Why Your Child's Progress Stalled (And Why That's Actually Good)

Has your child been making incredible progress, then suddenly hit a wall? Maybe the meltdowns returned, sleep took a step back, or they became clingy seemingly overnight. Before you panic, take a breath: this is actually a good sign. Really.

Our practice specializes in neurologically focused pediatric chiropractic care, and what you’re seeing is one of the most misunderstood parts of the healing journey. Healing isn’t linear. Just like when you declutter a messy closet, it gets worse before it gets better. That’s what your child’s nervous system is doing: reorganizing, adapting, and leveling up.

What Looks Like Regression Is Actually Progress

Dr. ShaRhae Matousek, a certified pediatric chiropractor through the ICPA and a mom of three, has seen this time and time again. Regressions often occur when the nervous system is “unwinding,” releasing built-up stress and interference. It may show up as old symptoms returning temporarily, or behaviors intensifying for a short time. This doesn’t mean care isn’t working; it means the body is doing the deep work of integration and healing.

The Incredible Pace of Childhood Development

Your child’s nervous system is developing at lightning speed—especially during the first 1,000 days of life, when 80% of their brain is being formed! From infancy to adolescence, growth spurts, immune challenges, emotional stress, and even therapy overload can all contribute to temporary plateaus.

That’s why we customize care at every stage. Whether your infant is struggling with colic, your toddler with sensory meltdowns, or your teen with focus and emotional regulation, Eden Prairie chiropractor Dr. ShaRhae meets them where they are with gentle, proven methods like craniosacral therapy and light-force chiropractic adjustments.

When things feel stuck, trust the process. These dips are often your child’s nervous system working behind the scenes to adapt and reset. Stay consistent with care and know that true healing takes time. You’re doing better than you think—and so is your child.