, studying, computers, phones, backpacks, sports, and other everyday activities can place repetitive demands on a child’s muscles and joints.
When a child or teenager is experiencing discomfort or movement problems, we can evaluate posture, mobility, muscle tension, and joint function to determine whether a musculoskeletal issue may be contributing.
When appropriate, we may also recommend stretching, strengthening, movement, or activity modifications that can be incorporated at home.
Gentle, Age-Appropriate Treatment
The type of chiropractic treatment used with a child depends on the child’s age, size, examination findings, and reason for care.
Treatment may involve gentle hands-on techniques or low-force instrument-assisted adjusting. The amount of force and technique are modified for the individual child rather than using the same approach used for every patient.
Parents are encouraged to ask questions and understand the recommended treatment before care begins.
What to Expect
Your child’s first visit begins with a discussion of the reason for the visit, relevant health history, recent injuries or activities, and any concerns you or your child may have.
The chiropractor will perform an age-appropriate examination focused on the areas involved. Additional evaluation or imaging is recommended only when clinically appropriate.
After the examination, we will discuss our findings with you and explain whether chiropractic care is appropriate. If treatment is recommended, we will discuss the techniques we plan to use and answer your questions before proceeding.
Our goal is to provide a comfortable environment where both parents and children understand the care being provided and feel comfortable asking questions throughout the process.