Cape Coral Chiropractor Earns Area's First Pediatric Recognition

CAPE CORAL, Fla. - Oct. 2, 2013 - PRLog -- Local chiropractor Dr. John Edwards of Mama's Chiropractic Clinic in the Cape Coral and Fort Myers metro area was recently recognized as the first doctor in southwest Florida to earn certification by the Academy of Family Practice and Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics (CACCP).  Dr. Edwards started the 200-hour post graduate program in 2010 and after passing the examination, was awarded certification this month.

The program sponsored by the International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association  trains doctors for working with pregnancy and young children.  The coursework includes advanced study of the connection between the nerve and immune systems, creating balance in the pelvis during pregnancy, and techniques to address the most common complaints of infant care.  In order to be eligible for the exam, Dr. Edwards completed a research training program through the National Institutes of Health and contributed to two large-scale research projects.

"Every time I traveled to one of the seminars, I left with information that radically changed how I practiced," said Edwards.  "Ten years ago I started my career as a sports chiropractor, but found I really loved working with kids.  Now two-thirds of my patients are either expecting mothers or children under three, and I couldn't be happier.  People I've never met are writing online that I'm the go-to person in the community when parents are looking for help with their babies.  It's surreal."

"The next step is publishing my own research.  I was asked by the ICPA to be one of two pilot clinics in the country for a study on how chiropractic improves deliveries, and we're seeing some neat things- better quality labors, less need for intervention, shorter delivery times.  Before going through the program I'd see maybe five women through their pregnancies in a busy year.  This year I'll probably finish with around 80.  It's exciting."

Dr. Edwards said he's working with other chiropractors around the state to improve recognition of the credentials.  "People tell me all the time- 'I didn't think babies could get adjusted.'   Well, they're not alone.  What I'm trained to do is such a new concept in Florida, our state board doesn't even recognize the credentials yet.  The program is sponsored by four of the largest chiropractic colleges in the US and most of the graduates are from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Daytona, so I think when people see what we can do, it will eventually change.  The results will speak for themselves."