Gentle Pediatric
Chiropractic Care
Move well. Think well. Be Well.
At The Well-House Chiropractic in Chillicothe, MO, we offer safe, gentle chiropractic care for babies, children, and teens. Our pediatric chiropractor provides drug-free relief for common childhood issues – from colic and ear infections to posture problems and sports injuries – helping your child grow and thrive. We know your little one means the world to you, and our family-friendly clinic is here to keep them healthy, happy, and pain-free.
Why Children Benefit from Chiropractic
Children’s bodies are growing and changing rapidly. Even everyday events – the birthing process, learning to crawl or walk (and taking tumbles), carrying heavy backpacks, hours of screen time – can put stress on a young spine and nervous system. Gentle chiropractic adjustments help ensure your child’s spine is aligned and their nervous system is functioning optimally, supporting proper growth and development. Many parents report that chiropractic care not only relieves their child’s aches and pains, but also improves sleep, mood, and overall wellness. It’s a holistic, drug-free approach that addresses root causes rather than just symptoms.
Importantly, pediatric chiropractic is very safe when performed by a trained professional. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that under the care of a qualified practitioner, chiropractic can be a safe complementary therapy for children. The techniques used for kids are far gentler than those used on adults, making it a natural choice for parents seeking relief for their children without medications or invasive procedures. In fact, millions of children visit chiropractors each year as part of their healthcare – a trend that’s growing as more families experience the benefits.
Conditions We Address in Kids:
Colic, Ear Infections & More
Kids of all ages can benefit from chiropractic care, whether to treat specific conditions or simply to stay well. Here are some common pediatric issues we help with:
Infant Colic & Excessive Crying
Colic (prolonged, inconsolable crying in an otherwise healthy baby) is exhausting for both baby and parents. Gentle spinal adjustments have been shown to help colicky infants cry less – one study found babies receiving chiropractic care cried up to 50% less than those who didn’t. By improving spinal and nervous system function, chiropractic may ease discomfort contributing to colic, leading to a happier, calmer baby.
Recurrent Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Frequent ear infections are a common reason parents seek chiropractic. Misalignments in the upper neck can affect nerve function and drainage in the ears. Some research suggests chiropractic care may decrease the frequency of ear infections in children. Parents often report fewer infections and less reliance on antibiotics when their children get regular adjustments, as aligning the spine can help the Eustachian tubes drain properly and boost immune function.
Constipation & Digestive Issues
Babies and toddlers can suffer from constipation, reflux, or tummy pains. Nerve interference to the intestines can exacerbate digestive troubles. Gentle adjustments (especially in the lower back or sacrum) may help regulate bowel function and relieve discomfort. Many parents have seen improvements in their child’s gas, reflux, and overall digestion after chiropractic sessions – a happier tummy means a happier child!
Sleep Difficulties
If your child isn’t sleeping soundly, a spinal misalignment could be a contributing factor. Chiropractic adjustments can calm the nervous system. In fact, alignments have been shown to improve sleep habits in children, helping kids fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer. Better sleep supports better behavior, growth, and learning – a huge win for both kiddos and parents.
Posture Problems & “Growing Pains”
Today’s kids often struggle with posture – think slouching over screens or carrying heavy backpacks – which can lead to back and neck pain or so-called “growing pains” in legs and joints. We evaluate your child’s posture and alignment to catch issues like spinal curvature (scoliosis) or forward head posture early. Gentle corrections can reduce pain, improve balance and coordination, and even help prevent future problems by guiding proper spinal growth.
Injuries from Falls & Play
Kids are active and accident-prone. Whether it’s a tumble off a bike, a playground fall, or minor sports injuries, we’re here to help their bodies heal. We frequently treat sprains, strains, and little misalignments caused by falls. Chiropractic care can relieve soreness, restore normal movement, and make sure a small injury today doesn’t turn into a chronic issue down the road. (For more serious injuries, we’ll work alongside your pediatrician or specialist to co-manage care appropriately.)
Every child is unique, so we tailor our approach to their specific needs. If your child has a particular health challenge not listed above – from headaches to ADHD or beyond – feel free to ask us about it. We take a holistic view and can often co-manage issues in tandem with your pediatrician or other healthcare providers. Our goal is to support your child’s total well-being, naturally.
Gentle Techniques for Little Bodies
Worried that a chiropractic adjustment might be too rough for your small child? Rest assured – pediatric chiropractic techniques are extremely gentle. In fact, an infant adjustment is nothing like the “cracking” you might associate with adult chiropractic. Imagine the amount of pressure you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato – that’s about how much force we use on a baby. For infants, the doctor often uses just his fingertips or a small, hand-held instrument to softly realign joints. There’s no twisting or forceful movements – most babies are content during the treatment, and some even sleep through it!
For toddlers and older children, we adapt our methods to be kid-friendly. Dr. Matthew Arthaud, our chiropractor (and a dad himself), has years of experience working with children and knows how to keep them comfortable and engaged. He might turn treatment into a game (“show me how tall you can lie on the table!”) or demonstrate on a parent or a stuffed animal first. Adjustments for kids may involve gentle spinal mobilization, spring-loaded instruments (for a light tapping pressure), or specialized pediatric drop tables that make minor corrections without any scary sounds.
Safety is our top priority. Research indicates that chiropractic care can be safely provided to even the youngest members of society, with adverse events being rare and typically minor (such as temporary soreness). We always take our time, use the lowest force necessary, and constantly check in with the child’s comfort. If your child is nervous, we’ll go slow and explain everything in friendly, non-threatening terms. Parents are welcome to stay close, hold the child’s hand, or even have the baby on their lap during adjustments. Our goal is to make sure both child and parent feel at ease every step of the way.
Teens and Sports – Keeping Young Athletes Healthy
Chiropractic isn’t just for little kids or infants – teenagers and student athletes benefit greatly from it as well. The adolescent years bring growth spurts (which can cause muscles and tendons to tighten up) and often an intense schedule of sports or activities. We provide specialized care for youth athletes to improve performance, prevent injuries, and speed up recovery when injuries do occur.
If your teen is in sports, you know the physical demands they face – running, jumping, tackling, throwing, and more. Even slight misalignments can impede their biomechanics, leading to reduced flexibility or uneven wear on joints. Regular chiropractic tune-ups keep their spine and limbs in proper alignment, so they move efficiently and with full strength. Many athletes report that adjustments help them have better balance, faster reflexes, and less post-game soreness. (It’s no secret that all 32 NFL teams utilize chiropractors to keep their players in peak condition – we bring that same level of care to your local all-star!)
We commonly treat sports-related issues in teens like runner’s knee, shoulder strain, tennis elbow, ankle sprains, and neck or back pain from training. Our approach goes beyond pain relief – we also focus on rehabilitation and prevention. Dr. Arthaud will assess muscle imbalances or areas of stiffness that could predispose your athlete to injury. We’ll then recommend stretches, strengthening exercises, or nutrition tips (like staying hydrated and eating anti-inflammatory foods) to support their training. For injured athletes, we coordinate care with their coaches and doctors to ensure a safe return to play. From the football field to the dance studio, our goal is to keep your teen doing what they love – strong, flexible, and injury-free.
Not an “athlete,” but have a teen who carries a heavy tuba in marching band or sits hunched studying for hours? The strain is similar! We welcome kids of all activity levels to help with posture, backpack-related backaches, and stress tension. And don’t forget, we offer convenient sports physicals at our clinic too – making The Well-House a one-stop shop for your teenager’s health needs.
A Family-Friendly Experience
At The Well-House Chiropractic, we strive to make every visit comfortable, fun, and reassuring for both child and parent. From the moment you walk into our clinic, you’ll notice a welcoming atmosphere – bright, cheerful decor and a friendly staff who love kids. We even have a cozy waiting area where young children can find a few toys or books while mom or dad fills out paperwork. Our team understands that a healthcare visit can be nerve-wracking for little ones (and their parents!), so we go the extra mile to put you at ease.
Dr. Arthaud takes a compassionate, patient-centered approach with children. He’ll listen carefully to your concerns and your child’s health history. During the exam or adjustment, he explains what he’s doing in simple, non-scary language – often turning it into a mini anatomy lesson for curious kiddos (“These nerves are like phone lines that tell your tummy how to work!”). If your child has questions, we take time to answer them. We never rush through pediatric appointments; building trust is key. And don’t be surprised if you hear laughter – we like to keep things light-hearted (think silly sock patterns or giving the adjusting table a fun nickname).
Parents are considered our partners in their child’s care. We’ll communicate openly about what we find and how we plan to help. After the visit, we provide at-home tips, whether it’s a simple stretch, an ergonomic suggestion for homework time, or advice on how to keep your toddler’s diaper bag off your back to avoid pain. We know healthy kids often mean healthier, happier families overall.
Our clinic proudly serves families from Chillicothe and surrounding Missouri communities – including Trenton, Brookfield, Cameron, and beyond. Many parents schedule appointments for themselves alongside their kids, making it a true family wellness outing! (We love seeing multiple generations come in together.) With flexible scheduling and an easy-going vibe, we aim to accommodate your family’s busy life – we even try to offer same-week appointments so you’re not waiting long to get care.
Success Stories from Our Patients
Healthy kids = happy parents. Whether your teenager needs an adjustment before the big game or your newborn needs relief from colic, we’re here for you with open arms. Move well, grow well, be well – that’s our motto for your little ones. Give your child the gift of natural wellness and watch them shine!
Frequently Asked Questions
About Pediatric Chiropractic at The Well-House
Is chiropractic care safe for babies and children?
Yes – when performed by a qualified practitioner, chiropractic care for children is extremely safe. Pediatric chiropractors use very gentle techniques suited for kids’ delicate spines. Research confirms a low risk of any complications; adverse effects are rare and usually mild (for example, slight fussiness or soreness that resolves quickly). Major health organizations even recognize pediatric chiropractic as a safe complementary therapy. We always prioritize your child’s safety and comfort, so you can feel confident they’re in good hands.
At what age can my child start seeing a chiropractor?
Children can benefit from chiropractic care from infancy onward. We often see babies just weeks old – especially if they had a difficult birth, torticollis (twisted neck), or colic. Rest assured, the techniques for newborns are extraordinarily gentle. As children grow into toddlers, grade-schoolers, and teens, chiropractic care is adapted to their size and needs. Whether your child is a newborn or a 17-year-old athlete, we will tailor the treatment approach appropriately. It’s never “too early” or “too late” – any age can reap the benefits of a well-aligned spine.
What conditions can pediatric chiropractic help with?
Pediatric chiropractic can help with a wide range of issues. For infants, common reasons for care include colic (excessive crying), reflux, breastfeeding difficulties, and ear infections. In toddlers and children, chiropractic can address recurrent earaches, constipation, bed-wetting, developmental posture problems, and frequent falls or injuries. For school-age kids and teens, we often help with headaches, neck or back pain (from heavy backpacks or screen time), sports injuries, and scoliosis monitoring. Beyond specific conditions, many families use chiropractic proactively – to improve their child’s sleep quality, support their immune system, and promote healthy growth. Every child is different, so results vary, but parents commonly report positive changes in their kids’ comfort and overall health.
What is a pediatric chiropractic adjustment like? Will it hurt?
A pediatric adjustment is very gentle and typically painless. We do not perform the big, forceful “cracks” on little ones that you might associate with adult chiropractic. Instead, the chiropractor uses light pressure – often just a soft fingertip touch or a small spring-loaded instrument – to nudge the misaligned vertebrae. The pressure used is about as much as you’d use to press on your eyelid or check a ripe tomato, so it’s well tolerated by even tiny infants. Most children don’t feel any pain; at most they might be startled for a second by the new sensation. In fact, many babies and kids relax during the treatment. Older kids often think it feels good, like having a release of tension. Our doctor is very attuned to each child’s response – if something ever causes discomfort, we stop immediately. But rest assured, pediatric adjustments are designed to be comfortable, quick, and relieving for your child.
Can chiropractic help with ear infections or colic in my child?
It may. Many parents have found relief for their children’s ear infections and colicky behavior through chiropractic care. Ear infections can sometimes recur due to poor drainage of the ear canals; gentle adjustments of the neck and upper back may help improve Eustachian tube function, potentially reducing the frequency of infections. For colic, several studies and clinical trials have reported significant reductions in crying time for infants under chiropractic care. The chiropractor isn’t “curing” the ear infection or colic directly – instead, by improving spinal alignment and nerve function, we remove stress on the child’s nervous system, allowing their body to heal and regulate better. It’s important to note that results can vary: some children respond quickly (e.g. fewer earaches or calmer evenings after a few visits), while others may need a series of treatments and a holistic approach (including feeding and sleep tips) for full improvement. We will give you a realistic idea of what to expect for your child’s specific case. Chiropractic is a safe, natural option to try for these common ailments, and we’re happy to work alongside your pediatrician’s care as well.