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The chiropractor who went viral in a video where he can be seen manipulating the spine of a four-day-old baby has been temporarily banned from treating children.

Dr Ian Rossborough from Parkdale in Melbourne may face tougher penalties reports The Herald Sun with the Chiropractic Board of Australia expected to hold a hearing into his conduct.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy called for more regulations for chiropractors performing “unproven and potentially unsafe” procedures on infants.

Dr Rossborough’s Parkdale clinic told the Herald Sun on Monday the chiropractor was not expected to be working at the practice in the coming weeks, and he did not return calls for comment.

The Herald Sun reports that Dr Rossborough’s medical registration says he is prevented from assessing, performing, formulating a management plan or providing any manual therapy including manipulation of the spine to anyone under 18.

Australian Medical Association Victoria president Dr Lorraine Baker said some chiropractors are claim that they can treat colic, bed wetting, ADHD, autism and allergies, without any evidence to support the treatments.

“The AMA is deeply concerned by health practitioners who claim to be able to treat or cure illnesses and conditions which are outside their area of expertise, training, registration and scope of practice,” she said.

“Children need greater protection from these dubious and potentially dangerous practices and health practitioners who make these unproven claims must be held accountable by AHPRA.”

The video has since been made private.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald last month, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners told its members to not refer patients to chiropractors and is calling for the federal government and private health insurers to stop paying them for questionable treatments.

In a video posted on Youtube in response to all the backlash Dr Rossborough said checking and adjusting a baby’s spine was “gentle” and did not involve any “cracking”. “It is not a crack!” See below.

I think a ban has gone a bit far! I have always found chiropractors to be very gentle with children.

Do you think the reaction has been over the top?

Share your comments below.

Image via Youtube

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  • When Dr Rossborough’s medical registration says he is prevented from assessing, performing, formulating a management plan or providing any manual therapy including manipulation of the spine to anyone under 18, then he shouldn’t have treated this very young child. But to know not refer any patients at all to chiropractors and to call for the federal government and private health insurers to stop paying them for their questionable treatments as the state goes too far for me.
    Good to review it yes, as I think it’s good to review any treatment from every health professional.

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  • It’s stupid and dangerous. I hope he loses his license.

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  • Putting this video up was always going to be controversial and have a negative impact from public debate. He should have seen this coming

    Reply

  • They should have consulted a paediatric physiotherapist first.
    However I know a couple whose baby had no strength in his neck at all and was like a little rag doll. A few weeks later they had got no support or other suggestions from revelant medical professionals. They took their baby to a manipulative physiotherapist who treated him for a few weeks, starting only with massaging, then gently increasing movement in his neck and surrounding muscles. To see him now you would never know. The only problem he still has is some dietary issues.

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  • and so he should! I just do not understand this treatment!

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  • I remember the video of this chiropractor. I didn’t like it at all, but I’m not sure about this ban! :-(

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  • I was very uncomfortable watching this video, especially as the baby was so young. But if their was relief given, and the parents have said there was, it can’t be such a bad thing surely? I think an investigation is a good thing, at least then we will know if it’s safe or not

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  • He could be putting children in danger and therefore an investigation should be in order.

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  • My only real issue is that if the above is true and he is not licenced to perform these manipulations on under 18 years of age, that to me means he is missing fundamental training and as such, could put a child at risk.
    Ive never been to a chiropractor, and have heard good and bad reports. It will be interesting to follow this and see what the review decides

    Reply

  • I think a ban is over the top as there is no evidence that damage or injury was sustained by the child. However, I do think an investigation needs to be carried out.

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  • I cringe every time I see the pictures. I definetly think an investigation should take place.

    Reply

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