Pediatric Chiropractor in Franklin, TN — Gentle Care for Infants and Children

Pediatric adjustments are very gentle, yet very powerful for your little ones. At Shakti Chiropractic in Franklin, Tennessee, Dr. Shivani Patel cares for newborns, infants, toddlers, and big kids using light, precise techniques — no twisting, no cracking, no popping. The pressure used on a baby is about the same you would use to check if a tomato or avocado is ripe.

Is Chiropractic Safe for Babies and Children?

Yes. Pediatric chiropractic care looks nothing like adult care. For infants, Dr. Shivani uses sustained fingertip pressure and gentle cranial contacts, adapted to each child’s age and size. She has specific post-doctoral training in pediatric care and is pursuing certification in pediatric SOT. If you’re weighing the decision, read her honest take: Is Chiropractic Safe for My Child?

Why Franklin Parents Bring Their Babies to Us

Pregnancy and birth are an incredible journey for both mom and baby — and both can leave strain in a baby’s body. Unfavorable positioning in utero and the birth process itself (vaginal, assisted, or cesarean) can create tension in a newborn’s neck, body, and skull. Some signs show up right away; others surface weeks or months later. The most common reasons families visit us include:

• Colic, gas, and constipation

• Reflux and general fussiness

• Nursing and latching difficulties, including one-sided preference

• Tongue tie and lip tie — both before and after a release

• Torticollis (head tilt or strong preference to one side)

• Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) and head-shape concerns

• Recurrent ear infections

• Sleep struggles and difficulty settling

What a Pediatric Adjustment Actually Looks Like

A pediatric adjustment looks nothing like an adult adjustment. Babies are checked in a parent’s arms or on a comfortable table, often while feeding or sleeping. Dr. Shivani uses fingertip-light pressure on specific areas of the spine, pelvis, and skull. Most babies stay calm or relax further during care — and many parents report better feeding, digestion, and sleep in the days that follow.

Gentle Cranial Work for Infants

Dr. Shivani’s craniopathy (chiropractic cranial work) is one of the most unique parts of care at Shakti Chiropractic. Because an infant’s cranial bones are still freely moveable, gentle cranial corrections can make a meaningful difference for head shape, torticollis, latching, and tongue-tie recovery — which is why local midwives, doulas, and lactation consultants refer nursing families to our office.

Chiropractic Care for Growing Kids

The brain doubles in size in the first year of life, and roughly 90% of neurological development is complete by age six. Supporting a child’s spine and nervous system during these years can influence how they move, grow, and adapt. For older kids, families come to us for developmental milestones, falls and sports injuries, growing pains, behavioral challenges, immune support, and digestion and bowel troubles.

What to Expect at Your Baby’s First Visit

Your first visit includes a full history — pregnancy, birth, feeding, sleep, and milestones — followed by a gentle, unhurried exam. For babies, Dr. Shivani also takes cranial measurements to assess head shape. She explains everything she finds before any care begins, and parents stay with their child the entire time. Here’s a full walkthrough of what to expect at a first visit.

A Pediatric Chiropractor Serving Williamson County Families

Located at 4115 Mallory Ln #200 in Franklin, inside Elite Chiropractic and Wellness Centers, we welcome families from Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville, Spring Hill, and Thompson’s Station. Many of our littlest patients started with us before birth through prenatal chiropractic care — and mom and baby often get adjusted at the same visit.

Common Questions About Pediatric Chiropractic

How soon after birth can my baby be checked? Newborns can be checked within the first days of life — even uncomplicated births place real strain on a baby’s neck and skull.

Does it hurt? No. Infant adjustments use fingertip-light pressure, and most babies stay relaxed or even sleep through care.

How often will my child need visits? For specific concerns like colic or torticollis, visits are usually more frequent at first, then taper as your child improves.

Have more questions? Visit our full FAQ page for detailed answers on safety, conditions, and what to expect.