Integrating chiropractic pediatrics into your practice

Chiropractic Economics sat down with Allison Harvey, DC, DICCP, who shared key information about chiropractic pediatrics, her career and tips for effectively integrating pediatrics into an existing chiropractic practice.

CE: What is chiropractic pediatrics?

Harvey: Chiropractic pediatrics, which uses gentle touch that requires a minimal amount of pressure to relieve pain and dysfunction, is often used to treat a variety of symptoms in children. Pediatric DCs advise parents on developmental milestones, and their care assists children through normal growth transitions as well as specific musculoskeletal disorders.

CE: What conditions can chiropractic pediatrics help treat?

Harvey: Children of all ages can experience the benefits of chiropractic care. In newborns, infants and toddlers, it can help with the following issues:

Colic and other excessive crying
Arching back
Acid reflux
Eye tracking problems
Balance and coordination
Muscle weakness and spasm
Head shape
Breastfeeding, latching, tongue tie and lip tie
Developmental milestones like crawling, walking and talking
Gross and fine motor skills
Communication and adaptive skills

In school-age children, pre-teens and teenagers, chiropractic can assist in addressing:

Sports injuries
Backpack safety
School and sports physicals
Asthma
Bed-wetting
Earaches and headaches
Back pain and gait
Sleep deficiencies
Digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea

CE: Is demand for chiropractic care for children growing?

Harvey: Demand for chiropractic pediatrics has increased as studies continue to validate its safety and efficacy for managing, correcting and preventing a variety of health issues in children. Chiropractic in general is also becoming more integrated into different healthcare settings, which gives more children access to DCs.

CE: What inspired you to specialize in chiropractic pediatrics?

Harvey: My passion for chiropractic pediatrics began not long after I gave birth to twin girls. I was trying to learn everything I could about being a mother and providing natural and effective care for my children. My friends knew my chiropractic background and started coming to me as a resource for care for their kids, too. I decided to earn my Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics so I could help other parents.

CE: What is Logan University’s Montgomery Health Center?

Harvey: Located on Logan’s Chesterfield, Missouri, campus, the Montgomery Health Center offers a range of services to patients while also giving critical hands-on training for the university’s Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) students. For patients seeking chiropractic pediatrics, I, along with a team of student doctors, take a whole-body approach to address symptoms. We review medical history, conduct a thorough examination, discuss possible treatment plans and provide effective and gentle chiropractic care.

CE: What does your position as lead clinician for the pediatrics department at the Montgomery Health Center entail?

Harvey: I guide Logan DC students through the highly specialized and sought-after pediatric clinic rotation at the Montgomery Health Center. Under my supervision, they learn to perfect their clinical skills while servicing patients’ healthcare needs. Teaching bright students who are passionate about helping children is one of my favorite parts of my job.

I also provide care to the center’s pediatric patients. I love coaching parents on things they can do at home to further the care we offer in our clinic. It’s an amazing feeling to visibly see the difference chiropractic can make in a family’s life.

CE: How has the field of chiropractic pediatrics evolved since you first started treating children in 2006?

Harvey: Parents are expressing more interest in chiropractic care for pediatric patients as a gentle and noninvasive option to support their well-being as they grow. There are also more DCs and DC students who want to specialize in this field than ever before. While quality certification programs in chiropractic pediatrics have existed, it was not until 2022 that Logan University launched the first master’s degree program in pediatrics in the U.S. designed for chiropractors. The Master of Science in Chiropractic Pediatrics is recognized by healthcare professionals, governmental bodies and institutions beyond the chiropractic profession, which opens new doors for pediatric chiropractors to work in a variety of settings.

CE: Why should DCs consider integrating chiropractic pediatrics into their existing practices?

Harvey: A growing number of parents are searching for options to help manage their children’s health. They are monitoring milestones, studying food habits and even Googling cranial work for tongue tie nursing problems. They are increasingly turning to DCs for answers and results.

Most pediatric cases are difficult to navigate with multiple underlying contributors. If DCs don’t build their pediatric knowledge, parents will look to other practitioners to do what we do best. Integrating pediatric chiropractic into their practices allows doctors to provide the treatment that children need and parents are seeking.

CE: How should DCs go about integrating chiropractic pediatrics into their practices?

Harvey: I believe it starts with education. While all DCs are trained to adjust children as part of their doctorate studies, those interested in promoting or expanding this service within their practices should fulfill their continuing education requirements by taking courses related to chiropractic pediatrics. For DCs who want to take their pediatric knowledge and expertise to a higher level, consider a master’s degree program, diplomate or another form of certification. This can help set you apart from other DCs by proving to parents that you can deliver safe and effective care for their children.

CE: What tips do you have for DCs who want to integrate chiropractic pediatrics into their practices?

Harvey: In addition to furthering your education, I recommend getting out into your community by:

Sponsoring activities that kids and parents are involved in, such as youth sports leagues and camps.
Offering school sports physicals to get parents who were previously unaware of chiropractic pediatrics interested in those services.
Being a part of local parent groups, online and in-person.
Asking for patient reviews.

Establishing relationships with other local healthcare providers, including lactation consultants, doulas, midwives, pediatric dentists and pediatricians.

CE: How can DCs seek integration with other healthcare providers?

Harvey: I am a strong advocate for taking a team approach to patient-centered care, maintaining collaborative relationships with other healthcare professionals in treating, co-treating and referring patients. Some relationships occur organically when patients discuss the pediatric chiropractic care you provide with other practitioners who are caring for their children. If you establish your reputation as a safe, effective, educated pediatric chiropractor, referrals will come naturally.

Pediatric DCs can proactively establish relationships with other providers, too. Don’t be afraid to reach out, introduce yourself and your practice and let them know you are interested in discussing how the patients you share could benefit from collaborative care.

CE: What are some of the qualities of successful pediatric DCs?

Harvey: Busy parents can get tied up and show up late to appointments, so you must be flexible. On the other hand, you can’t delay other patients’ appointments to accommodate. It’s important to strike the right balance between being adaptable and setting boundaries.

You should also be good at preparing parents for visits, especially the first ones. When scheduling appointments, relay instructions, such as making sure the baby is fed and their diaper is changed before coming in. Begin each visit by clearly explaining what you will be doing.

Finally, be a lifelong learner. Best practices for caring for children are always changing as well as the supplies parents are using, from pacifiers to car seats. Always think like a new parent.

ALLISON HARVEY, DC, DICCP, has been treating children since 2006 and is one of the only Diplomates in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics in Missouri. In addition to serving as the lead clinician for the pediatric department at the Montgomery Health Center at Logan University, she is also a faculty member for (MS-CP) program. Harvey was named Pediatric Chiropractor of the Year by the American Chiropractic Association Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics in 2022. Contact Harvey at allison.harvey@logan.edu or 636-230-1990.

GLORIA N. HALL is the editor-in-chief of Chiropractic Economics.

References

Alcantara J, et al. Comparison of pediatric self reports and parent proxy reports utilizing PROMIS: Results from a chiropractic practice-based research network. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2017;29:48-52. Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388117302852. Accessed April 10, 2024.
Alcantara J, et al. The Chiropractic Care of Children. J Altern Complement Med. 2010;16(6):621–626. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3151461/. Accessed April 10, 2024.