Is Your Practice Rolling Along?

Building a Foundation: Dr. B & Elizabeth’s Approach to Rolling in Infant Development

In neurodevelopmental chiropractic, understanding the foundational movements of infants is key to supporting their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. One of the most essential early movements? Rolling. Dr. Monika Buerger and Elizabeth emphasize that rolling is more than just a milestone—it's a critical process that impacts an infant’s neural development, primitive reflexes, and overall alignment. In this post, we’ll delve into what Dr. B and Elizabeth teach about rolling, why it matters, and how you can apply these insights to improve care in your practice.

Learning the Ages & Stages of Rolling

Dr. Buerger and Elizabeth start by teaching the ages and stages of rolling, helping practitioners understand when rolling should emerge and progress in typical development. They outline that rolling usually begins around 3-4 months with side-to-back movements, progressing to complete rolling (back-to-tummy) around 6 months. Recognizing these stages allows practitioners to assess whether a baby is developing properly or might need support to reach their full potential.

Understanding Proper Rolling Patterns

Rolling isn't just about movement; it's about moving correctly. Dr. B and Elizabeth show chiropractors how to identify and encourage proper rolling patterns. They emphasize the importance of balanced, sequential movement—starting with head control, followed by shoulder rotation and engagement of the core and pelvis. By understanding these mechanics, practitioners can better support infants and help families encourage rolling at home.

Connecting Primitive Reflexes & Rolling

One key insight Dr. Buerger and Elizabeth bring to their teaching is the link between primitive reflexes and rolling. Reflexes such as the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) and Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) are involved in early movement and rolling. Dr. B and Elizabeth demonstrate how to identify reflexes that may be hindering rolling and explain the role of chiropractic adjustments in supporting optimal reflex integration.

Addressing Subluxation Patterns in Rolling

Dr. B and Elizabeth highlight that certain subluxation patterns can disrupt proper rolling. Misalignments in the cervical or lumbar spine can interfere with movement, leading to compensations that may affect an infant’s long-term development. Through gentle adjustments and specific exercises, they guide chiropractors in identifying and correcting these patterns to support smooth, balanced rolling.

Conclusion

Rolling is a foundational movement that impacts an infant's neuromuscular and sensory systems. Dr. Buerger and Elizabeth’s approach emphasizes the importance of understanding rolling as a process connected to reflexes, alignment, and proper movement patterns. By learning from their expertise, chiropractors can provide targeted care that supports infants' neurodevelopment and lays the groundwork for future growth and resilience.

Ready to deepen your understanding of infant development? Follow us on social media for more insights and resources from Dr. B and Elizabeth’s teaching. Let’s work together to support healthy development from the start!

Stay Connected:

• Facebook: facebook.com/anpchiropractors
• Instagram: instagram.com/anpchiropractors
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/academy-of-neurodevelopmental-practices
• X/Twitter: x.com/anpchiro
• YouTube: youtube.com/@anpchiropractors

Through their insights and techniques, Dr. B and Elizabeth equip chiropractors to make a lasting difference in children’s lives, one movement at a time.