Paediatric Chiropractic
Introducing Dr. Samantha Rushton! Not only is she a skilled Chiropractor, but she’s also a lover of chickens, a believer in daydreams, and above all else, the proud mother of four human delights!
**Calling All Parents and Parents-to-Be!**
Whether it’s a routine check-up or a specific concern, Dr. Sam is here to guide your little ones towards wellness. Dr. Sam’s passion lies in whole family care, with a special focus on the tiniest members of our community.
**Why choose Dr. Sam?**
Imagine a Chiropractor with not only a postgraduate degree in clinical paediatrics but also extensive training in pregnancy care, and she’s equipped with the skills to address a wide range of issues in babies, children and tweens! But what sets Dr. Sam apart is her genuine understanding of the joys and challenges of parenthood.
As a mother herself, she brings empathy and a gentle touch to every appointment, supporting and optimising the development of growing families in the Port Macquarie community.
**Here’s the scoop:**
Dr. Sam is available on;
Mondays 9:30am – 2:30pm
Wednesdays 1pm – 5:30pm
Fridays 9:30am – 2:30pm
Saturdays 9:30am -12pm
Whether you’re a parent seeking expert care for your little ones or an expectant mother looking for support during pregnancy, Dr. Sam is here for you.
**Spread the Word!**
We’re on a mission to help as many children and expectant mothers as possible, and we need your help! Do you know someone who could benefit from Dr. Sam’s magic? Refer them to us, and let’s grow our Lake Road Chiro family together!
Let's Talk about Chiro Care for Kids! From Pregnancy to Teens
PREGNANCY CHIRORACTIC
Embark on Your Pregnancy Wellness Journey with Lake Road Chiropractic
At Lake Road Chiropractic, we accompany you through every stage, from preconception to the postpartum phase and beyond. Our team provides comprehensive care and unwavering support as your body adapts and your baby flourishes
We understand the challenges of nurturing a baby within you! Your body undergoes monumental changes in hormone levels, brain structure, and overall physiology, changes that persist for at least two years post-birth!
This means your nervous system expands and evolves while your connective tissues relax. Your posture shifts, hips widen, and your body experiences both stretching and testing moments. Perhaps you’ve battled with back or neck discomfort, now heightened by your body’s changes. Or maybe you’re seeking holistic ways to support yourself through pregnancy.
Tailored Care for Your Well-being
We believe that armed with the right knowledge, support, and tools, pregnancy can be a more manageable journey. Our Chiropractors employ a blend of gentle techniques designed to support your body during this time, potentially easing pregnancy symptoms by promoting optimal alignment and balance.
Understanding Your Pelvic Health
Pregnancy hormones will begin to reshape your pelvis, stretching its ligaments and altering how you feel when sitting, standing, moving, or bending. During your assessment, your Chiropractor will analyse your pelvic alignment and its connection to surrounding soft tissues.
We also evaluate nervous system stress levels, by using neurological examination, followed by a check of your pelvic stability. This helps us pinpoint the origins of any musculoskeletal discomfort you may experience.
Addressing Neck Pain
The postural adjustments during pregnancy and postpartum are significant. To counterbalance weight shifts in the pelvis, a woman’s head often tilts forward, changing her weight distribution. As your belly grows, your pelvis tilts forward, further affecting your posture.
Once your baby arrives, the constant need to hold them places additional strain on your neck. Neck pain during pregnancy and postpartum is not uncommon. Our Chiropractors have extensive experience working with new mothers, helping them navigate this phase of early motherhood with comfort and ease.
Alleviating Back Pain
The growth of your baby places added strain on your spine, affecting your posture and potentially intensifying back pain. Chiropractic care can offer support in alleviating this discomfort and our Chiropractors are adept at modifying care to suit all stages of pregnancy.
Postpartum Support
Following delivery, understanding the shifts your body undergoes is crucial. Whether you delivered vaginally or via C-section, our Chiropractors provide personalised care to help you recover safely. Constantly holding and feeding your baby places ongoing strain on your spine, requiring attention and support.
Embark on this journey of maternal wellness with Lake Road Chiropractic, where your well-being is our priority every step of the way.
NEWBORN BABY CHIROPRACTIC
Welcoming New Additions to Your Family
Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding another bundle of joy to your clan, our team of dedicated Chiropractors is here to support you during this precious stage of your newborn’s life. We take the time to gather insights about your pregnancy to learning about the details of the birth, we begin to piece together the experiences that have shaped your baby’s early days.
Gentle Care Tailored to Newborns
In Australia, Chiropractors adjust more than 30,000 paediatric patients (0-18 years old) every week. Our approach to care is very gentle, tailored to suit the unique needs of each newborn based on their age, size, and developmental stage.
Unlike some adult treatments, Chiropractic adjustments for newborns involve soothing, light, soft mobilisations.
Identifying Concerns with Baby
Through thorough examinations, our Chiropractors educate parents on signs of discomfort that newborns may exhibit.
Some common indicators include;
– Preference for being held on one side versus the other, especially during feeding, latching issues.
– Always tilting or rotating the head one way
– Dislike of being in a car seat
– Tummy time difficulties, such as baby not lifting their head on their own by 3 months of age
– Difficulty or discomfort during clothing changes
We invite you to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Samantha Rushton, our Paediatric Chiropractor.
During this conversation, you can address your concerns and explore the role Chiropractic care may play in your child’s development. Call us on (02) 6583 1449 to organise a suitable time for a chat.
SAFETY OF CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic care for newborns boasts an outstanding safety record. Your Chiropractor will guide you through every aspect of care, sharing relevant research to deepen your understanding of your child’s health and well-being.
Independent Australian Government review of Spinal Manipulation on Children;
In March 2019, the Victorian Health Minister asked Safer Care Victoria (SCV) to independently look into the Safety of Chiropractic care for children under the age of 12. SCV wanted to hear from parents whose children had accessed Chiropractic care, looking for both positive and negative experiences. These are the findings from the Council of Australian Governments Health Council review to consider if public safety was at risk in relation to spinal manipulation on children;
99.7% of 21,750 public responses reported a positive experience with Chiropractic care of their children.
98% of 21,474 public responses indicated that their child improved after treatment.
The review found zero evidence of harm caused by Chiropractic care for kids!
Read the full Australian Chiropractors Association Fact sheet HERE
Embark on this journey of maternal wellness with Lake Road Chiropractic, where your well-being is our priority every step of the way.
CHIROPRACTIC FOR NURTURING YOUR CHILD’S GROWTH FROM 6 MONTHS TO 4 YRS
The toddler years mark a whirlwind of discovery and growth, where your little one transforms from a baby into a curious, independent explorer. At Lake Road Chiropractic, we understand the importance of these formative years and strive to support both you and your child on this incredible journey.
We focus on these key areas that can lead to a healthier and happier toddler:
Developmental Milestones
From the first 6 months to 4 years, your child will achieve numerous milestones, each a testament to their growth and abilities. In the early months, milestones like independent sitting, rolling, and object manipulation mark significant progress. As they transition into toddlers, walking, running, and engaging in playful activities become commonplace.
By understanding these milestones, you can better support your child’s development. Our Chiropractors offer guidance on movement patterns, balance, and motor skills, ensuring a strong foundation for their growth.
The Role of Movement in Brain Development
Renowned neuroscientist and Nobel Laureate Dr. Roger Sperry, famously said,
“Better than 90% of the energy output of the brain is used relating to the physical body in its gravitational field. The more mechanically distorted the person is, the less energy is available for thinking, metabolism and healing.”
His research suggests that a vast majority of brain stimulation and nutrition comes from spinal movement.
Sleep Issues
It’s estimated that 25% – 50% of children and 40% of adolescents experience sleep issues at some point link
Quality sleep is vital for your toddler’s brain development, aiding in memory consolidation and cognitive function. During sleep, the brain undergoes a cleansing process, flushing out accumulated toxins. This restorative function is crucial for your child’s growth and well-being. Research even suggests a link between sleep and academic performance.
Sleep disruptions such as snoring, nightmares, sleep talking, sleepwalking, growing pains and restless leg syndrome, can stem from various factors, such as temperature, hunger, noise, or underlying conditions like sleep apnoea or digestive discomfort. Our Chiropractors assess spinal and nervous system function, as improvements in these areas have shown to positively impact sleep patterns and overall well-being.
Body Awareness
From messy mealtime adventures to mastering the art of crawling into unexpected places, toddlers are on a mission to explore their world and body awareness is therefore crucial. Body awareness is the understanding of where their body begins and ends in their immediate surroundings. As toddlers venture forth, their brains are actively mapping out their bodies. This mapping enables them to move with precision and control.
Signs of poor body awareness might include frequent stumbling, leaning heavily on others, or being accident-prone. Parents often notice behaviours like constant tripping, leaning into people rather than supporting their own weight, or inadvertently breaking toys due to a lack of understanding of their own body positioning or strength.
Physical Abilities
As toddlers’ brains develop, their bodies become more agile and adventurous, they’ll be running, jumping, falling, and exploring the limits of their physical abilities.
While bumps and falls are part of the learning process, some incidents may leave you wondering if a check-up is needed. Perhaps you’ve noticed asymmetrical movements or changes since an accident?
By encouraging healthy spinal function and keeping your child active, you’re directly supporting their brain development.
At Lake Road Chiropractic, our Chiropractors assess the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems of toddlers. Through detailed examinations, we provide insights into your child’s well-being and offer guidance on navigating these energetic years.
Contact us today to embark on this journey of discovery and well-being for your little explorer.
CHIROPRACTIC FOR EMPOWERING YOUR CHILD THROUGH THEIR PRIMARY SCHOOL YEARS
The transition to primary school marks a significant step in your child’s journey, filled with new experiences and important milestones. At Lake Road Chiropractic, we are dedicated to supporting both you and your child as they navigate this exciting chapter of growth and learning.
Check-ups for School Success
In our back-to-school check-ups, we meticulously examine these key areas to ensure that your child’s school and sports experiences are enjoyable and fulfilling:
- The classroom environment plays a vital role in your child’s posture and comfort. Prolonged periods of sitting with head and neck turned to one side can lead to discomfort and strain. Our Chiropractors assess your child’s symmetry and spinal movement to address any issues early on.
- We pay close attention to how your child carries their school bag, ensuring optimal spinal protection and preventing undue strain on their growing bodies. Choosing the right school bag is crucial for your child’s spinal health. Our Chiropractors advise on options with padded shoulder straps, waist straps, and chest straps to distribute weight evenly. We educate parents on the recommended weight of 10%-20% of their child’s body weight to prevent spinal strain.
- Introducing your child to new sports and activities can be exhilarating, but it’s essential to ensure that their bodies are adequately prepared and supported. As your child explores different sports and activities, they embark on a journey of physical development and coordination, promoting healthy brain function. We encourage parents to observe their child’s movement patterns for signs of imbalance or discomfort. Our Chiropractors can identify any neuromusculoskeletal stress and provide tailored support.
- As your child navigates the school grounds, we ensure that their footwear supports healthy foot development and comfortable movement.
- Throughout primary school, there are milestones we expect children to achieve with ease. From balancing on one leg to performing somersaults, these activities promote brain-body coordination and motor skills. Our team helps identify any challenges your child may face, such as avoiding weight-bearing on one leg or asymmetrical movements.
At Lake Road Chiropractic, we believe in partnering with parents to ensure that every child receives the care and support they need to thrive. Our Chiropractors are dedicated to identifying and addressing any issues that may arise, empowering your child to excel both inside and outside the classroom.
Embark on this journey with us, where your child’s health and happiness are our top priorities. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a brighter future for your child.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE TAILORED FOR TEENS
Teenage years mark a crucial phase of growth, both physically and emotionally. Unfortunately, this growth doesn’t tend to be uniform—it’s a multitude of changes that can leave teenagers feeling out of sync with their own bodies. The centre of gravity shifts, movements may feel awkward, and finding their balance can become a challenge of its own.
Call us on (02) 6583 1449 to organise a suitable time for a chat.
As adolescents undergo rapid changes, their bodies transform, with the spine expanding by up to 10cm annually. Typically occurring between ages 12-15 for girls and 14-15 for boys, this growth spurt concludes around ages 18-20.
During these formative years, many factors add to the strain on young spines:
Puberty and Back Health
The teenage years coincide with a rise in back pain, often linked to puberty-related changes and growth spurts, with spontaneous adolescent spinal pain peaking during adolescence. Research suggests that addressing spinal health during this critical period can impact long-term well-being, reducing the likelihood of future discomfort.
School Bag Strain
With the increased weight of textbooks and supplies, often carried improperly, this can weigh heavily on developing spines. We educate teenagers on proper bag fitting to reduce the load on their growing spines.
Sports and Activities
Participation in sports offers numerous benefits but also poses risks of injuries, especially during adolescence. As teenagers engage in high-impact activities and contact sports, the likelihood of injuries escalates.
Digital Devices
With the rise in technology usage among teenagers, from schoolwork on computers to hours spent on mobile phones and gaming, prolonged screen time leads to sedentary habits and compromised postures. The lack of outdoor play diminishes core strength essential for maintaining proper posture.
We offer Support for newborns to teens
At Lake Road Chiropractic our Chiropractors are trained to navigate the unique challenges of teenage growth. We offer holistic care, understanding that each teenager’s journey is different. By addressing the root causes of discomfort and promoting healthy habits, we empower teenagers to thrive as they grow into adulthood.
We invite you to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Samantha Rushton, our Paediatric Chiropractor.
During this conversation, you can address your concerns and explore the role Chiropractic care may play in your child’s development.
Call us on (02) 6583 1449 to organise a suitable time for a chat.
