Chiropractic Approach to Hip Dysplasia through Babywearing

Chiropractic philosophy acknowledges that there is an innate intelligence in the body. This intelligence is present from the moment of conception and exists in all of our trillions of cells. Our body knows how to grow, regenerate, rebuild, repair, assimilate, excrete, and adapt. And it does so in every moment.

I often get asked by parents if it is bad for babies hips and legs to be spread wide while in a baby carrier. I always respond by saying that there are many different types of baby carriers and some are especially beneficial to the ongoing growth and development of the infant’s spine and nervous system. I do believe that when worn in the front, or on the back with its legs spread open and connected to the person who is carrying it, the baby and its pelvis are happy; much more so than, let’s say, hanging from the groin.

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The ball is also known as the femur head. And the socket is also known as the acetabulum. The innate intelligence of the body designed the femur head to sit perfectly centered in the acetabulum. This perfect design allows for a beautiful, smooth, range of motion in which the legs can flex and externally rotate into an open position.

When an adult carries a baby in a face-to-face, well-made baby carrier, they will both feel relaxed and connected. What is nice about this is that their entire nervous systems will be relaxed and the only tension felt by the baby will be the support from the body they are being worn by, and the comfortable support of whichever fabric and design is holding them in place.

With good ergonomic support, the hips are able to experience their full, healthy, open range of motion, such as with the ERGObaby carrier. This range of motion varies depending on their age. If your family chiropractor or pediatrician has confirmed that your child has what is known as congenital dislocation of the hip or developmental hip dysplasia, babywearing in the correct carrier can be extremely beneficial.

Our bodies are designed to heal and regenerate from within. Healing happens best when it is given the proper environment and opportunity. There is a function called the piezoelectric effect that takes place in the body when the bones are stressed in a positive way. ^[1]  “Piezo” is a Greek word that means, “to squeeze.”

Positive, specific stress applied to bones stimulates the body to produce new collagen cells, attract bone-building cells, increase bone density, and reshape bone.  

When a baby is worn frequently and in a proper position (as described above), babywearing also provides a beautiful, non-invasive, and healthy way to supply constant positive pressure that naturally supports the way that the ball and socket articulate and move. If hip dysplasia is present, this position also helps to stimulate proper growth of bone in the femur head and acetabulum.

Each one of us has our own rate of healing and development. Chiropractic care assists in restoring the body to its proper functioning by removing any interference to the communication of the nervous system. A routine post-natal assessment by a family chiropractor can be provided for newborns soon after birth, and regularly during their first year of life, for ongoing wellness as they grow and develop. It is recommended that if your child has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, you stay in communication with your care provider and openly discuss treatment options.

To locate a pediatric chiropractor in your area, visit icpa4kids.org

Links: Pathways Magazine Article, “The Benefits of Babywearing”
This is a very clear and thorough exploration of babywearing’s many benefits.
The Benefits of Baby Carrying, at http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org

1.Tiwari, Rashi. Piezoelectric Effect and Bone Density, eHow.com. October 10, 2011.http://www.ehow.com/facts_5969491_piezoelectric-effect-bone-density.html#ixzz1aRtTHE9R