Chiropractic for Children and Babies
Why Many Parents Choose Riverside Chiropractic Group For Their Baby Or Child
For over 40 years, Riverside Chiropractic Group has supported families across Aberdeen, Oldmeldrum and Mintlaw with personalised musculoskeletal care. We have helped over 30,000 patients, from newborn babies through to older adults, building a strong reputation for clinical standards, patient experience and long-term trust.
When it comes to your baby or child, safety, clarity and confidence matter. Our chiropractors have extensive clinical experience and undertake ongoing postgraduate training, including paediatric-focused education, to ensure care is appropriate for each stage of development.
The techniques used for babies and children are very different from those used for adults. Care is always gentle, specific and adapted to your child's size, age and needs.
Parents often tell us they value the time we take to listen, explain and guide them - without pressure or confusion.
What Is Paediatric Chiropractic Care?
Paediatric chiropractic care focuses on assessing and supporting how your child's body moves and functions, particularly the spine, joints, muscles and nervous system.
It is not a replacement for medical care. Instead, it works alongside your GP, midwife, health visitor or paediatrician to support your child's overall wellbeing.
Our role is to assess movement, comfort and physical development and, where appropriate, use gentle techniques to reduce areas of tension or restriction that may be affecting how your child moves or settles.
What Happens At A Baby Or Child Assessment?
Your first visit is thorough, calm and designed to give you clarity.
We begin with a detailed history, including pregnancy, birth experience, feeding, sleep, development and any concerns you have noticed.
We then assess your child's movement in two key ways:
- Active movement: how your baby or child naturally moves, turns, feeds, reaches or settles
- Passive movement: how their joints and soft tissues move when gently guided
This allows us to identify any asymmetries, preferences or restrictions.
We also carry out:
- A neurological assessment to observe how the nervous system is responding and adapting
- An orthopaedic assessment using age-appropriate tests (e.g. hip screening, neck rotation, postural preferences)
- A developmental milestone check, based on your child's age
At the end of the session, we explain our findings clearly and discuss whether any care is appropriate.
What Can A Baby Or Child Check Help With?
Parents often choose to have their baby or child assessed if they notice:
- Difficulty turning the head equally both ways
- Feeding challenges or discomfort
- A preference for one side when lying or feeding
- Unsettled behaviour without a clear cause
- Concerns about posture, movement or development
- Recovery after birth strain or rapid growth phases
It's important to be clear: we are not diagnosing medical conditions. We are assessing movement and function.
Experienced, Reassuring Care For Your Family
Our chiropractors have many years of additional training in paediatric assessment and care. Just as importantly, we understand how to create a calm, supportive environment for both baby and parent.
You will never be rushed. You will never be pressured into care. And you will always leave understanding what we've found and what your options are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when delivered by appropriately trained practitioners using age-specific techniques.
Treatment for babies is extremely gentle, often involving light fingertip pressure. There is no forceful manipulation. The approach is adapted entirely to the child in front of us.
If we feel your child requires medical input, we will always refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional.
This depends on the individual child, their presentation and how they respond.
Some babies and children respond quickly to a short course of care, while others may benefit from ongoing monitoring or support during key stages of development. We will always explain recommendations clearly and leave the decision in your hands.
Many parents choose a wellness check for reassurance. Birth, even when straightforward, places physical stress on a baby's body. A check allows us to assess movement, comfort and early development, and give you confidence that things are progressing well.
Babies can be assessed from newborn onwards. We adapt every part of the assessment and any care to your baby's age and stage of development.
Yes, when performed by trained professionals using appropriate techniques. Treatment for newborns is extremely gentle and very different from adult care.
Most babies tolerate treatment very well. Some may become unsettled briefly, often due to tiredness, hunger or unfamiliar surroundings rather than discomfort. We always work at your baby's pace.
No referral is needed. However, we always encourage open communication with your GP, midwife or health visitor if you have any concerns.
No. Chiropractic care is complementary. It does not replace medical assessment or treatment.
Bring anything you would normally need for your baby: feeds, nappies, comfort items and any relevant medical notes (like your red book), if you have them.
A Calm, Thoughtful Approach To Your Child's Wellbeing
If you're unsure whether your baby or child needs to be seen, a simple starting point is a wellness check.
This gives you a clear understanding of how your child is moving and developing - without pressure to commit to ongoing care.
Our role is to assess, explain and guide. What you choose to do next is always your decision.
Book A Baby Or Child Wellness Check
Arrange an appointment at our Aberdeen, Oldmeldrum or Mintlaw clinics and get clear, professional insight into your child's development.
Or, if you'd prefer to speak to someone first, our team can guide you through what to expect and help you decide if an assessment is right for your family.
Contact Us
Gift Vouchers
T&Cs: Bookings should be made with reception by calling reception on 01224211517. Vouchers have a 60 day expiry and are non refundable. Cancellations within 48 hours will be fully chargeable.
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Recognised With Multiple Awards Over The Last 40 Years
We are proud to be recognised for our high standards, professional care, and long-standing commitment to patients across Aberdeen.
Professional Memberships And Registrations
We are also proud members of recognised chiropractic and healthcare organisations.
Registered in Scotland | Company Number: SC504355