Pediatrics

With pediatric chiropractic, we apply very gentle, low-amplitude adjustments to guide the vertebrae into the right position and restore normal nerve and blood flow as well as increase joint motion. All of our doctors have taken a minimum of 300 additional hours of training in pediatric chiropractic to know just the right amount of force to apply to adjust a child but not hurt them. They are all Webster-certified. Dr. Long, Dr. Ploy, Dr. Patel, and Dr. Burk are advanced Certified by the American Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics, an elite certification attained by only a handful of chiropractors in the United States. Dr. Hanieh has also taken the coursework and is awaiting her final certification.

Some may say they work with children, but ALL our pediatric chiropractors also receive additional training in craniosacral techniques.

  • Cranial philosophy states that around the skull suture lines, there is always a bit of movement.
  • This is especially evident in the infant where there are 22 total bones in the cranium, and the fontanels (soft spots) are still open.
  • If any of these are off, it can contribute to jaw issues, sinus congestion, flattening of the skull (plagiocephaly), torticollis, or difficulty sleeping.
  • Most parents who bring their kid in to the chiropractor are looking to maximize their child’s overall health and potential for normal growth.
  • We have several pediatricians, lactation consultants and pediatric dentists that refer to our office, and even have pediatric residents come monthly to observe the techniques we employ. We work very well with a child’s pediatrician, but can sometimes offer non-medicinal alternatives to health.

  • Ruthie getting her adjustment with Dr Petitclerc. We love West University Wellness. Ruth's adjustments have helped her loosen lots of tightness in her back, neck, head (in particular her mouth and jaw) and strengthen her as well. Through working with Dr Petitclerc, Dr Long and Paula (@ Speech Pathways Plus) Ruth can now breastfeed more efficiently and can eat her solid food without gagging.

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    • Ruthie
    • Chiropractic helps breastfeeding

Frequent Questions about Pediatrics

Contrary to what most people think, adjustments are not just for pain. In fact, we have treated thousands of children over the past decade for conditions such as chronic ear infections, colds, sinus infections, torticollis, plagiocephaly, reflux, colic constipation, jaw and latching issues, scoliosis, insomnia, asthma and ADD/ADHD to name a few.

The brain controls all functions within the body.

  • It communicates to the rest of the body by sending messages down the spinal cord.
  • Within the spine, there are 24 movable vertebrae as well as 8-9 vertebrae (the sacrum and coccyx) that fuse later in life and are considered non-moveable in the adult spine.
  • These vertebrae also serve the purpose of providing bony protection for the delicate neurons of the spinal cord.
  • At every vertebral level, pairs of nerves separate off like branches off a tree trunk and travel to all the organs and joints of the body carrying messages from the brain. Like a water hose, if you pinch it off at the source of the hose, water will not get all the way to the end.
  • If there is a problem at the brain or vertebral level of the spinal cord, the message cannot effectively get to where it is supposed to go. This can result in a decline in health as well as negatively impact the immune system.