Decisions, Decisions…Making a choice with a doctor on every corner!
Whether you are a current patient or someone just curious about what we do,
this site’s purpose is only to make you aware of what chiropractic is, what
chiropractors do(ACA definition) and the details about this practice that you
should know. These details are what make us unique. Some will seem more
important than others but in the end they all matter.
Please compare us to other healthcare options, even other chiropractors. You
must take control of your health, and the type of care that is best for you.
The care we offer may be just the thing, but then again, maybe you are not
ready and need to find something better suited for you at this time.
You are probably wondering why we recommend this. Simply put, you deserve the
best, most effective solution to your problem. After you understand each option
fully, decide what makes the most sense to you. We stand by our recommendations
and the results speak for themselves. If we do not have the solution you are
looking for then we do not recommend our program. Most patients who understand
our goals and intentions choose to stay with us.
Traditional Chiropractic…Many Excellent Techniques to Choose From
Most people are not aware that there are over 100 different chiropractic
techniques. In fact, last time I heard, it is over 150. Add to that chiropractic’s
broadening scope, serving as an umbrella to a large number of alternative and
traditional approaches to healthcare and it can get overwhelming. So it’s not
surprising that here are so many definitions of what chiropractic is and what
it is not.
Don’t worry, all chiropractic techniques have something valuable to offer to
everyone because when you look closely you’ll realize that most of them
actually do the same thing in their own unique way.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic care
has been proven to reduce pain, increase range of motion, and reduce muscle
spasm. This has helped a lot of people over that past 100 years and will
continue to do so long into the future. That having been said, a few of these
techniques go several steps beyond by offering additional benefits.
At Corrective Chiropractic we are different because our focus is structural
correction of the spine. Understanding why and how we are different expands
your definition of chiropractic and helps you make a well informed choice
regarding your health. Read on…
My (fill in blank) is Killing Me!!!
Structural abnormalities, such as a loss of the spine’s natural curves and
spinal shifts or translations, put a lot of stress on the structures of the
spine including: muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs, bones, spinal nerves and
the spinal cord.
Over time, depending on the circumstances, an abnormal spinal structure can
result in the common musculoskeletal and nerve pain conditions that we are all
familiar with along with the common degenerative conditions we all dread.
Common conditions SECONDARY to an abnormal structure include (The short list):
• Headaches (variety)
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Muscle tension, spasm, imbalance
• Arm/Hand pain, numbness and tingling
• Nerve Impingement Syndrome
• Rotator Cuff issues
• Scoliosis Deformities
• Low back pain
• Sciatica
• Leg pain, numbness and tingling
• Dowager’s Hump
• Compressed Degenerated Disc
• Damaged Degenerated Vertebrae
One of the most common structural abnormalities is Anterior Head Syndrome
(AHS). If you think about it you’ll realize that you see it almost everywhere
you look, to one degree or another. To get a better understanding of why AHS
can cause so many problems I like to use the “bowling ball” explanation. If you
hold a bowling ball, 12 to 16Lbs.(the approximate weight of your head), with
your hands close to your body you could probably hold it there all day without
getting tired, just like having your head directly above your shoulders, were
it should be. Now extend your arms forward with that bowling ball and see how
long you last.
Please don’t break your foot!!!.
Imagine what your head is doing to the structures of the neck when it is held
forward all day, day in, day out.
AHS is a very common structural abnormality as are the aches and pains that it
causes. Does this make sense to you? Be careful with that bowling ball!
Wear and Tear Over Time…It’s Easy To See If You Have X-ray Vision!!!
I’m not superman. But I do have an x-ray machine. It’s the best tool for
finding the signs of abnormal spinal structure. On Structural x-rays I am
looking for four signs to help determine how abnormal your structure is. These
signs are thinning discs, changes in the bones, loss of spinal curves and
spinal shifts or translations. The longer your structure is abnormal the worse
these will appear.
The Complete Structural Chiropractic Examination…How Strong Is Your Foundation?
The structure of your spine is like the foundation of your house. If the
slab under your house cracks or was poured unevenly, the drywall will crack,
the floors become uneven and squeak, tiles crack and pop, the doors jam up and
the windows may become drafty.
With time, a house with a weak foundation will wear out faster, which means it
will need to be replaced sooner.
An abnormal spinal structure will also wreak havoc and continue to degenerate
at a faster and faster rate if nothing is done to fix it. The stronger your
spinal foundation is the better your body will function and feel.
Our Complete Structural Examination determines the status of your spinal
foundation. This includes: Structural x-rays, digital structural analysis and
orthopedic and neurological testing.
We already discussed the Four Signs we are looking for on the structural
x-rays. After the structural x-rays are complete we use Digital Structural
Analysis to compare our x-ray findings with the visible postural shifts in your
structure. We finish with orthopedic and neurological tests determine the
extent of functional and neurological deficits that are produced by your
structural abnormalities.
We can rebuild a collapsing home, but we can’t replace a spine. Our Complete
Structural Exam is the best way to determine the strength of your foundation.
So, let’s say, for example, you are diagnosed with a case of Anterior Head
Syndrome, which is causing major tension and headaches in your case. Our office
is going to focus on correcting your abnormal cervical spinal structure, to
reduce the stress and strain on all the structures of the neck, including
muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs, bones, spinal nerves and the spinal cord.
That’s a lot of different structures under a lot of stress.
Common Solutions For Your Pain…More options than you can shake a stick at.
Western modern medicine has helped many, many people over the years.
There are several drugs and procedures available on the markets that are
commonly used by millions of Americans every day to control their symptoms.
This is the first approach we usually take because all we want to do is feel
better. Most people in pain will start with a non-prescription pain killer or
anti-inflammatory drug. The family doctor can prescribe something stronger if
needed. Pain management clinics offer strong narcotics. If that doesn’t work
you may consult with an orthopedist or neurologist. They can prescribe strong
medications too, and also physical therapy. If there is still pain, some people
elect to try cortisone shots. For some, things can progress to surgery
including discectomy, laminectomy, fusions, metal rods and subsequent
surgeries. Modern medicine has many possible solutions to offer.
The Corrective Chiropractic Way!
Our way is different because instead of treating symptoms we focus on
correcting abnormal structures, which is often the underlying cause of our
patient’s symptoms.
Results you will feel and SEE!!!
Upon completion of the Complete Structural Examination we review your findings
with you and make the best initial recommendation to achieve maximum
correction.
If you elect to accept care the Initial Phase of Structural Corrective Care
begins.
In this office it takes a MINIMUM of 16 weeks to correct a mild adult
structural abnormality. It’s a lot like a weight loss program.
Someone looking to lose 20 lbs is going to need at least 4 months with the
right program to do it right. A successful program would be administered by a
professional personal trainer. Their recommendations would not only include a workout, but would be comprehensive and include dietary recommendations,
stretching, cardiovascular training, functional core stability training and
perhaps nutritional supplements.
They would recommend you exercise at least three times per weeks to achieve
your goals and get the maximum results.
It is really not that much different when it comes to correcting the structure
of your spine. A patient in the Initial Phase of Correction is treated three
times per week until they complete the initial recommendation.
Each session begins with a Specific Structural Corrective Adjustment. This is
done by hand, Omni drop-table, the best table we ever used for structural
correction, and the Arthrostim Instrument, the most specific instrument we have
ever seen. Then you will be placed on a Spinal Remodeling Table for 20 minutes
to further influence the structures of you spine. These tables are designed to
handle more structural abnormalities at once, than anything we have ever seen.
Every day, Specific Structural Corrective exercises are done at home, but
sometimes they have to be done in the office at the end of the session as well.
The muscles need to be trained to hold your correction.
In addition to performing your daily specific structural corrective exercises
you must follow specific nutritional and ergonomic recommendations that will
enhance your structural correction. Also heel lifts and supports may be
necessary. We also have to consider pillows and sleeping surfaces. Correcting
an abnormal spine takes planning and hard work just like losing weight.
At the end of the recommended duration of care, a structural exam is performed
again to see if you have reached maximum correction or if more care is
indicated. That’s right; we need to SEE the changes on the structural x-rays
and in the digital postural analysis to determine if your spine has reached
maximum correction.
You may have been feeling great since the second week of structural corrective
care, like most people, but of course it does not mean your spine is corrected, it just means you’re feeling good. An abnormal structure
will continue to wear out whether you feel it or not. If you stop care too
early the spine will go right back to were it was before care started and then
worsen. This should make sense but just in case…
Think of what would happen if a child’s dental braces came off too soon.
Speaking of Braces…
Once you have maximally corrected your spine, most people are interested in
protecting their investment. It makes sense. After wearing braces for say, 3
years, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain your dental correction for
maybe one or two years. The same thing is true when we correct an abnormal
spine.
No, you won’t be wearing a giant brace, but you will most likely want to keep
your spine well with regular care, so you can keep or continue to improve your
correction. We realize everybody has different lifestyle issues. Look at the
guy on the bike! That doesn’t look ergonomic, but he does have a near perfect
spine. If you’re going to be operating a jack-hammer or ride a bike all day you
have to be realistic and accept the fact that you’ll need more care, to keep
your spine well after the initial phase of correction, than a desk jockey.
Corrective Chiropractic’s Structural Protection Plan is offered to all patients
who complete the initial phase of structural corrective care. It’s a simple
plan to protect your investment. Real life needs real solutions.
About Dr. Gilligan
Dr. Stephen Gilligan first moved from Pennsylvania
to Florida in
1986 as a college student. After many years of trying different majors and
studying different career paths, he uncovered a desire to become a health care
professional.
In 1992, while visiting family in Pennsylvania,
Dr. Gilligan was introduced to a chiropractor who explained chiropractic’s preventative approach to
health care.
That was all it took to convince him to switch tracks and become a
chiropractor. Dr. Gilligan attended Life University in Marietta, GA where he
excelled as a student instructor to other chiropractors in training.
By 1997, Dr. Gilligan, completed his education and returned to South Florida to start his career. In 1998 he purchased a
practice which needed a lot of work, gradually shaping and evolving its focus
toward structural correction.
