In our upbeat, kid-friendly practice, children of all ages can get the natural chiropractic they need to enjoy optimal health. Chiropractic can address various common childhood conditions and help kids grow and develop properly. Having two chiropractors—Dr. Schoenherr and Dr. North—broadens our knowledge base and gives us more to offer parents and kids alike!
Dr. Schoenherr’s Mission
Unfortunately, many kids these days have serious conditions like autism, cancer and diabetes. One in two children has some neurologic, autoimmune or chronic disorder based on lifestyle choices.
Of course, we view chiropractic as an essential part of every child’s health and wellness regimen.
Familiarizing Your Child With Chiropractic
If your child is new to chiropractic, they may feel unsure of what to expect. Just as you may have brought your child to the dentist’s office first before your child had their first checkup, we recommend bringing them to our practice before they get their first adjustment. Our chiropractors and staff are warm and friendly, and have experience interacting with children of all ages. They will help put your little one at ease.
We can also send home a book called Dottie Daff the Crooked Giraffe, along with other books. These explain in kid-friendly terms what pediatric chiropractic is and how a chiropractor will check your child’s spine.
What to Expect – First Appointment
When you bring your child in for their first adjustment, we will explain to them what we’re going to do before we do it, so there’s no fear. We always seek to make children’s visits fun!
Kids love to “adjust” the stuffed bear and giraffe that we have in our office. By making a “correction,” kids get a sense of how chiropractic works. Your little one can also bring in their own stuffed animal or dolls, so that they can get adjusted too.
We will also take your child’s picture of their first adjustment to put on our “Growing Healthy Kids” wall of photos of other kids who get adjusted.
Working With Special Needs Children
Every child is special and different, and we meet kids wherever they are. We don’t have a one-size-fits-all protocol for children. We’ve provided care for kids with various conditions, including Down syndrome, spina bifida, autism and ADHD. All these different conditions might be different challenges, but children still have a nervous system, and we will do whatever we need to so that their nervous system functions optimally.
Busting Myths About Chiropractic
There are many myths about kids and chiropractic. Here are some common ones we want to dispel:
Myth #1: Chiropractic is dangerous for kids
People don’t realize that the amount of force you’re using on babies is about what’s used to press on an eyelid. We use appropriate pressure for each different body. There are different techniques we can use to ensure your child is adjusted gently and comfortably.
Myth #2: Chiropractor merely treat back pain and headaches
Chiropractic provides many benefits for kids that don’t involve pain. Kids express dysfunction in the nervous system differently. That might be bed-wetting, colic or ear infections. Chiropractic can effectively address many common childhood conditions gently and safely.
Myth #3: Once you start, you have to keep going
Chiropractor is about preventative care—pain is only 10% of the equation of what chiropractors are working with. We’re seeking to restore function, reduce stress in the spine, and let the body function naturally. It’s a healthy choice to seek regular chiropractic care, much like it’s a healthy habit to brush your teeth twice a day versus not doing so. Chiropractic can help your child grow and develop as they should.
“I find it so exciting and rewarding to watch the children I’ve worked with bringing in their kids now. It shows generationally that we can create healthier families,” said Dr. Schoenherr.
Book an Appointment
We want to help your child enjoy the best health possible through chiropractic care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!