Duston Chiropractic Clinic, Northampton

Paediatric Chiropractic Care in Northampton

Gentle, age-appropriate musculoskeletal assessment and care for babies, children and young teens up to 14 years of age, with Fia Magnusdottir, who has a specialist interest in paediatric and pregnancy chiropractic care, at our Duston clinic.

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Call us:
01604 754 456

Email us:
admin@dustonchiropractic.co.uk

Duston Chiropractic Clinic
Duston Sports Centre, Cotswold Avenue, Duston,
Northampton. NN5 6EX

Serving Duston, Kislingbury, Northampton town centre and surrounding Northamptonshire villages. See more areas we cover

Why Parents Come to Us

What Brings Families to Paediatric Chiropractic Care?

Children are not small adults. Their joints, muscles and connective tissues are growing and changing continuously, and the musculoskeletal concerns that arise at different stages of childhood are genuinely different from those of an adult with a similar-sounding complaint.

Parents bring their children to Duston Chiropractic Clinic for a wide range of musculoskeletal reasons. For some, it is a concern noticed in early infancy: a baby who consistently turns their head to one side, or who seems uncomfortable in certain positions. For others, it is a postural concern that has developed through primary school years. For older children and teenagers, it is often a sports injury or a musculoskeletal complaint that mirrors what an adult patient might present with, but requires a different assessment and management approach.

What all paediatric appointments have in common is this: every child is assessed individually, every care recommendation is based on that individual’s age, development and specific presentation, and every decision is made and explained in partnership with the parent or guardian present.

Not Sure if Chiropractic is Right for Your Child?

You are welcome to contact the clinic before booking to discuss your concerns. Fia will be happy to advise whether a paediatric appointment is likely to be helpful for your child’s specific situation. She will tell you honestly if another healthcare professional would be better placed to help.

There is no obligation to book after a conversation, and an honest assessment of whether we can help is always the starting point.

What Parents Need to Know

How Paediatric Chiropractic Differs from Adult Treatment

The techniques, assessment methods and clinical goals of paediatric chiropractic are meaningfully different from adult chiropractic care. Understanding these differences is important for any parent considering an appointment for their child.

Different Techniques for Younger Patients

The techniques used for babies and very young children bear no resemblance to spinal manipulation in adults. Pressure used on an infant is extremely light. Often it is no more pressure than you would apply to test the ripeness of a tomato. Techniques are non-forceful and adapted entirely to the child’s size, age and individual presentation.

For older children and teenagers whose musculoskeletal system is more developed, age-appropriate techniques may more closely resemble those used for adults, but are always selected with the child’s developmental stage in mind.

Observation and Parent History Are Central

In adults, the clinical interview relies heavily on the patient’s own description of their symptoms. In paediatric care, particularly for babies and young children who cannot reliably report their own experience. Assessment depends significantly on parent-reported observations and on clinical observation of the child’s movement patterns, posture and responses.

Fia will take time at the start of every appointment to understand what you have noticed, when, and in what context. This conversation comes before any hands-on assessment begins.

Parent Presence and Consent Throughout

A parent or guardian must be present throughout every paediatric appointment. This is both a clinical requirement and a legal necessity. Consent for any assessment or care is always obtained from the parent or guardian, and every finding and recommendation is explained clearly before anything proceeds.

No treatment is carried out without the parent’s informed agreement. If Fia’s assessment indicates that chiropractic care is not appropriate, or that onward referral would be more helpful, she will tell you directly.

From Newborn to Teenager

Every Age Group Has Different Musculoskeletal Considerations

What constitutes a musculoskeletal concern in a three-month-old baby is very different from what is relevant in a ten-year-old or a fourteen-year-old. Paediatric chiropractic assessment is not a single approach applied across all ages. It adapts significantly depending on where a child is in their development.

Babies

Assessment in infancy is primarily observational, covering movement symmetry, head position preferences, comfort in different positions and how the baby’s musculoskeletal development is progressing.

Any hands-on work uses extremely light, gentle pressure. The birthing process, particularly assisted delivery, can place significant forces on the cervical spine and may result in movement asymmetries that are worth assessing. Parents are often the first to notice something, and early assessment can be reassuring even when no intervention is needed.

Toddlers

The toddler years involve rapid musculoskeletal development: learning to walk, run, climb and fall. This is a stage of significant physical demand on developing joints and muscles.

Assessment at this age includes observation of gait, movement patterns and bilateral symmetry. Parents sometimes seek assessment following a fall or injury, or because they have noticed something about the way their child moves or holds themselves.

Primary School Children

This age group presents with a wider range of musculoskeletal concerns. Heavy school bags, increasing screen time and growing participation in structured sport all place demands on developing spines and joints.

Postural concerns are increasingly common among primary school children. Sports-related injuries, particularly in children involved in gymnastics, football, rugby, swimming and dance, all of which make up a significant part of this age group’s presentations. Assessment and advice can also help parents understand what is reasonable to expect from a developing musculoskeletal system.

Young Teenagers

Teenagers approaching and going through puberty experience significant and sometimes rapid musculoskeletal change. Growing pains, postural changes associated with growth spurts, and sports injuries in young athletes are common presentations at this age.

Assessment and management of teenagers is closer in approach to adult chiropractic care, though still adapted to their developmental stage. School bag load, time spent on devices and sports training loads are all contextual factors Fia will consider alongside the clinical presentation.

Fia Magnusdottir

MSc Chiropractic, AECC University College | GCC Registered | Paediatric & Pregnancy Chiropractic | Duston Chiropractic Clinic

Fia completed her Master’s degree in Chiropractic at AECC University College, where she also undertook a dedicated paediatric clinical placement, one of the foundations of her particular interest in caring for babies, children and young teens. Following graduation, she developed this interest further by working under one of Iceland’s leading paediatric chiropractors, gaining hands-on clinical experience with infants, children and their families at different stages of development.

Born in Iceland and raised in Norway, Fia grew up in a large family with an early love of being around children. A passion for sport sparked a lasting fascination with how the body moves, adapts and recovers. This fascination runs through her approach to chiropractic care at every age. She sees patients of all ages at the Duston clinic, with a particular focus on paediatric and pregnancy chiropractic alongside general musculoskeletal practice.

Her aim is to help patients understand their bodies better and to provide personalised care that supports them in moving well, feeling well and staying active.

Fia also provides chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. If you are looking for pregnancy chiropractic in Northampton, visit our pregnancy care page.

Qualifications & Registration

GCC-registered chiropractor
MSc Chiropractic, AECC University College
Paediatric clinical placement, AECC University College
Post-graduate clinical experience under a leading Icelandic paediatric chiropractor
Special interest in paediatric and pregnancy chiropractic
Practising at Duston Chiropractic Clinic, Northampton

Meet the full team →

Your Child’s First Visit

What Happens at Your Child’s First Appointment?

Paediatric appointments at Duston Chiropractic Clinic are designed to be calm, unhurried and age-appropriate. Fia understands that attending a healthcare appointment can feel unfamiliar or unsettling for young children, and she takes time at the start of every appointment to help both the child and their parent feel comfortable before anything begins.

Taking a Thorough History

Fia will begin by talking with you, the parent or guardian, about your concerns, what you have noticed, when symptoms appeared and what context may be relevant. For older children and teenagers, she will also speak directly with them about their experience. This conversation is unhurried and forms the foundation of the assessment.

Age-Appropriate Assessment

Assessment is adapted entirely to your child’s age and developmental stage. For babies, this is primarily observational: watching how they move, hold their head and respond to gentle positional changes. For older children and teenagers, it may include assessment of posture, movement range and joint function, similar to an adult assessment but scaled and adapted accordingly.

Explanation of Findings

Before any care is discussed, Fia will explain clearly what she has found, and equally importantly what she has not found. If assessment indicates that chiropractic care is likely to be helpful, she will explain what that would involve, how many appointments might be needed and what you can do between sessions. If chiropractic is not the right approach, she will advise on who to contact instead.

Care, If Appropriate

Where clinically appropriate and with your informed consent, care may begin in the first session, using gentle, age-appropriate techniques. For very young children, the first appointment may focus predominantly on assessment and advice, with hands-on care introduced gradually once both Fia and the family are comfortable with the approach being used.

Before You Visit

Practical Information for Parents Visiting the Clinic

Bringing a baby or young child to a healthcare appointment involves a little extra planning. Here is what to know before you visit Duston Chiropractic Clinic for a paediatric appointment.

Baby Changing Facilities

Baby changing facilities are available within the Duston Sports Centre building, making visits with young babies more manageable. The clinic is located within the sports centre on Cotswold Avenue, Duston, with parking available on site.

What to Bring

For babies and young children: bring any comfort items that help your child settle: a favourite toy, a dummy, a blanket. For older children and teenagers: comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is ideal, as some postural or movement assessment may require removing an outer layer. There is no need to bring medical records unless you have specific documents you feel are relevant.

Parent or Guardian Must be Present

A parent or guardian must attend the appointment with your child and remain present throughout. This is both a clinical requirement and a legal necessity for consent purposes. If you have any concerns about attending with siblings or other children, contact the clinic in advance. The team will do their best to accommodate your circumstances.

Paediatric Chiropractic

Areas We Cover for Children's Chiropractic Care

Gentle, GCC registered paediatric chiropractic care for families across Northamptonshire. Find your area below.

Daventry Towcester Dallington Bugbrooke Weedon Bec Brixworth Wellingborough Kettering Rushden Kingsthorpe Moulton Abington East Hunsbury Wootton Grange Park

See the Full Paediatric Hub

Duston Chiropractic Clinic

Duston Sports Centre
Cotswold Avenue
Duston
Northampton
NN5 6EX

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions Parents Ask About Paediatric Chiropractic in Northampton

Is chiropractic care safe for babies and young children?

Paediatric chiropractic uses very different techniques from adult treatment. The light pressure used for a baby is entirely different in nature and force from techniques used in adult care. At Duston Chiropractic Clinic, paediatric appointments are conducted by Fia Magnusdottir, who has a specialist interest in paediatric chiropractic. All assessment and any hands-on care is adapted to the child’s age and developmental stage, and any potential risks relevant to your child’s individual situation are always discussed before any care is provided. Consent is always obtained from the parent or guardian before proceeding.

What specific training does Fia have in paediatric chiropractic?

Fia completed her MSc in Chiropractic at AECC University College, one of the UK’s leading chiropractic institutions, which included a dedicated paediatric clinical placement. Following graduation, she developed her paediatric expertise further by working under one of Iceland’s leading paediatric chiropractors, gaining supervised, hands-on clinical experience caring for infants, children and their families across different age groups and presentations. This combination of formal academic paediatric training and specialist post-graduate clinical mentorship underpins her particular focus on paediatric care at Duston Chiropractic Clinic.

How is paediatric chiropractic different from adult chiropractic?

Paediatric chiropractic differs from adult care in three important ways. First, the techniques: pressure used for babies and young children is extremely light and bears no resemblance to spinal manipulation in adults. Second, the assessment: observation of movement patterns and parent-reported history play a much greater role than in adult care, particularly for babies who cannot describe their own symptoms. Third, the consent process: a parent or guardian is present throughout and provides consent for all assessment and care. The child’s comfort and willingness is also taken into account at every stage.

What age do you see children from?

Duston Chiropractic Clinic welcomes babies from birth, children of all primary school ages, and young teenagers up to 14 years of age for paediatric chiropractic appointments. If you are unsure whether a paediatric appointment is appropriate for your child’s age or presentation, you are welcome to contact the clinic before booking. Fia will be happy to advise.

Can I stay with my child during the appointment?

Yes, and you must. A parent or guardian is required to be present throughout the entire appointment for all paediatric patients. This is both a clinical requirement and a legal necessity for consent purposes. Fia will explain her findings and any recommendations clearly to you, and no care will proceed without your informed agreement.

Do I need a GP referral for my child?

No. Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners, meaning you can book a paediatric appointment directly without a GP referral. If Fia’s assessment indicates that your child would benefit from further investigation, a GP consultation or another specialist, she will advise you clearly and explain the most appropriate next step.

What kinds of concerns do parents typically bring to paediatric appointments?

Paediatric chiropractic appointments at Duston Chiropractic Clinic address musculoskeletal concerns across all childhood age groups. For babies, this often involves movement asymmetries or positional preferences noticed by parents. For primary school children, postural concerns, heavy school bags and sports-related complaints are common. Teenagers most often present with sports injuries or musculoskeletal complaints similar to adult presentations, but requiring an age-appropriate assessment and management approach. Every child is assessed individually. If you are unsure whether your concern is appropriate for a chiropractic assessment, contact us before booking.

Is there baby changing available at the clinic?

Yes. Baby changing facilities are available within the Duston Sports Centre building. The clinic is located at Duston Sports Centre on Cotswold Avenue, with on-site parking, making it straightforward to visit with a baby or young child.

Northamptonshire Families

Paediatric Chiropractic for Families Across Northamptonshire

Paediatric chiropractic appointments are available at our Duston clinic, which is well placed for families travelling from across Northampton and the surrounding area. Parents bring their children from across Northamptonshire, including from the growing family communities in Towcester and Daventry, where active young children and teenagers represent a significant proportion of the population.

The clinic is easily accessible from the A45 and A43, with on-site parking at Duston Sports Centre. For families based further afield, the Kislingbury clinic is also available for general chiropractic care, with paediatric appointments hosted at Duston.

Northampton Town Centre
Duston
Towcester
Daventry
Bugbrooke
Kislingbury
Wootton
Harpole
Brixworth
Upton

Towcester

Towcester is home to a high proportion of young, active families, many of whom are involved in the area’s strong equestrian and rugby communities. Children and teenagers involved in sport at this level often benefit from musculoskeletal assessment and support as part of their wider healthcare. Duston is approximately 15 minutes from Towcester via the A43.

Daventry

Daventry is a fast-growing town with a significant and growing population of young professional families. Demand for high-quality local healthcare for children, including musculoskeletal care, reflects the town’s changing demographics. Duston is approximately 20 minutes from Daventry town centre via the A45.

Book a Paediatric Chiropractic Appointment in Northampton

Paediatric appointments are available at our Duston clinic with Fia Magnusdottir. If you have a concern about your child’s musculoskeletal health, or to discuss whether chiropractic is appropriate for your child’s situation. You are welcome to call us before booking. There is no pressure to book, and an honest conversation about whether we can help is always the starting point.

Call us on: 01604 754456 or Email us: admin@dustonchiropractic.co.uk