
Chiropractic Adjustments (Bodywork)
TOTs Explained – Tongue Tie, Lip Tie, Cheek Tie
TOTs (tethered oral tissue) refers to a fascial restriction that can cause tension in the mouth, skull, body or neck. It can be located under the tongue, in the cheeks, and/or under the lips. TOTs can negatively affect breastfeeding and bottle feeding, chewing and swallowing, speech, sleep, breathing and body movement or posture. There are many symptoms of TOTs and not every child will have the same symptoms.
Infants can present with poor feeding, breast or bottle, lack of weight gain, reflux, excessive gas, constipation, mouth breathing, torticollis (persistent head tilt to one side), favoring a side to look at or lay on, misshapen head and colic. Some infants will fail to meet developmental milestones such as sitting up, rolling over, or crawling on all fours when a tethered oral restriction is present.
Toddlers and older children can present with speech delays or articulation problems, developmental milestone delays, headaches, neck pain, reflux, gagging, choking or spitting up food, texture sensitivities, digestive disorders, mouth breathing or poor sleep.
Tethered oral tissue creates a body imbalance which can create a brain imbalance. Starting from week 10 in utero, a newborn with TOT is swallowing with restrictions. Tethered Oral Tissue chiropractic adjustment bodywork is to create an environment that is functioning at its optimal level pre-release and post release.
Symptoms & Signs of TOTs
In babies up to a year old:
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Difficulty feeding
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Lack of weight gain
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Reflux
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Constipation
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Mouth breathing
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Torticollis
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Colic
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Developmental delays
In children 1-12 years old:
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Speech delays
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Developmental delays
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Headaches
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Neck pain
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Reflux
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Digestive disorders
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Mouth breathing
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Trouble sleeping
Chiropractic Adjustments (Bodywork) for TOTs in Lawrenceville
Chiropractic adjustments (bodywork) for TOTs is a hands-on touch therapy to relieve tension in the child’s soft tissues which strengthens and lengthens the muscles especially those associated with breathing and feeding. Slow gentle movements across the child’s body helps soft tissues to release tension and reorganize. Chiropractic adjustments (bodywork) may include the head, neck, shoulders, trunk, hips, feet and work with alignment. Chiropractic adjustments (bodywork) also helps support neurological integration, the process by which a baby learns to control and move their body.
All of the issues that chiropractic adjustments (bodywork) can fix can be symptoms for tongue-tied children – particularly breathing and eating. Chiropractic adjustments (bodywork) can help to ameliorate the negative effects of TOTs. Facia connects the body from head to toe and tension in the mouth from a tongue tie, lip tie, or cheek tie creates tension elsewhere in the body. Chiropractic adjustments (bodywork) can release the tension to support healing.

Highly recommend Dr. Mike for pregnancy aches and pains! He is excellent. I was seeing a different chiropractor from weeks 16-27, but wanted to ensure I had a chiropractor certified in the Webster Technique (in case I end up with a breech presentation baby). I am so glad I switched when I did to Dr. Mike, but do wish I had found this practice earlier in my pregnancy. His approach is completely different to the other provider, but I feel much more confident and safe in his care. He always ensures my comfort with the use of a pregnancy pillow, wedge, and offering me a hand to reposition (easier said than done sometimes!). The office is homey, but clean and professional. The office staff are lovely and I have had no trouble scheduling appointments outside of my work hours. I am sure Dr. Melissa is excellent as well but is not in-network with my insurance, so I have not met her!


My family and I have been seeing Dr. Mike for over a year now. When I started, I was experiencing severe pain from sciatica. I’ve been pain free since going to Dr. Mike. Look forward to my regular maintenance visits. Highly recommended!

I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Melissa! We found her after my son had been through three rounds of antibiotics for ear infections basically in a row. I heard chiropractic care might work and I was ready to try anything. She made my one year old feel comfortable within the first visit. The second visit I remember him going from being too stuffy to nurse to able to breathe through his nose about a half hour after his adjustment. I was a believer then. Through the months that followed Dr. Melissa provided support not only in person, but through text as well. She taught us a lot about ear infections, showed us massage to prevent, and talked to use about supplements to support his immune system. Several months after seeing her, my son’s fluid (which doctors thought would never drain) was completely GONE. I couldn’t believe it! I can not recommend her enough and will always go for adjustments over antibiotics in the future when it comes to my little guy’s ears. It WORKS!

Dr. Melissa is the best! She is a wealth of knowledge- and has a healing touch. I saw her for adjustments all throughout my last pregnancy, which helped tremendously with pains I was having – especially my carpal tunnel. I continue to see her -and bring all of my boys to her- for continued wellness. She helped my teen son with a trampoline/whiplash injury- and my baby with torticollis. Her office is always very welcoming and accommodating. I highly recommend Colonial Valley Chiropractic/Dr. Melissa!

Dr. Melissa and staff have been great over the past year. Always feel great after my appointment. I would highly recommend them.


A couple years ago I was experiencing frequent migraines, neck pain, and spasms. I tried various methods to address it, but it only got worse to the point of debility, until I finally went to Colonial Valley Chiropractic. A series of about a dozen adjustments, acupuncture with Andy, and massage resolved the issue, and I felt much better in other ways as well. I’m really grateful for their help and support.

Best chiropractor around! I’ve been here almost 7 years now! Dr Melissa makes you feel like part of her family and is so gentle and really listens to you. I recommend to everyone I know and they feel the same way. She sees my ENTIRE family, 3 year old right on up. Thank you!!!!
