Why Chiropractic Care is Essential for Developmental Growth

By Dr Zoe Braund 

If your child is experiencing developmental delays, is not co-ordinated, having tantrums or meltdowns, or just feels behind his peers? Then, you may be wondering: Can chiropractic care really help? This is a question I hear often, and my answer is a resounding yes! But why? Let’s explore it from a developmental perspective.

The Role of Movement in Early Development

The first six months of life are critical for a baby’s growth, with movement playing a key role in shaping their nervous system. Every tiny motion—whether it’s a wiggle, a head turn, or a hand grasp—contributes to brain and body development.

At birth, a baby’s movements are guided by primitive reflexes—automatic, involuntary responses essential for survival and early motor control. These reflexes help strengthen neck muscles, coordinate eye movements, and stimulate the vestibular system, which governs balance and spatial awareness.

As these reflexes integrate, babies gain more control over their bodies, paving the way for rolling over, crawling, sitting, standing, and eventually walking. But what happens when these movement patterns don’t develop as they should?

The Impact of Restricted Movement

One of the most common concerns I see in infants—typically around two to three months old—is limited neck mobility. This seemingly small issue can create a ripple effect on a child’s development.

If a baby struggles to turn their head, they may have difficulty tracking objects with their eyes, which is essential for vision development and later reading skills.If their balance system isn’t properly stimulated, they may experience coordination and posture challenges as they grow.Weak muscle tone due to restricted movement can delay key milestones like crawling and walking.

These physical limitations don’t just affect motor skills—they can also impact focus, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Development

Chiropractic care is all about optimizing how the body functions. In infants, gentle, specific adjustments can help restore proper joint mobility, allowing them to move freely and comfortably. This promotes strength, coordination, and the smooth progression of developmental milestones.

Beyond adjustments, we incorporate developmental exercises to support the proper integration of primitive reflexes. When these reflexes integrate as they should, they enhance:

 Balance and coordination – Crucial for crawling, walking, and athletic activities.
 Eye tracking – Essential for reading, learning, and concentration.
 Posture and muscle tone – Supports stability and healthy movement patterns.

By ensuring a child’s movement develops correctly, we lay the foundation for both physical and cognitive growth.

The Power of Early Intervention

Many parents assume their child will “grow out of” certain delays, but early intervention can significantly impact long-term development. The sooner we address movement restrictions, the better we can support the nervous system’s ability to mature properly.

If you’ve noticed your baby has difficulty turning their head, favours one side, or isn’t meeting developmental milestones on time, chiropractic care may offer a natural, effective solution. Every small adjustment helps create a stronger foundation for your child’s health, mobility, and overall well-being.

Curious about how chiropractic care can support your child’s development? Feel free to reach out and schedule an appointment —we’d love to help!