Pediatric chiropractic for infants and kids in Golden Valley.

At Viva Family Chiropractic in Golden Valley, MN, Dr. Karisa Walsh gives babies and kids gentle, nervous system focused chiropractic care. Adjustments for infants use about the pressure you'd use to check a ripe tomato, and many babies sleep right through them. We see newborns through teens from across the West Metro, including St. Louis Park, Plymouth, and Minneapolis.

Why parents bring their kids to Viva

Kids grow and develop fast, and their nervous system runs all of it: sleep, digestion, mood, focus, and how well they handle stress. Being a kid is tough on that system, starting with birth itself. Then come the bumps and tumbles of learning to walk, sports, screens, and a busy schedule.

Our care focuses on finding and clearing the stress that builds up in your child's nervous system, so their body can do what it was designed to do. Some of the most common reasons families come in:

• Colic, fussiness, or trouble settling

• Trouble latching or a strong preference for one side when feeding

• Constipation, reflux, or other tummy troubles

• Frequent ear infections

• Poor sleep

• Sensory sensitivities, meltdowns, or trouble staying regulated

• Growing pains, bed wetting, or posture concerns like scoliosis

• A healthy check-up for kids who are thriving

Our rule of thumb for babies: if they aren't eating well, sleeping well, or pooping well, something is off in their nervous system and it's worth a look.

What a visit looks like

Your first visit happens over two appointments.

1. Visit one: health history and exam. We talk through your child's birth, milestones, and what you're noticing at home. Then we do a gentle exam and a set of neurological scans that show how your child's nervous system is handling stress. Kids are welcome to play, sit on your lap, or nurse during the exam.

2. Visit two: results and plan. We walk you through the scans and exam findings in plain language and give you our recommendation for care.

The new patient process is $150 and covers both visits. Adjustments start at $65, and we offer family pricing. We don't bill insurance, but many families use their HSA or FSA.

Our office is built for families. There's a play area, toys, and room for strollers and siblings. We're right off Highways 394 and 169.

How we adjust babies and kids

Every adjustment is matched to your child's age and size.

• Newborns and infants: light, sustained fingertip pressure. No cracking or twisting.

• Toddlers: quick and playful, often on a parent's lap or while they play.

• School-age kids and teens: gentle adjustments similar to adults, adapted to their size and comfort.

Dr. Karisa has focused her practice on pregnancy and pediatrics since 2017.

Common questions from parents

Q: Can you really adjust newborns?
A: Yes, from day one. Infant adjustments use very light pressure on specific areas of the nervous system. Many babies sleep through them.

Q: Is chiropractic safe for kids?
A: Pediatric adjustments are gentle and adapted to your child's age and size. We start every child with a full history and exam so care is matched to them.

Q: How do I know if my child needs to be checked?
A: For babies, watch eating, sleeping, and pooping. For older kids, signs like frequent ear infections, bed wetting, growing pains, or trouble regulating emotions point to stress in their system.

Q: What causes stress in a child's nervous system?
A: It can start with birth, especially a long labor, C-section, or assisted delivery. After that, falls, sports, posture, food, screens, and emotional stress all add up.

Q: How many visits will my child need?
A: It depends on your child and what we find. You'll get a clear recommendation at the second visit before any care plan starts.

Q: Do you take insurance?
A: We're an out-of-network, cash-based office. Many families use their HSA or FSA, and we offer family pricing.

Q: Can I bring my other kids?
A: Yes. Siblings are always welcome, and we have a play area to keep them busy.