Bringing your child to a pediatric chiropractor visit for the first time can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve only ever pictured the forceful adjustments adults receive. At Austin Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Dr. Justin Swanson, D.C., FASA, C.C.E.P., has spent over 17 years reassuring nervous Austin parents and gently treating their children — from newborns to teenagers. If you’re wondering what actually happens during a pediatric chiropractor visit and whether it’s truly safe for your child, this guide walks you through the entire process so you can walk in feeling confident instead of anxious.
Is a Pediatric Chiropractor Visit Safe for Children?
This is the question Dr. Swanson hears most often from new parents, and the answer is yes — when delivered by a provider with proper pediatric training. Dr. Swanson holds post-graduate specialty certification in pediatric chiropractic care, on top of his D.C. degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic, where he graduated on the Dean’s List. Pediatric adjustments are nothing like the adjustments adults receive. The amount of pressure used on an infant’s spine is roughly equivalent to testing the ripeness of a tomato — gentle enough that many parents are surprised when their baby’s session is already finished.
What Happens During Your Child’s Appointment
Every age-appropriate visit at our north central Austin office follows a similar structure, adjusted for your child’s age and condition:
1. A Conversation First, Not an Adjustment
Dr. Swanson begins by talking with you — not your child. He’ll ask about your pregnancy and delivery, developmental milestones, any falls or injuries, and the specific concern that brought you in, whether that’s torticollis, colic, ear infections, headaches, or a sports injury.
2. A Gentle, Age-Specific Examination
Next comes a hands-on exam tailored to your child’s age. For infants, this means observing head position, range of motion, and muscle tension. For older children and teens, the exam includes posture assessment, range-of-motion testing, and palpation to find areas of restriction. Dr. Swanson’s C.C.E.P. training means he’s also checking extremities — shoulders, hips, and knees — not just the spine, which matters for young athletes.
3. A Demonstration on the Parent (When Appropriate)
Many nervous parents are surprised when Dr. Swanson offers to demonstrate the adjustment technique on them first, before treating an infant. This isn’t required, but it’s a hallmark of how he approaches pediatric care: nothing happens that you don’t fully understand and feel comfortable with.
4. The Adjustment Itself
Pediatric adjustments use light, specific, low-force techniques calibrated to your child’s developing spine. There’s no twisting, no cracking sounds, and no discomfort. Most infants stay calm or even fall asleep during treatment. Older children often describe the sensation as a gentle, targeted push.
5. What Comes Next
Dr. Swanson explains what he found, what to expect, and how many follow-up visits are typically recommended for your child’s specific concern. Conditions like infant torticollis often show meaningful improvement within just a handful of visits.
How to Prepare Your Child for Their Appointment
- Bring any relevant pediatrician records or prior imaging, if applicable
- Dress your child in comfortable clothing that allows easy movement
- Feed infants on their normal schedule — a calm, fed baby tends to settle more easily
- Bring a list of your specific concerns or questions so nothing gets forgotten in the moment
- Talk to older children beforehand in simple, reassuring terms about what to expect
Why Austin Families Trust Dr. Swanson With Their Children
Choosing the right provider for your child’s care matters, and Austin parents have several reasons to choose Dr. Swanson:
- Palmer College of Chiropractic, Dean’s List graduate — trained at the world’s first chiropractic college
- Post-graduate specialty certification in pediatric chiropractic care, beyond general practice training
- C.C.E.P. certification, allowing precise evaluation of extremities in addition to the spine
- FASA fellowship under Dr. Richard Yennie, the 1998 World Health Organization “Man of the Year”
- One of the few Austin-area pediatric chiropractors who accepts insurance
- 400+ five-star reviews and a 92% patient satisfaction rate across his practice
- Part of the world’s largest chiropractic family, with 44 Doctors of Chiropractic among his extended family
- A drug-free, surgery-free philosophy built into every conversation with parents
Families bring their children to Dr. Swanson from across Northwest Hills, Allandale, Rosedale, Tarrytown, Round Rock, Bee Cave, Georgetown, and Lakeway. Our office in north central Austin is set up to put both kids and parents at ease, with a warm front desk team that families consistently mention in their reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Pediatric Chiropractor Visit
What happens during a pediatric chiropractor visit?
A pediatric chiropractor visit starts with a conversation about your child’s history and concerns, followed by a gentle, age-specific exam and a light, low-force adjustment calibrated to your child’s developing spine.
Is chiropractic care safe for infants and young children?
Yes, when performed by a chiropractor with pediatric training. Dr. Swanson holds post-graduate pediatric certification, and infant adjustments use only the lightest pressure — comparable to testing a piece of fruit for ripeness.
Will my child’s adjustment hurt or make a popping sound?
No. Pediatric adjustments are gentle, low-force techniques with no twisting or cracking. Most infants remain calm or fall asleep, and older children typically describe it as a light, targeted push.
How long does a first appointment for my child take?
A first appointment typically runs longer than follow-up visits, often 30 to 45 minutes, to allow time for a full health history, age-specific exam, and the first adjustment.
Do you accept insurance for pediatric chiropractic care?
Yes. Dr. Swanson is one of the few pediatric chiropractors in the Austin area who accepts insurance, making this specialized care more accessible to local families.
What should I bring to my child’s appointment?
Bring any relevant pediatrician records or prior imaging, your insurance information, and a written list of your specific concerns or questions.
At what age can a child start seeing a pediatric chiropractor?
Dr. Swanson treats patients of all ages, from newborns through teenagers, using techniques calibrated specifically to each stage of development.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment in Austin Today
If you’ve been hesitant to schedule a pediatric chiropractor visit because you weren’t sure what to expect, you now have the full picture. Dr. Justin Swanson and his team are ready to walk you and your child through every step, answer your questions, and help your family thrive — naturally, without drugs or surgery.
Austin Chiropractic & Acupuncture
5750 Balcones Dr Suite 108, Austin, TX 78731
Phone: (512) 452-2525
Monday: 9 to 1 & 3 to 6
Tuesday: 9 to 1 & 3 to 6
Wednesday: 9 to 1 & 3 to 6
Thursday: 9 to 1
Friday: Closed
Call (512) 452-2525 or visit our pediatrics chiropractor page to schedule your child’s appointment today.