Pediatric Chiropractic Care in Los Gatos
Kids grow fast, fall a lot, and put their bodies through the wringer on the daily. If your baby is fussy, your toddler is always tilted to one side, or your teen is dealing with sports aches and posture issues, it can be stressful trying to figure out what’s going on.
At On Purpose Chiropractic, Dr. Adam Kleinberg, DC provides pediatric chiropractic care in Los Gatos using gentle, age-appropriate techniques designed to support comfort, mobility, and healthy movement as your child develops. If you want clarity and a calm, step-by-step plan, we’re here.
The first step is simple: Call (408) 354-8044 to schedule your consultation.
Pediatric Patients We Work With
Yes. At On Purpose Chiropractic, we see kids from newborns to teens, and we tailor care to their age, size, and what their body is doing right now. Childhood is basically a nonstop cycle of growth spurts, bumps, tumbles, backpacks, sports, screen posture, and “wait, how did you even bend like that?” Those daily inputs can create little movement restrictions in the spine and joints, which may irritate the nervous system and show up as discomfort, tension, or asymmetry.
Pediatric chiropractic is not “adult chiropractic but smaller.” The pressure is extremely light and specific, often described as fingertip-level pressure appropriate for infants and toddlers. Visits are also more observation-focused, meaning we pay close attention to posture, movement patterns, and how your child is developing.
We also keep it responsible. Chiropractic care is complementary, not a replacement for medical care, and we collaborate with your child’s pediatrician when needed.
Typical Issues Parents Report
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth talking to a baby chiropractor in Los Gatos, these are some of the common things parents mention. None of these automatically mean “your child needs an adjustment,” but they can be helpful clues.
- Persistent fussiness or “colic-like” crying that doesn’t have an obvious cause.
- Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, including trouble latching or turning the head.
- Reflux-like spit-up patterns that seem worse in certain positions.
- Digestive issues such as constipation or irregular bowel movements.
- Poor sleep habits, frequent waking, or restlessness that looks like discomfort.
- Recurring ear infections or drainage issues that keep coming back.
- Head tilt, head-turn preference, or a “stuck” neck after birth or a fall.
- Postural imbalance like uneven shoulders, slumping, or early “text neck.”
- Growing pains that consistently flare after activity.
- Sports injuries, repeated strains, or joint aches that linger.
- Bedwetting or potty-training struggles that don’t seem purely behavioral.
Gentle Care Approaches for Babies
With babies, the goal is simple: help their body move and function as smoothly as possible during a time of insane growth and development. The nervous system runs the show. When joints are restricted or irritated, it can add stress to the system and sometimes show up as tension, sensitivity, or uneven movement patterns.
Pediatric chiropractic adjustments are very gentle and focused. We’re not “cracking” a baby’s spine. We’re using light, specific contact to reduce tension and improve motion so the body can regulate more comfortably.
Some small trials have concluded chiropractic spinal manipulation was more effective than placebo for infantile colic and chronic otitis media. That said, overall evidence is limited, and results vary. We keep expectations realistic, and we always encourage parents to stay connected with their pediatrician, especially if symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, weight loss, breathing issues, or developmental concerns.
Treatment Options for Babies and Children
Care depends on your child’s age, presentation, and what we find on exam. The bigger theme is always the same: gentle, non-invasive, medication-free support.
If chiropractic care is appropriate for your child, care may include:
- Fingertip-light chiropractic adjustments designed for infants and growing kids, with comfort as the priority.
- Gentle soft-tissue work to reduce muscle tension that can pull on joints and limit motion.
- Posture and movement coaching for parents and older kids, so daily habits aren’t constantly re-irritating the problem.
- Development-friendly home guidance that supports milestones like tummy time, crawling, walking, and balanced play.
- Age-appropriate care plans that are flexible and based on how your child responds, not rigid packages.
Nothing is forced. We explain what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and we adjust the approach based on your child’s comfort and your consent.
Supporting Children Comfort and Development
Pediatric chiropractic care is a specialized approach to supporting spinal and joint motion in children, with the understanding that kids are not just small adults. Their joints, ligaments, and nervous systems are developing rapidly, so the assessment is focused on movement, posture, symmetry, and function.
Compared to adult care, pediatric visits typically involve:
- Much lighter pressure and shorter, kid-friendly visits.
- Development-focused screening, like how a child holds their head, turns, crawls, walks, or sits.
- A conservative mindset, meaning we stay within a safe scope and refer out when something needs medical evaluation.
The goals are practical: improve comfort, support healthy movement patterns, and help reduce physical stress that can show up as sleep disruption, feeding tension, posture issues, or recurring strain. It’s holistic in the sense that we’re looking at the whole child, but it’s still grounded and careful.
Home Prep Tips for Pediatric Chiropractic Visits
Before your visit, you can do a few simple, safe things to support your child’s comfort:
- Try gentle tummy time and short, frequent play sessions to encourage natural movement.
- Use supportive feeding positions so your baby isn’t always turning or tilting one way.
- For older kids, balance device time with movement and avoid long slumped sitting.
- Keep play age-appropriate and low-pressure, especially if your child seems sore.
- Pay attention to sleep setup, like avoiding awkward head angles and using safe positioning for babies.
- Do not try to “adjust” your child at home or use forceful stretching.
If your child has persistent symptoms, fever, major lethargy, unusual weakness, or anything that worries you, check in with your pediatrician first or alongside us.
Safety and Evidence
Pediatric chiropractic care is generally described as gentle, and reported adverse events are most often mild when they occur, but high-quality evidence across all childhood conditions is still limited. That’s why a careful exam, conservative decisions, and collaboration with pediatric care matter. Our approach is to stay in our lane, communicate clearly, and keep your child’s safety first.
Why Parents Choose On Purpose Chiropractic
Parents usually want two things: someone who’s calm and confident, and someone who doesn’t overpromise. At On Purpose Chiropractic, the focus is on education, gentle care, and a plan you can actually understand. Dr. Adam Kleinberg, DC takes time to listen, assess movement and posture thoughtfully, and explain what he sees in plain language. If chiropractic is a fit, we build a conservative plan. If it’s not, we’ll tell you and point you in the right direction.
FAQs
How young can a child be to see a chiropractor?
Some families bring in newborns, while others start later. The key is that care must be age-appropriate, gentle, and based on a proper assessment.
Do I need a referral from my pediatrician?
Usually no, but we encourage keeping your pediatrician in the loop, especially for ongoing medical concerns or complex cases.
Will my child’s adjustment hurt?
Pediatric care uses very light pressure. Most babies tolerate it well, and older kids typically describe it as easy and quick.
How many visits will we need?
It depends on your child’s age, how long symptoms have been present, and how they respond. We set expectations clearly after the first visit.
Can chiropractic replace medical care for my child?
No. Chiropractic is complementary. For fever, infection concerns, significant developmental delays, or serious symptoms, medical evaluation should lead.
