Conditions we commonly see

Autism Spectrum Disorder

ASD · Neurodivergent · "Neurospicy"

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges with social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour that typically appear in early childhood. Recent data indicates that by age 12, about 1.3% of children are diagnosed with ASD — and prevalence continues to rise. We do need to be aware that current evidence suggests manual therapy in ASD may have possible benefits for sensorimotor integration and everyday function, but the data are weak and mostly come from small case reports and pilot studies.

Dr Christian has a particular interest in children with neurodivergent presentations. Chiropractic assessment focuses on musculoskeletal and neurological findings relevant to each child. Care is provided in collaboration with the child's broader healthcare team.

Back Pain

Neck pain · Thoracic pain · Lumbar pain

Back pain in children refers to discomfort ranging from the neck to the tailbone. The incidence increases with age and is more common in females than males. Back pain can significantly impact a child's academic performance — limiting participation in school activities and sports, affecting concentration during prolonged sitting, and potentially leading to increased absenteeism in severe cases.

Bedwetting

Nocturnal enuresis

Nocturnal enuresis is a prevalent condition among children that tends to decrease in frequency with age. The condition is more common in boys, with a 2:1 ratio compared to girls. While often outgrown, bedwetting can have a significant impact on a child's confidence and family life — and there are things that can be done to support the process.

Breastfeeding Difficulty

Latch difficulty · Nipple pain · Poor weight gain

Breastfeeding difficulty is a common challenge faced by many new mothers, often leading to early cessation despite initial intentions to continue. Issues such as nipple pain, latching problems, insufficient milk supply, and engorgement can cause significant distress for both mother and infant.

Dr Christian has published a case study on chiropractic management of an infant with breastfeeding difficulty and poor weight gain, and has co-authored the ACCP's Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline on breastfeeding difficulty management.

Colic

Unsettled behaviour · Excessive crying · Irritability

Colic refers to a condition characterised by excessive crying in an infant less than 5 months of age. It tends to be recurrent and consist of prolonged periods of crying, fussing, or irritability that occur without obvious cause and cannot be resolved by caregivers. It can be an incredibly stressful experience for new parents.

Chiropractic care has been studied in the context of colic management. Our practitioners take a thorough history to understand each infant's presentation before beginning any care.

Headaches

Migraines · Tension headaches · Cervicogenic headaches

Headaches are a common health issue affecting children and adolescents, with prevalence increasing as children age. By age 7 approximately one-third of children experience headaches, rising to about half by age 15. Headaches can significantly impact a child's quality of life — affecting school attendance, social activities, and overall wellbeing.

Dr Charlene has a particular interest in hormonal and migraine headaches in women, bringing both clinical expertise and personal experience to this presentation.

Hip Dysplasia

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) · "Clicky Hips"

Hip dysplasia involves an abnormality in the development of the hip joint where the ball-and-socket connection is improperly formed — specifically, a shallow hip socket that does not fully cover the femoral head. This can range from mild instability to complete dislocation, and is typically present at birth but may develop during infancy or childhood.

Dr Christian has published multiple peer-reviewed papers on DDH, including case reports documenting morphological changes on x-ray after manual therapy in late-diagnosed cases, and co-authored the ACCP's Infant Hip Screening Policy.

Plagiocephaly

"Flat Head" Syndrome · Head asymmetry · Positional plagiocephaly

Plagiocephaly is a condition characterised by an asymmetrical or flattened shape of an infant's head, resulting from external pressure on the soft, malleable skull — often due to prolonged time spent in one position. There are two main types: positional (commonly seen by chiropractors) and synostotic (caused by premature closure of the skull sutures).

Dr Christian has published extensively on plagiocephaly, including studies on the relationship between head asymmetry and reduced cervical range of motion, and has co-authored the ACCP's Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline on plagiocephaly management.

Scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis · Infantile scoliosis · Adolescent scoliosis

Scoliosis is characterised by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine — instead of a straight vertical alignment, the spine develops a C or S-shaped curve when viewed from behind. This condition can affect people of any age but often begins during childhood or adolescence.

Dr Christian has a particular interest in infantile idiopathic scoliosis and has published a letter to the editor on novel orthotic management approaches. Early detection and management are key — our practitioners assess spinal alignment as part of every comprehensive examination.

Sleeping Difficulty

Night waking · Bedtime resistance · Early rising

Sleeping difficulties in children are a common concern for many parents and can have significant impacts on both the child's and the whole family's wellbeing. These issues can manifest in various ways — resistance to bedtime, frequent night awakenings, or early morning rising.

Factors contributing to sleep problems in children may include inconsistent bedtime routines, anxiety, medical conditions, or environmental factors. Our practitioners look to understand the full picture before making recommendations for care.