Chiropractic care for children
Children are not small adults. Their spines develop through rapid phases of growth, they carry bags, sit at desks, play sport, fall off things, and do all of this while their nervous systems are still forming. Paediatric chiropractic care addresses the musculoskeletal side of that development — carefully, and always with the child's comfort as the priority.
Annica's background in paediatric chiropractic
Annica Larsdotter holds a DICCP — Diplomate of the International College of Chiropractic Paediatrics. This is a postgraduate qualification awarded after extensive additional study beyond the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. It covers paediatric anatomy and physiology, age-appropriate assessment and technique, infant neurology, and the particular considerations involved in caring for children at each stage of development.
Working with children has been a thread throughout Annica's 20+ years in practice. She has also contributed to the peer-reviewed literature on this topic, with co-authored research published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies — an area where good evidence matters, and where she has felt compelled to add to it.
In a rural area like the Huon Valley, access to a chiropractor with formal postgraduate training in paediatric care is genuinely uncommon. The DICCP does not make Annica the only option for families — but it does mean the foundation for assessing children is thorough.
What brings families in
There is no single profile of a child who is brought to a chiropractor. Common reasons families seek a paediatric assessment include:
- Postural concerns — as children spend more time at desks, on devices, or carrying heavy school bags, many parents notice changes in how their child carries themselves. A musculoskeletal assessment can help identify whether there is a structural component worth addressing.
- Sports injuries — growing bodies take impacts differently. Joint and soft tissue injuries during sport, or recurrent complaints in the same area, are common reasons families come in for assessment.
- Scoliosis screening — some families bring children for an initial spinal check, particularly where there is a family history or a school screening has prompted a closer look.
- Growing pains and musculoskeletal discomfort — aches in the legs, lower back, and joints during growth phases are frequently reported. Many families find that a musculoskeletal assessment is useful to understand what is happening.
- General check-ups during growth phases — some families choose to have their children's spines assessed periodically throughout childhood, in the same way they might arrange dental or vision checks.
- Infant assessment following a difficult birth — some parents whose infants experienced a prolonged labour, or delivery with forceps or vacuum assistance, seek a musculoskeletal assessment in the weeks following birth. Annica assesses the infant's spine and cranial structures for any tension or asymmetry that may be present. This is an assessment, not a treatment claim — and if anything requires a different type of care, Annica will say so directly.
- Jaw or cervical tension in infants — some families seek assessment where an infant shows signs of asymmetry, restricted head movement, or difficulty with feeding that may have a musculoskeletal component. Annica assesses carefully and refers onward if the concern falls outside the scope of chiropractic care.
What a visit looks like
Paediatric chiropractic assessment and care adapts completely to the child in front of Annica — their age, size, temperament, and what they are comfortable with.
An infant assessment is very different from an adult consultation. The techniques used are low-force — the level of pressure applied is often described as equivalent to testing the firmness of a ripe tomato. There are no rapid movements, no cracking sounds, and nothing is forced.
For older children, assessment and care is similarly scaled. Techniques that are used routinely for adults are modified substantially — in force, speed, amplitude, and approach — to suit a child's anatomy.
A few things that do not change regardless of the child's age:
- Parents or carers are present throughout the entire visit, without exception.
- Nothing happens without both the child's assent and the parent's informed consent. Annica will explain every step before it happens and check in throughout.
- If Annica finds anything in her assessment that falls outside the scope of chiropractic — or that she thinks warrants a different type of care — she will tell you clearly and refer to the child's GP, paediatrician, or another appropriate provider.
Where appropriate, care is combined with age-appropriate exercises, movement advice, and practical guidance for parents — such as ergonomic tips for school bags, desk setup, or device use. For older children and adolescents, Annica may suggest simple stretches or strengthening exercises they can do at home between visits.
The initial consultation for a child takes around 60 minutes. It starts with a conversation with the parent or carer about what has prompted the visit, the child's health history, and any relevant background. The assessment is then adapted to whatever the child is comfortable with on the day.
Is paediatric chiropractic care safe?
Paediatric chiropractic, when performed by a qualified and registered practitioner using age-appropriate techniques, is considered safe. The research literature on adverse events in paediatric chiropractic shows they are rare and, where reported, typically mild and transient — such as temporary soreness at the site of assessment.
Annica is registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and holds a specific postgraduate qualification in paediatric care. That combination — registration, accountability, and advanced postgraduate education — forms the basis of safe practice in this area.
If you have questions or concerns about whether chiropractic assessment is appropriate for your child's specific situation, the best place to start is a direct conversation. Annica would rather spend ten minutes on the phone helping you understand what chiropractic can and cannot offer than have a family proceed without feeling fully informed.
Related conditions
Unsure whether chiropractic is appropriate for your child? The first step is a conversation.
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