HOW OFTEN DOES MY CHILD NEED TO GET ADJUSTED?
As parents juggle their busy schedules, it's natural to question how often they should bring their child in for chiropractic care. In today's fast-paced world, the need for quality care has never been greater. The recommended frequency for a Restoration Care Plan is often three times per week or more, which may raise concerns and prompt parents to wonder about the implications of reducing the frequency to two visits per week.
However, it's essential to understand that chiropractic care, particularly neurologically-focused chiropractic, does not operate on the principle of "some is better than none." Instead, it aligns with the science and principles of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity governs how our brains adapt and learn, much like practicing a sport or learning an instrument. Just as daily repetition helps children develop reading skills or grasp mathematical concepts, chiropractic care relies on consistent repetition to facilitate healing and restoration.
Explaining the concept of momentum can help parents understand the importance of frequent visits. Subluxation, a state of neurological dysfunction and interference, accumulates momentum over time, negatively impacting a child's well-being. This momentum can be seen in the progression of various health issues children may face, starting with common infant challenges like sleep and digestive issues, then advancing to respiratory and immune system problems, and potentially leading to neuromotor difficulties and developmental disorders such as sensory processing disorder, ADHD, or anxiety.
Both pediatric chiropractors and parents need to recognize that subluxation sets a child's neurology on a negative trajectory. For many children, this momentum has already gained significant speed and steam. Thus, the initial phase of the Care Plan focuses on releasing tension and sympathetic stress from the child's body, enabling them to transition from fight or flight mode to parasympathetic healing and restoration mode.
The duration and intensity of subluxation play a crucial role in determining the initial frequency and duration of care. The longer a child has experienced stress and subluxation, the higher the recommended initial frequency, and the longer it may be necessary to maintain that frequency. This concept can be explained using a "dosage" model, drawing an analogy to medication. Just as a higher dosage may be required to address a more severe condition, a higher initial frequency is necessary when a child's nervous system is highly stressed and subluxated. This approach ensures that each visit provides specific, gentle, and effective adjustments without overwhelming the child's system. By gradually building momentum while maintaining a calm and steady pace, we can optimize the healing process.
HOW LONG WILL MY CHILD BE SEEN FOR?
Parents often ask about the duration of chiropractic care for their child. Our approach aims to go beyond symptom relief and address the underlying cause of their challenges. We strive to restore full function and health to the child's nervous system and body, working alongside parents to achieve even their most ambitious goals for their child's well-being.
When we transition from the Restoration Care Plan to the Wellness Care stage, our objective is to reach a state of stability or "slack" in the child's nervous system. This means their nervous system becomes strong, resilient, and adaptable. It is of utmost importance because children continue to grow and face numerous stressors and challenges throughout their lives. Whether it's falls, illnesses, academic demands, or emotional experiences, a healthy nervous system equips them to navigate these obstacles more effectively.
In the past, we may have prematurely transitioned children into wellness care, resulting in plateaus or setbacks during stressful periods. However, we have refined our care plans to include a dedicated "Stability + Slack Phase" of care. This phase, occurring twice a week, ensures that we not only achieve the health goals parents have for their child but also provide ongoing support to help them thrive in the long
WHAT DOES AN ADJUSTMENT LOOK LIKE FOR MY CHILD?
Parents tend to get nervous when they first bring their child to a chiropractor, but rest assured that Pediatric Chiropractic is incredibly safe, especially compared to medications and standard medical care. The adjustment is designed to release pent-up stress, subluxations, and tension, and it can be done gently and with minimal pressure, similar to checking the ripeness of an avocado.
Our approach, known as Neuro-Tonal adjusting, differs significantly from techniques commonly associated with chiropractic care for adults. Rather than focusing on moving bones, we prioritize restoring healthy tone and coordination to the nervous system. The first adjustment often surprises both parents and patients because it happens quickly and easily, with a gentle touch.
What sets our work apart is our focus on addressing the primary subluxation, the main source of trouble. By honing in on specific adjustments and not overwhelming the system with excessive manipulation, we keep the healing process moving forward each week. This approach allows us to support an already overwhelmed system.
To learn more, give us a call at (734) 667-3095
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Sprout Family Chiropractic is located in Plymouth, Michigan
We specialize in pediatric and pregnancy focused Chiropractic care
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