Paediatric chiropractor Williamstown
Williamstown Health Hub for Kids provides gentle, evidence-based chiropractic care for babies, toddlers, and children. Our team includes Greer Watson, one of the few qualified Paediatric Chiropractors in Melbourne’s inner west.
What is paediatric chiropractic?
Paediatric chiropractic is specialised care for babies and children, focused on supporting healthy development through gentle adjustments, soft tissue work, and nervous system support.
Unlike adult chiropractic, paediatric techniques use minimal force – often no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Our practitioners assess your child’s movement, posture, and nervous system function, then provide age-appropriate care that works with their developing body.
Paediatric chiropractors complete advanced training in infant and child development, birth trauma, and gentle techniques designed specifically for young patients. This isn’t scaled-down adult chiropractic – it’s a completely different approach.
Conditions we help with
Colic & unsettled babies
Colic affects up to 20% of babies, with inconsolable crying, usually in the evenings, in an otherwise healthy infant. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, many parents report improvement after gentle chiropractic care.
Our approach focuses on releasing tension in the neck and spine (often from positioning in the womb or birth), supporting nervous system regulation, and working collaboratively with your GP or paediatrician.
What to expect: Most families see changes within 3-6 sessions. We work alongside your existing healthcare team, not as a replacement.
Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome)
Plagiocephaly – a flat spot on your baby’s head – develops when babies spend extended time in one position. It’s common after birth and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time.
Chiropractic care addresses underlying neck tightness that may prevent your baby from turning their head freely. When combined with physiotherapy and parent education on positioning, most cases improve without the need for helmet therapy.
Best timing: Early intervention (2-6 months) gives the best outcomes, though we can help babies up to 12 months old.
Feeding difficulties & latching problems
If your baby struggles to latch, clicks while feeding, arches away from the breast, or seems uncomfortable during feeds, physical tension may be contributing.
Birth can create tension in a baby’s neck, jaw, and shoulders – especially after forceps, vacuum, or caesarean delivery. This tension can make it difficult for babies to position themselves comfortably for feeding.
We work closely with lactation consultants and maternal child health nurses to provide comprehensive support. We release tension through gentle adjustments and soft tissue work, while lactation consultants address technique and positioning.
What parents tell us: Many notice improved latching and reduced feeding pain within 1-3 sessions.
Torticollis & neck tightness
Torticollis is when a baby’s head tilts to one side or they prefer looking in one direction. It can develop in the womb or during birth, and it’s one of the most common reasons parents bring babies to chiropractors and physiotherapists.
Our team uses gentle mobilisation, soft tissue release, and parent-led exercises to improve neck mobility. Treatment typically takes 4-8 sessions, with parents doing daily stretches at home.
Early treatment prevents the head tilt from affecting facial symmetry or head shape as your baby grows.
Birth trauma (forceps, vacuum, caesarean)
Assisted deliveries and long labours can create compression and tension in a baby’s head, neck, and spine. Signs your baby may benefit from assessment include:
• Difficulty feeding or latching
• Preferring one side or breast
• Arching back when held
• Unsettled behaviour without clear cause
• Limited head rotation
Our chiropractor provides gentle cranial work and spinal adjustments to release compression and restore comfortable movement. Most families bring babies within the first few weeks of life for post-birth check-ups.
Growing pains & postural issues (older kids)
For school-aged children and teens, we address:
• Growing pains (leg pain at night)
• Postural strain from screens and heavy school bags
• Sports-related injuries and tension
• Headaches related to posture or neck tightness
Our approach combines gentle adjustments, soft tissue work, strengthening exercises, and education on ergonomics and movement patterns.
How paediatric chiropractic works
We use low-force techniques designed specifically for children.
For babies (0-12 months)
- Cranial techniques (gentle pressure to release tension in the skull and jaw)
- Soft tissue release (light massage to tight muscles)
- Spinal mobilisation (gentle movement, not forceful adjustments)
For toddlers & children (1-12 years):
- Gentle spinal adjustments (tailored to your child’s size and comfort level)
- Soft tissue therapy
- Stretching and mobility programs
- Postural correction exercises
For teens (13+ years):
- Low-force adjusting techniques
- Sports injury management
- Posture and ergonomic education
What babies & children experience
Most babies sleep through their sessions or remain calm and settled. Some babies cry briefly during assessment or adjustment (unfamiliar environment, being handled), then settle quickly.
Toddlers and older children are guided through the process with age-appropriate explanations. We never force treatment – if your child is distressed, we pause and adjust our approach.
Safety & evidence
All our practitioners are AHPRA-registered and follow evidence-based protocols for paediatric care. Serious adverse events from paediatric chiropractic are extremely rare when performed by qualified practitioners.
We work collaboratively with GPs, paediatricians, and allied health providers. If chiropractic isn’t the right option for your child’s needs, we’ll refer you to the appropriate specialist.
What to expect at your first visit
Initial consultation
We’ll discuss:
- Your child’s health history and development
- Birth story (any interventions, complications, or concerns)
- Current symptoms and what you’re hoping to address
- Your child’s sleep, feeding, and general behaviour
We’ll assess:
- Movement patterns and range of motion
- Posture and alignment
- Neurological reflexes (age-appropriate)
- Areas of tension or restriction
If appropriate, we’ll provide gentle treatment during the first visit. You’ll receive:
- Clear explanation of findings
- Treatment plan (number of sessions, timeline)
- Home care advice (positioning, exercises, stretching)
Follow-up sessions
Most babies and children need 3-8 sessions, depending on the condition being addressed. We reassess progress at each visit and adjust the plan as needed.
What to bring:
- Your child’s health record (Green Book or digital equivalent)
- Any relevant medical reports, imaging, or specialist letters
- A list of current medications or supplements
- Questions or concerns you’d like addressed
Cost & health fund rebates
- Initial consultation: Adult $120, Child / Concession $100
- Follow-up sessions: Adult $73, Child / Concession $68
- Most private health funds with extras cover provide rebates for chiropractic
- We offer HICAPS for instant claiming
- Medicare rebates: Adult / Child / Concession $72.65 ($61.80 rebate on the day)
Meet our paediatric chiropractor
Dr Greer Watson
Greer holds one of the rarest qualifications in Australian healthcare – an officially recognised Paediatric Chiropractor title. This advanced postgraduate training covers infant development, gentle paediatric techniques, and AHPRA-compliant care for babies and children.
No other chiropractor in Williamstown, Newport, Altona, or Spotswood holds this qualification.
Greer works alongside our physiotherapy and exercise physiology team to provide comprehensive care for children at every developmental stage.
Why families choose us for chiro in Williamstown
Team-based care
Our chiros, physios, and EPs work together. If your child needs physiotherapy or exercise physiology alongside chiropractic, we coordinate care internally.
Evidence-based approach
We follow AHPRA guidelines, stay current with paediatric research, and collaborate with GPs and paediatricians to ensure we provide the best chiropractic care.
Parent-led management
You’re involved in every decision. We explain our findings, discuss treatment options, and only proceed with your consent.
Common questions we get from parents
Book your child’s chiropractic assessment
If your baby is struggling with feeding, sleep, or settling – or your child is dealing with pain, developmental concerns, or postural issues – our paediatric chiropractic team can help.
