Movement in infants is a direct reflection of the nervous system function and development. The way an infant moves-whether through primitive reflexes, muscle tone, coordination, postural control- reveals how well their brain and body are communicating and maturing.
Some of the area's we assess and provide wellness programming are:
Primitive Reflexes
Muscle Tone & Postural Control
Midline Development & Cross Body Movements
Sensory-Motor Integration
Milestone Progression
We use movement as a window into the development of the nervous system, observing patterns to optimize neurological function.
How It Started:
Dr. Ciara's own birth experience was an emergency Cesarean, the procedure and her recovery went very well and they were discharged from the hospital, attended their initial pediatric visit, but later ended up rushing a unresponsive newborn to the ER to then endure a 30 day NICU stay. It was completely unexpected and difficult to comprehend at the time but the silver lining was that she observed and advocated for her infant in a whole new experience. By following her intuition for what felt right for her son's health holistically she consistently asked questions of his doctors respectfully, until she received all the answers to understand what was happening with him. She had a well enough knowledge base of the nervous system that she also understood that her son needed nervous system support while in the NICU but this is not something that was provided or discussed, she knew by helping him regulate his nervous system he would have the best recovery possible she did this by nursing him, being skin to skin, talking and reading to him and being with him as much as she could. Upon discharge from the NICU and after 6 months of follow up care her son was completely cleared of all "high-risk" factors they were monitoring except for a genetic low blood factor that has resolved by his 3rd birthday.
What Dr. Ciara learned and sought after this experience was a greater understanding of supporting the nervous system of newborns and infants, enrolling in continuing education, pediatric certifications, and providers who practice in this same alignment . She met Kimberly Kittinger who was practicing as a PT and had decades of experience evaluating and supporting the nervous systems of infants and children she knew this was the provider to help her son. They met when her son was 7 months old and showing signs of milestone delays and dysfunctional movement patterns, Kimberly knew exactly how to evaluate his nervous system, address the deficits that he presented and provide support he needed for future development and it was beyond what was imaginable for his neurodevelopment.
Fast forward 4 years- Dr. Ciara and Kimberly would share many mutual patients until Kimberly retired from practice but in 2024 Dr. Ciara's patient would inspire a new way of collaboration:
Our current program was developed when we met a special little baby in Dr. Ciara's office at 6 weeks old. Her mom intuitively knew that there was something different and that she needed extra support but all the providers she talked to said her baby would "grow out of it" and took a "wait and see" approach. Our collaborative program was born: Dr. Ciara, Tristan Kittinger and consultant Kimberly Kittinger perform 90 minute initial assessments to observe and gather information, program an individualized wellness program and refer to other providers as necessary, we then follow up on progression and reassessment at our 45 minute follow up appointments.
If you suspect your child could benefit from a neurodevelopment assessment we encourage you to consider our one-of a kind program for Neurodevelopmental Wellness. A collaborative effort unlike any other, we have been helping infants and children 0-12mo+ making strides in their neurodevelopment with a collaborative assessment approach, a chiropractic treatment plan and home movement and play program to support your individual child's needs.
Dr. Ciara's own birth experience was an emergency Cesarean, the procedure and her recovery went very well and they were discharged from the hospital, attended their initial pediatric visit, but later ended up rushing a unresponsive newborn to the ER to then endure a 30 day NICU stay. It was completely unexpected and difficult to comprehend at the time but the silver lining was that she observed and advocated for her infant in a whole new experience. By following her intuition for what felt right for her son's health holistically she consistently asked questions of his doctors respectfully, until she received all the answers to understand what was happening with him. She had a well enough knowledge base of the nervous system that she also understood that her son needed nervous system support while in the NICU but this is not something that was provided or discussed, she knew by helping him regulate his nervous system he would have the best recovery possible she did this by nursing him, being skin to skin, talking and reading to him and being with him as much as she could. Upon discharge from the NICU and after 6 months of follow up care her son was completely cleared of all "high-risk" factors they were monitoring except for a genetic low blood factor that has resolved by his 3rd birthday.
What Dr. Ciara learned and sought after this experience was a greater understanding of supporting the nervous system of newborns and infants, enrolling in continuing education, pediatric certifications, and providers who practice in this same alignment . She met Kimberly Kittinger who was practicing as a PT and had decades of experience evaluating and supporting the nervous systems of infants and children she knew this was the provider to help her son. They met when her son was 7 months old and showing signs of milestone delays and dysfunctional movement patterns, Kimberly knew exactly how to evaluate his nervous system, address the deficits that he presented and provide support he needed for future development and it was beyond what was imaginable for his neurodevelopment.
Fast forward 4 years- Dr. Ciara and Kimberly would share many mutual patients until Kimberly retired from practice but in 2024 Dr. Ciara's patient would inspire a new way of collaboration:
Our current program was developed when we met a special little baby in Dr. Ciara's office at 6 weeks old. Her mom intuitively knew that there was something different and that she needed extra support but all the providers she talked to said her baby would "grow out of it" and took a "wait and see" approach. Our collaborative program was born: Dr. Ciara, Tristan Kittinger and consultant Kimberly Kittinger perform 90 minute initial assessments to observe and gather information, program an individualized wellness program and refer to other providers as necessary, we then follow up on progression and reassessment at our 45 minute follow up appointments.
If you suspect your child could benefit from a neurodevelopment assessment we encourage you to consider our one-of a kind program for Neurodevelopmental Wellness. A collaborative effort unlike any other, we have been helping infants and children 0-12mo+ making strides in their neurodevelopment with a collaborative assessment approach, a chiropractic treatment plan and home movement and play program to support your individual child's needs.
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