Paediatric patient treated with activator method

Paediatric Chiropractic in Keysborough

Supporting Your Child’s Natural Development

We understand that children’s bodies are constantly growing and changing, which brings unique opportunities to support their healthy development. Dr Jose Guterres takes a particularly gentle approach when working with young patients, using only the most appropriate techniques for developing nervous systems. Our focus is on supporting your child’s natural growth patterns whilst addressing any movement concerns that may arise during their developmental journey.

We recognise that children respond differently to chiropractic care than adults – they typically heal more quickly and require much less intensive intervention.

This is why we emphasise the benefits of early attention to spinal health, as children’s bodies are naturally more adaptable and responsive to gentle guidance.

Your Child’s Care is Led by an Experienced Practitioner

Dr Jose Guterres has over 35 years of chiropractic experience and has developed specialised gentle techniques specifically for paediatric patients. His conservative, family-focused approach prioritises safety and age-appropriate care for children at every developmental stage.

When Might Chiropractic Care Be Beneficial for My Child?

Many parents wonder when it might be appropriate to seek chiropractic consultation for their child. Chiropractor Dr Guterres approach is conservative and focused on genuine concerns rather than routine intervention.

Difficulty with tummy time as an infant
Asymmetrical movements (e.g. consistently turning their head more easily to one side during feeding)
Unsettled behaviour that may be related to physical discomfort

As children grow, the most common concern we support relates to postural challenges. With the increasing use of tablets, phones, and computers, many young people develop forward head posture and rounded shoulders that can contribute to neck discomfort and headaches. Rather than trying to eliminate technology use entirely, our approach focuses on building spinal resilience and educating families about better postural habits.
NEW PATIENTS

What Techniques Are Used for Children’s Chiropractic Care?

Children’s chiropractic care at our practice never involves the manual adjustment techniques used with adults. Instead, Dr Guterres employs extremely gentle methods that are specifically designed for young, developing bodies. These approaches work with your child’s natural healing abilities whilst respecting the delicate nature of their growing spine and nervous system.

Safety is our paramount concern when working with children. Chiropractic care for young people has an excellent safety record when performed by experienced practitioners using appropriate techniques. We take time to explain everything to both parents and children, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and informed throughout the process.

How Do Modern Lifestyle Challenges Affect Children’s Spinal Health?

Today’s children face unique postural challenges that previous generations didn’t encounter. Extended periods looking down at devices can create strain patterns that may contribute to neck discomfort, headaches, and general tension. Our approach recognises that technology is here to stay, so rather than fighting against it, we focus on helping young people develop stronger, more resilient spinal health to cope with these modern demands.

We work with families to understand how small changes in daily habits can make significant differences in how children feel and function. This might include:

Simple postural awareness exercises
Gentle stretching routines
Modifications to study and play environments that support better spinal alignment

What Can Parents Expect at a Child’s Chiropractic Appointment?

A paediatric consultation begins with a thorough discussion about your child’s health history, any concerns you’ve noticed, and your family’s goals for their wellbeing. Dr Guterres conducts age-appropriate assessments that feel more like gentle play than medical examination, helping your child feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the process.

We believe in educating the whole family about spinal health, so parents leave with practical knowledge about supporting their child’s development at home. This collaborative approach ensures that any benefits gained during visits are supported by positive habits in your child’s daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Chiropractic Care

Is paediatric chiropractic care safe?

Yes, when performed by an experienced practitioner using age-appropriate techniques. Paediatric chiropractic care has an excellent safety record. Dr Guterres uses only gentle, low-force methods specifically designed for children – never the manual adjustment techniques used with adults. With over 35 years of experience, he understands how to work safely with developing bodies at every stage. Safety is always our paramount concern.

At what age can a child see a chiropractor?

Children can receive gentle chiropractic care from infancy onwards. Dr Guterres adjusts his techniques based on the child’s age and developmental stage. For infants, extremely gentle approaches are used to address concerns like difficulty with tummy time or asymmetrical movements. Older children and teenagers receive care tailored to their specific developmental needs and physical concerns.

What conditions or symptoms do you treat in children?

We support children with various concerns including postural issues (particularly related to device use), neck discomfort, headaches, asymmetrical movement patterns in infants, difficulty with tummy time, and general physical tension. We also provide preventative care to help build spinal resilience. Dr Guterres takes a conservative approach, focusing on genuine concerns that may benefit from chiropractic support rather than routine intervention for all children.

What techniques or adjustments are used for infants vs older kids?

For infants, Dr Guterres uses extremely gentle, low-force techniques that involve minimal pressure – often compared to the amount of pressure you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato. These may include activator instrument adjustments or gentle fingertip pressure. For older children and teenagers, techniques remain gentle but may be slightly more direct, still avoiding the manual adjustments used for adults. All approaches are specifically designed for developing nervous systems and growing spines.

How many visits might a child need?

This varies significantly based on your child’s specific situation and how their body responds to care. Children typically respond more quickly than adults due to their natural adaptability. During your initial consultation, Dr Guterres will discuss realistic expectations based on your child’s individual needs. We never pressure families into long-term contracts – our focus is on supporting your child’s natural healing at a pace that’s appropriate for them.

Do you accept health insurance or rebates?

Our new patient consultation for children is just $25, including a comprehensive examination. For questions about health insurance coverage, health fund rebates, or ongoing care costs, please contact our practice directly. We’re committed to transparent pricing with no hidden costs, and we’ll work with your family to find solutions that fit your situation.

What should I bring to my child’s first appointment?

Please bring any relevant health records, a list of current medications or supplements your child takes, and details of any previous treatments or therapies they’ve received. It’s helpful to note specific concerns you’ve observed and when they started. If your child has a comfort item (like a favourite toy), feel free to bring it along to help them feel at ease. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement.

Are there risks or side effects, and how common are they?

Paediatric chiropractic care using appropriate gentle techniques has an excellent safety profile. Some children may experience mild tiredness or temporary soreness after their first visit as their body adjusts, though this is uncommon with the gentle methods we use. Serious adverse events are extremely rare when care is provided by experienced practitioners using age-appropriate techniques. Dr Guterres will discuss any potential considerations specific to your child during your consultation.

How soon will I notice improvement or benefits?

Response times vary by child and concern. Because children’s bodies are naturally more adaptable than adults’, they often respond relatively quickly. Some parents notice changes within a few visits, while other situations may take longer. During your initial consultation, Dr Guterres will provide realistic expectations based on your child’s specific situation. We’ll monitor progress together and adjust the care plan as needed to ensure we’re supporting your child’s development effectively.

Schedule Your Child’s Gentle Consultation

Ready to learn how gentle chiropractic care might support your child’s healthy development? Book a consultation today for just $25, and let’s discuss how we can help your family build lifelong healthy movement habits.

divider