Pediatrics

Why might an infant benefit from manual therapy?

A newborn or infant may benefit from manual therapy to allow their body to recover as quickly as possible from the physical and emotional stress of the birth process.

Also, some babies are compressed while inutero. Both birth and inutero compression may cause tightness of the neck, spine, shoulders and legs, excessive cranial distortions, fractures, or hematomas.

A great number of neurological and structural problems experienced in adult life have their origin in the stress of birth. It is extremely beneficial to help the baby release these restrictions early, so their growth and development can progress optimally.

Many babies that have been born prematurely, spent time in the hospital or have undergone surgeries have difficulty with regulation of their autonomic nervous systems. These babies often have difficulty sleeping, feeding, become irritable easily, or have digestive issues, such as colic or reflux. This work, in conjunction with teaching the parents some skills, can help with regulation.

What does assessment and treatment look like?

As the infant's feeling of safety, security, and their co-regulation with the parent is of utmost importance, I typically start with assessing the baby in the parent's lap. I gently listen to the baby's body and assess how well the baby is regulating their autonomic nervous system, as well as the location of tensions in the baby's body. If the baby feels secure, I might assess and treat the baby on the table or in my lap.

The next step is to treat the areas of restrictions or lack of mobility. These areas could be anywhere in the body: the organs, spine, feet, shoulders, neck, cranium. The treatments are very gentle and pain-free.

As a physical therapist, I am always assessing movement, and development, as well as how restrictions affect movement.

Parents and caregivers will be given activities or exercises to help the baby progress.

Once the baby starts rolling, I typically treat them on the floor mat. Sometimes if they are moving a lot, I treat them in the hammock, especially if I need to do something specific on their cranium.

Additional Services

Specialized seating

Babies and children who cannot sit by themselves, often need supports for their posture to be able to function. This may be in the form of polyethylene foam inserts inside of a highchair or stroller, or constulting with seating/wheelchair clinics for individual fabrication.

For more information, visit:

https://seatingzollars.com/