pediatric chiropractic in Markham
Pediatric chiropractic care in Markham: safe and effective treatment for babies, children and teenagers
Pediatric chiropractic care uses gentle, age-appropriate techniques to support healthy growth, development, and nervous system function in infants, children, and teens. Markham chiropractor Dr. Kirsten Thomas, provides gentle, evidence-based chiropractic care for infants, children, and teenagers.
Quick Guide: pediatric chiropractic
What pediatric chiropractic treats
– birth strain and muscle tension
– torticollis (head turning preference)
– flat spots on the head
– breastfeeding or latching difficulties
– colic and digestive discomfort
– growing pains
– sports injuries
– posture problems
– jaw tension or TMJ dysfunction
Treatment methods may include
– gentle fingertip adjustments
– Activator instrument adjustments
– pediatric drop-piece adjustments
– stretching and traction therapy
Understanding pediatric chiropractic care
Children’s bodies grow and change rapidly. From the physical stress of birth to learning to crawl, walk, and participate in sports, their developing muscles, joints, and nervous system are constantly adapting.
Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on supporting healthy movement, posture, and nervous system function during growth and development.
At in balance chiropractic + acupuncture clinic in Markham, Dr. Kirsten Thomas provides specialized chiropractic care for infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers from across Markham and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
With advanced training in pediatric chiropractic, Dr. Thomas uses safe, gentle, and age-appropriate techniques designed specifically for growing bodies.
Why do children need chiropractic treatment?
From birth through adolescence, children experience many physical stresses that can affect the spine, muscles, and nervous system.
Birth strain
The delivery process—especially prolonged labor, C-section, forceps, or vacuum delivery—can place strain on an infant’s neck and spine.
Developmental milestones
Learning to hold the head up, roll, sit, crawl, and walk often involves falls and repetitive movements that may create muscular tension and joint restrictions.
Daily activities
Modern childhood activities can also strain growing bodies:
– carrying heavy backpacks
– prolonged sitting in school
– excessive screen time
– sports participation
Injuries
Children frequently experience minor injuries from sports, playground activities, and falls.
Addressing these issues early may help prevent long-term posture problems, movement restrictions, and recurring discomfort.
Signs your child may benefit from chiropractic treatment in Markham
Children often adapt to physical stress without clearly expressing discomfort. Subtle changes in posture, movement, or behaviour may indicate muscle tension or joint restriction.
Parents may consider a chiropractic assessment if their child experiences:
In infants
– difficulty breastfeeding or latching
– favoring one side of the head
– difficulty turning the head
– flat spots on the head
– muscle tension
– excessive crying or colic
– reflux or digestive discomfort
– difficulty settling or sleeping
In toddlers and young children
– delayed or uneven crawling or walking
– frequent falls or clumsiness
– toe walking
– head tilting
– poor posture
In school-age children and teens
– upper back tension
– sports injuries
– growing pains
– poor posture from backpacks or screens
– jaw tension or teeth grinding
A chiropractic assessment focuses on evaluating joint mobility, muscle balance, posture, and nervous system function to determine whether gentle treatment may be beneficial.
Specialized training in pediatric chiropractic treatment in Markham
Dr. Kirsten Thomas completed a one-year pediatric fellowship program in 2003 and received Webster Technique certification through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA).
This training focuses on chiropractic care for:
- infants
- children
- pregnant women
Dr. Thomas has also completed numerous advanced continuing education programs in pediatric chiropractic care to ensure that patients receive evidence-based and up-to-date treatment approaches.
As a parent herself, Dr. Thomas trusted chiropractic and cranial therapy for her own son beginning 24 hours after birth, and continues his care regularly.
When should your child see a chiropractor?
Infants
Many parents choose to have their baby assessed shortly after birth to evaluate muscle tension or joint restrictions related to the delivery process.
Developmental milestones
Regular check-ups during key milestones may help support healthy movement patterns:
– holding the head up
– rolling
– sitting
– crawling
– standing
– walking
Ongoing maintenance care after the first year helps address imbalances, injuries or discomfort related to daily activities or sports.
School-aged children
Chiropractic care may help children experiencing:
– sports injuries
– posture problems
– growing pains
Teenagers
Adolescents may benefit from chiropractic care for:
– sports injuries
– spinal stress from backpacks
– neck pain from technology use
– posture issues
Common childhood conditions chiropractic care may help in Markham
Parents often search for solutions when their child is experiencing discomfort or developmental concerns. Pediatric chiropractic care may help support children experiencing:
Infant conditions
– torticollis (tight neck muscles)
– plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)
– breastfeeding or latching difficulties
– colic or excessive crying
– reflux or digestive discomfort
– constipation
– sleep difficulties
Musculoskeletal conditions
– growing pains
– neck pain
– back pain
– shoulder pain
– posture problems
– scoliosis screening
Sports and activity injuries
– muscle strains
– ligament sprains
– joint irritation
– overuse injuries
– repetitive strain from sports
Nervous system related symptoms
– jaw tension or TMJ dysfunction
– bedwetting (in some cases)
Chiropractic care focuses on improving joint mobility, muscle balance, and nervous system communication, helping the body function more comfortably.
How are children adjusted?
Pediatric chiropractic adjustments are extremely gentle and tailored to each child’s age, size, and condition.
Research suggests the force used during an infant adjustment may be as little as 5% of the force used for adults.
At in balance chiropractic + acupuncture clinic, Dr. Thomas may use:
– gentle fingertip adjustments
– cranial therapy for skull and cranial sutures
– soft tissue therapy to release muscle tension
– infant toggle board adjustments – a small padded device
– traction or stretching techniques
– activator instrument adjustments – a spring loaded tool for precise adjustments
– drop-piece adjustments for older children
Traditional manual spinal adjustments are usually reserved for older children (approximately age eight and older).
Benefits of pediatric chiropractic care
Parents may notice improvements in their child’s:
- comfort and relaxation
- posture and movement
- sleep quality
- muscle tension
- sports performance
- overall physical balance
Chiropractic care supports the body’s natural ability to move, grow, and function properly.
What parents can do at home to support healthy growth
In addition to chiropractic care, simple daily habits can help support healthy movement and spinal development in children.
Encourage active play
Regular movement helps develop strong muscles and coordination. Activities like running, climbing, swimming, and playing outdoors support healthy physical development.
Limit prolonged screen time
Extended periods of sitting and looking down at devices can contribute to neck strain and poor posture. Encourage frequent movement breaks during homework or screen use.
Choose a proper backpack
Children’s backpacks should:
– weigh no more than 10–15% of body weight
– have two shoulder straps
– sit close to the body
Promote good posture
Encourage children to sit with:
– feet flat on the floor
– shoulders relaxed
– screens at eye level
Encourage stretching and movement
Gentle stretching, regular physical activity, and balanced sports participation can help maintain healthy muscle balance and joint mobility.
These healthy habits, combined with regular chiropractic assessments when needed, may help children maintain comfortable movement and healthy posture as they grow.
Related pediatric conditions we treat
Children often present with symptoms that overlap several musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractic care may also help support children experiencing issues related to:
– headaches and migraines
– neck pain and stiffness
– jaw tension or TMJ dysfunction
– scoliosis or posture changes
– sports injuries and overuse injuries
– shoulder pain
– growing pains in the legs
– ankle sprains or foot pain
These conditions may involve joint restrictions, muscle tension, or nerve irritation, which chiropractic treatment aims to address through gentle adjustments and supportive therapies.
Is pediatric chiropractic safe?
Yes. When performed by a chiropractor with pediatric training, chiropractic care for children is considered very safe.
Adjustments are:
- gentle
- controlled
- age-appropriate
- customized for each child
Many parents report positive improvements in their child’s symptoms and overall comfort following chiropractic treatment.
Pediatric chiropractic care in Markham
Dr. Kirsten Thomas provides pediatric chiropractic care for families in:
- Markham
- Cornell
- Unionville
- Richmond Hill
- Stouffville
- Scarborough
- York & Durham Regions
- the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Her goal is to help children grow, develop, and move with optimal comfort and balance.
Families seeking pediatric chiropractic care in Markham often visit for concerns related to posture, growth, sports injuries, and infant musculoskeletal issues.
FAQs about pediatric chiropractic treatment in Markham
Is chiropractic care safe for babies?
Yes. Pediatric chiropractic techniques are extremely gentle and specifically designed for infants and young children.
At what age should my baby see a chiropractor?
Many parents choose to have their baby assessed within the first couple of weeks after birth, especially if there were challenges during delivery.
Do adjustments hurt?
No. Pediatric adjustments use light pressure and are typically very comfortable. Many babies and children relax during treatment.
How many treatments will my child need?
The number of treatments depends on the child’s condition, symptoms, and overall goals. Some children require only a few visits, while others benefit from periodic check-ups during growth phases.
Can chiropractic care help with colic or reflux?
Gentle chiropractic care may help improve nervous system function and reduce muscle tension that may contribute to digestive discomfort.
Supporting your child’s healthy growth
By identifying and addressing spinal or muscular imbalances early, chiropractic care may help children develop better posture, movement, and overall comfort.
Schedule a pediatric chiropractic assessment today at in balance chiropractic + acupuncture clinic in Markham and support your child’s healthy development.
