Optimizing Tongue Tie Outcomes:

Why Your Infant or Child Should See a Pediatric Chiropractor Pre & Post Frenectomy

If your baby is scheduled for a frenectomy (a procedure to release a lip or tongue tie), you’ve probably done a lot of research — feeding challenges, latch issues, tension, reflux, sleep, and more. But what often gets overlooked is the body’s role in healing and how chiropractic care can support that process.

Seeing a pediatric chiropractor before and after a frenectomy can make a significant difference in outcomes. Here's why:

 

Tension Doesn’t Just Live in the Mouth

When a baby has a tongue or lip tie, the compensation doesn’t always stay local. Their little bodies adapt by recruiting muscles in the jaw, neck, shoulders, and even spine. This can lead to:

Poor latch or feeding fatigue

Torticollis or head-turning preference

Shallow breathing patterns

Difficulty with tummy time or sleep

 

A trained pediatric chiropractor helps assess and release these global patterns of tension, so your baby is better prepared for the procedure and can integrate the new mobility afterward.

 

Why Pre-Frenectomy Care Matters

Think of it like preparing the body for surgery — when we release restrictions beforehand, the procedure often goes smoother and recovery can be easier. Chiropractic adjustments and gentle bodywork:

Encourage optimal nervous system function

Balance the cranial bones and jaw

Support oral function and suck-swallow-breathe coordination

Help baby’s body accept and use the new range of motion after the release

 

Post-Frenectomy: Supporting Integration & Healing

After the tie is released, the body has to learn a new normal. Muscles that were once tight now have freedom — and sometimes, that can be overwhelming. Post-release chiropractic care helps with:

Easing any new or residual tension

Encouraging functional tongue and jaw movement

Reducing compensatory patterns that might still linger

Supporting optimal healing and comfort

We often work in conjunction with other providers — lactation consultants, pediatric dentists, physical therapists (PTs), bodyworkers, SLPs, or OTs — to ensure your baby is getting whole-body, collaborative care.

 

A “Hot Topic” — But Function Matters More Than Appearance

Tongue and lip ties are definitely a hot topic right now, and while awareness is growing (which is great!), not all providers approach ties the same way. It's important to work with a team that doesn’t just look at the physical appearance of a tie, but truly understands the functional impact it has on feeding, breathing, and overall development.

When choosing a pediatric dentist, be sure they assess function — not just whether a tie “looks tight.” How they revise the tie is also crucial. A CO₂ laser is currently considered the gold standard because it allows for:

A precise and complete release of the tissue

Minimal bleeding and discomfort

Faster healing times

A reduced risk of regrowth or scarring compared to other methods (like scissors or traditional lasers)

Pairing a functional release with pre- and post-release bodywork ensures your baby can fully use their new mobility and avoid compensation patterns that can linger without support.

 

Choose a Chiropractor Trained in Pediatric Techniques

Not all chiropractors are trained in the gentle, specific techniques needed for infants. A pediatric chiropractor understands developmental milestones, cranial work, and how to work safely with your baby’s nervous system and growing body.

Look for someone with extra certifications or training in pediatric care — and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

 

Your Baby Deserves the Best Start

A frenectomy can be a powerful tool to help your baby thrive — but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Supporting the nervous system and musculoskeletal patterns before and after the release can dramatically improve the outcome.

 

Ready to Learn More or Get Started?

If you're navigating the tongue or lip tie journey and want to ensure your baby is getting the most comprehensive care possible, we're here to help.

You can call or text our office at (630)-277-9612 with any questions or go online to www.thehivewc.com to schedule an appointment.

You can also book a Free Online Consultation to meet with Dr. Sam through video chat — she’ll walk you through what to expect, answer your questions, and help you determine if chiropractic care is the right fit for your baby’s needs.

You're not alone in this — and your baby deserves a care team works together and sees the whole picture.