Bodywork Consultations

Research has proven there are improved outcomes in infants receiving both lactation support and adjunct bodywork therapy. Dr. Stefanie Morici PT, DPT has been working in the DC area since 2012 where she has specialized in treatment of infants and toddlers. She has experience working with children of all ages in a variety of settings (home based, schools, daycares, hospitals). She has clinical expertise in treatment of torticollis, plagiocephaly, toe-walking, hypotonia, gross motor delay, and a variety of other pediatric conditions and diagnoses.

Dr. Morici has further specialized in performing bodywork for newborns and infants pre and post frenulum-release, or those with other feeding difficulties. Her advanced hands on techniques will promote fast results and involving the family in the infants’ care through continuously updated home exercise programs further facilitates progress. Dr. Morici provides one on one services in the home setting in DC and NOVA, and clinic based visits at The Breastfeeding Center.

Dr. Morici’s sessions combine infant massage, myofascial release, trigger point release, oral motor exercises, manual therapy, and neuromuscular re-education with therapeutic exercises and activities. Each babies’ treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs in order to maximize outcomes. Alternative positioning techniques are also utilized to optimize comfort and success.

Some improvements you may notice after a session:

  • Increased tongue movements and jaw opening

  • Increased head and neck turning to both sides

  • Improved comfort in baby-wearing, car seat etc.

  • Calm and more relaxed appearance, less tense, more interactive

  • Improved sleep

  • Improved gastrointestinal function

  • Improved latch and breastfeeding abilities

  • Improved head/neck control, increased strength

  • Improved tolerance of tummy time (associated improved tongue function, regulation, colic symptoms, and latching)

If your baby is demonstrating increased tightness/tension, preferring to look one direction, developing a flat spot, having difficulty breastfeeding, or has been diagnosed with tongue and/or lip ties, bodywork may be able to help!