Our Approach
Our Approach to Tongue & Lip Tie
Chiropractic care for babies and children with lip and tongue ties is important due to the structural changes in the neck, face, and cranium. The tension caused from the tethered tissues can create long-lasting structural changes to the musculoskeletal system, leading to postural abnormalities or asymmetries. Specific chiropractic adjustments and Craniosacral therapy restores proper musculoskeletal structure, which in turn will restore neurological function.
Tongue and lip ties most commonly affect nursing/bottle feeding, posture (torticollis), movement of the tongue, gagging, swallowing, colic, and/or reflux. Dental issues and speech challenges may also occur in older children.
Our approach is safe, gentle, and effective chiropractic neck and spinal adjustments, tailored to the age and size of your infant. We will work with the inside and outside of the mouth to relieve tightness and use special techniques to improve jaw, tongue, and lip movement.
Free Webinar on Tongue Tie
Common Symptoms in Infants
- Several unsuccessful attempts at nursing
- A weak latch, callaused or blistered lips
- A clicking sound while breastfeeding
- Favoring one side while breastfeeding
- Colic, gas, or reflux symptoms
- Failure to gain weight/thrive
- Sinus congestion, noisy breathing, snoring
Common Symptoms in Mom
- Painful latch, cut or cracked nipples
- Bleeding nipples, severe nipple pain
- Flattened, blanched or creased nipples
- Plugged ducts, engorgement, mastitis or thrush
- Failure to bond with infant leading to depression
- Reduced milk production
What to Expect
A consultation and examination will be completed at the first visit. This includes a thorough health history, a comprehensive assessment to locate areas of stress and tension on the neck, jaw, and spine. In addition, head shape and range of motion will be evaluated. Non-invasive thermal scans will be completed to show us objective information about the stress on your child’s spine and nervous system.
At the next appointment, one of the doctors will go through the recommendations for chiropractic care and the financial investment. They will also teach you suck re-training exercises and stretches to do at home, as well as provide you any other beneficial resources.
*Our office understands the needs of pediatric patients, especially newborns and infants. Please let us know before your first visit how we can best accommodate you and your baby’s needs, such as setting up a phone consultation, splitting appointment times, or allowing a break for nursing/feeding your baby.
When to Seek a Chiropractor
Infants begin sucking and using their tongue in-utero during the third trimester. Therefore, the sooner that they can to learn proper muscle patterns, the better. Children that have chiropractic care and bodywork prior to a release not only heal faster, but also show improvements sooner. Often times, parents notice that there is improvement in breastfeeding, colic, or other symptoms prior to the revision.
After the procedure is done, chiropractic care and craniosacral therapy helps to re-integrate nerve patterns and ensure that the muscles of the head and neck are functioning properly and effectively. The doctors will also make sure the post-procedure stretches are being done properly, as well as go through retraining exercises, so full functionality is returned as soon as possible.
Since the muscles, cranial bones, and neck are all connected to the rest of the spine, it is crucial for children to have a healthy nervous system free of any interference!
What Methods Are Used
Dr. Lauren Molinaro Shelton and Dr. Weston Shelton are trained in pediatric chiropractic care, as well as craniosacral therapy. Therefore, Root & Bloom Chiropractic is a one-stop shop for bodywork for tongue and lip ties.
Both doctors are highly trained in pre and post lip and tongue tie revision care. If TOTS is suspected, they will inspect your baby’s mouth for signs and provide resources for taking further action if necessary. Generally, the doctors will refer you to a local lactation consultant and pediatric dental specialist who will further address your baby’s needs and treatment options.