At Tuck Chiropractic Clinic, each and every one of our doctors takes great care in providing a custom, comprehensive plan to each individual that walks through our doors. Because there are varying levels of pain, there are varying timelines of care. At times, we find joy in delivering fast, life-changing relief. Other times, we are granted with the opportunity to build long-standing relationships that contribute to an individual’s wellness for years to come.
Either way, our doctors will only recommend the appropriate level of care for you, individually. When Deana Fralin came to the Tuck Chiropractic Clinic in Cave Spring, she was pleased to find out it wouldn’t take long until she found relief for her headaches.
Deana has been suffering from headaches since the age of five, at varying levels of severity. As someone who tends to avoid taking an excess of medications, headaches were something she just had to deal with. That is, until she had a 3-week long tension headache at the end of the holiday season. She knew her medical doctor would simply prescribe pain medicine to her, so she decided to take the plunge and seek out chiropractic care.

We Make It Easy to Feel Better

As someone who works in the healthcare industry herself, she knows the ins and outs of finding the best care.”I did some research and saw that a lot of people had been satisfied with their service,” said Deana about finding Tuck Chiropractic online. “I was able to fill out all of my paperwork online. In one to two hours, they had already called me to set up an appointment and they were able to get me in the very next day.”
To anyone who hasn’t been to a chiropractor before, the first session can be a little intimidating – but Deana said she was met with pleasant, professional people who’s priority was to make her feel comfortable and feel like she’s informed and involved in the process.
At her first session, Dr. Susan Kilmer sat down with Deana to review her patient information and have a face to face conversation about her pain problems. After discovering that her pain wasn’t isolated to her head, and had begun to migrate to her neck and back, Dr. Kilmer walked her through a conservative care plan that catered both to her pain and her personal schedule. She started with what to expect from the treatments and how long it should be until she begins to feel relief. Deana’s plan includes multiple sessions of neck adjustments and ultrasound therapy a week, that taper off in frequency over time. Eventually, she will only have to come in to Tuck Clinic “as needed”.

And When You Feel Better, You Live Better

For the first time in weeks, Deana has been headache free for an extended period of time. At the time of her interview, she had been seeing Dr. Kilmer for 6-8 weeks – which happens to be how long it’s been since she suffered from a headache. With a clear, pain-free mindset, she’s now able to live a better life. Instead of laying down in a dark room to sleep the pain away, she’s spending time with her family. Instead of getting distracted by her neck and shoulder pain at her desk, she’s being more productive at work.
As it stands now, Deana will complete the care plan that Dr. Susan Kilmer has provided in the next few weeks. It is our sincere hope that her headaches will be far and few between as a result of the care that we have been able to provide – but if we do see her again, all we’ll simply smile and say, “We’re here to help.”
Whatever the future holds for Deana Fralin, she says one thing is for sure, “It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Most people have mixed feelings about winter weather. Love it or hate it – it’s ultimately impossible to avoid dealing with the perils of winter weather. One way or another, you’ll have to go out and brace the cold and possibly dangerous conditions, whether you’re taking your little ones out to play or simply trying to clear out your driveway. It’s important to be sure you’re mindful of the possibility of a slip and fall injury, straining your back with a snow shovel, or pulling a muscle flying down a hill on a sled.

Shovel Smarter

Being eager to clear off your sidewalks and driveways is completely understandable. Not everyone has the flexibility to embrace a snow day off. Eventually, you’ll have to dig yourself out. Just be smart about it!
Here are a few quick tips to make sure you don’t strain your back or fall while trying to shovel your snow:
Prepare Ahead of Time – If possible, do your best to lay down salt before the storm. This will help to lessen the amount of snow and ice that piles up, saving you from heavy lifting.
Shovel at the Right Time – Be aware of how much snowfall to expect. If they’re predicting a lot, you might benefit from shoveling a few lighter layers of snow instead of waiting until it has all fallen. Just be sure to bundle up when you’re out in the elements! If you only expect a light dusting to a few inches, waiting until it’s all over with will work just fine.
Use the Proper Techniques: It’s easy to strain your lower back while shoveling if you aren’t holding the shovel properly or using the right muscles to lift. First, you want to make sure your muscles are warmed up enough to combat the cold weather. You can use a heat wrap or heating pad shortly before you go out to shovel to be sure your muscles are nice and loose. Also, make sure you’re using a proper snow shovel that has a curved or adjustable length handle to help with leverage. Finally, bending with your knees rather than your back will protect your muscles and give you more strength to lift the snow. Don’t forget to pivot your entire body instead of twisting to toss the snow away.

Know Your Limits

Snow days often bring out the kid inside of all of us, especially when you have little ones! If you’re going out to brave the cold for the thrill of sledding, make sure you take the proper precautions to keep you and your family safe.
Bundle Up – Wearing the proper attire will not only prevent you from frostbite or the dangers of getting sick, but will also help to keep your muscles warm. Sledding often requires fast reaction times and strength. Keeping your muscles warm and limber will help you react appropriately without straining your muscles.
Scope Out Your Hill – Picking the right hill to sled is essential to both your amount of fun and safety. Make sure there are no objects like trees, buildings, or cars that obstruct the path you’ll be sledding. Also, make sure there is nothing dangerous waiting at the bottom of the hill like a pond.
Feel Out The Speed –They say no two snowflakes are the same. That goes for each snowfall, too! There’s a major impact on the speed of your sled between soft, dusty snow and slick, icy snow. It’s a great idea to push your sled down without a rider to test just how slick the hill will be.

Avoid Slick Surfaces

Even if you stay on top of shoveling your walkways, the melting and freezing cycle that winter weather often brings can leave surprises on your already cleared surfaces. If you’re walking across a questionable surface, be mindful of each step, testing the surface before you apply your body weight.

 
We’ve got big news for the month of February! We’re starting the year off with a new location and a new doctor on the Cave Spring Clinic team. As we continue to grow, treating more patients than ever, we’re making sure that we have the best doctors and facilities to take care of them.

New Horizons on Starkey Road

After years of residing at the corner of Electric Road and Colonial Avenue, the doctors at our Cave Spring clinic will be enjoying a new view from their office. Starting on Monday, February 19, they will be practicing at their new location on Starkey Road. The new space will provide a larger, more comfortable environment for patients seeking relief from pain and a healthier lifestyle through our conservative care plans.

Meet Dr. Keene

Often times, there’s a moment in every professional’s life where it “clicks”; when that spark of inspiration lays a path forward in their education and career choices. For Dr. Jeremy Keene of Tuck Clinic’s Cave Spring location, it was his first visit to a chiropractor for a Sports Injury in high school.
His interest in the practice continued to build as he continued to play sports throughout high school and college, and continued to find solutions to the pain that comes with playing active, impact sports. The fact that Dr. Keene’s brother and cousin both practiced chiropractic care put him on a direct route to completing his degrees.
After completing his Doctorate of Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic-Florida, he also sought out a certification in Athletic Training so that he could provide the same solutions to local athletes that he received in his youth. Because of his unique athletic background, Dr. Keene uses his experience to help patients with extremity pain. While he still treats the typical patient, seeking relief for neck and lower back pain, he also provides care to individuals with shoulder issues, resulting from overuse or repetitive movements, and foot or ankle pain in runners.
What does a successful day look like to Dr. Keene?
“A day that you can show up for work with a smile on your face, you get to interact with your patients, and you make an impact in their life by helping to improve their health and overall lifestyle,” says Keene. “If the patients are happy, I’m happy.”

Life Beyond The Tuck Clinic Walls

Though Dr. Keene works full-time as chiropractor and site manager at the Tuck Clinic in Cave Spring, he also enjoys living in Southwest Virginia with his wife of one and half years, Jessica. He’s actively involved in the Vinton Breakfast Lyons Club, officiates high school football games, and attends Elevation Church in Downtown Roanoke.
“I like that there’s a little bit of everything to do. There’s plenty of places to get outside and explore, plenty of golf, and a good small-town vibe in a sprawling city.”
At the end of the day, Dr. Keene’s ultimate goal is to be the right chiropractor with the right conservative care plan for his patients.

It is with great excitement that we announce that Dr. Joe Jacobson, a recent participant in our preceptorship program,  has joined the Tuck Chiropractic Clinic located in Blacksburg, VA, and is accepting new patients. He will work alongside Dr. Jennifer Rathmann at this location.
Dr. Jacobson brings a strong education and a passion for the profession of chiropractic to the Tuck team.  President of Tuck Chiropractic, Dr. Ray Tuck, said, “I admire Dr. Jacobson’s passion for providing care that can truly improve our patients’ lives. I’m thrilled he will now be working in our Blacksburg clinic alongside Dr. Rathmann.” Dr. Jacobson is excited for the opportunity to work with the team at Tuck Chiropractic Clinic, who work together to achieve the best possible treatments for patients.
Jacobson earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Biology with an emphasis in health and medical sciences from Minnesota State University Moorhead and later received his Doctorate of Chiropractic Degree at Northwestern University. During his time at Northwestern, Jacobson was actively involved in the Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA), lobbying both at the state and federal level on behalf of the chiropractic profession.
As a doctorate student, Jacobson completed internships at various local chiropractic clinics in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area. During this time, Jacobson demonstrated a true passion for the practice and its healing powers by volunteering to treat patients at the Salvation Army shelter in downtown Minneapolis. His final internship brought him to the Tuck Chiropractic Blacksburg location, where he will now begin his professional practice.
Dr. Jacobson is passionate about chiropractic care and its natural, non-invasive ways of providing healing and relief to patients. He looks forward to having the opportunity to build relationships with his patients and watch their lives improve with each visit.

Dr. Sean Skinner grew up surrounded by chiropractic role models. He is a New York native with a home town of Seneca Falls, which also happens to be the location for New York Chiropractic College. Sure, these role models contributed to his favorable opinion of chiropractic, but it wasn’t until he learned more during his undergraduate studies, that his true passion for this profession developed.
After graduating from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science, he was confident chiropractic was the right career path. One word to summarize what drew Dr. Sean Skinner to Chiropractic is: fascination. He was captivated by the body’s ability to heal through manual therapy. Dr. Skinner shared, “The body has the ability to heal itself if you push it in the right direction, figuratively and literally.”
Pursuing this career path has led to a hugely rewarding career for Dr. Skinner. “The most rewarding part about being a chiropractor is seeing people heal from pain and injuries and get back to doing things they couldn’t do when they were in pain,” he explained. Feeling better truly allows our patients to live better.
When he isn’t busy helping our patients, he enjoys an active life with his family. It’s common to see them out and about, at the playground, walking their dog, Cooper, or enjoying a local hike. He also makes sure to hit the gym three to four times a week. It is also common to find him enjoying a game of golf or on the basketball court (reliving his glory days of high school and collegiate athletics!).
The variety within Dr. Skinner’s approach to wellness demonstrates something Dr. Skinner believes is hugely important for athletes of all levels, diversified workouts. He shared, “Diversified workouts are important for joint and spine health because the physical demands put on us every day are varied and having an exercise routine that includes different physical demands will give us a more well-rounded physical fitness.” We are proud of the excellent example Dr. Skinner is to the community and our patients, through the health and active lifestyle he embraces.
One key component of chiropractic that Dr. Skinner wishes more people understood is that it is an excellent conservative care option. This means that it allows people to address and treat conditions without the use of medication or surgery. Chiropractic is considered one of the safest non-invasive, drug-free treatments for back and neck pain, as well as joint pain and headaches.
So what makes for a good day in Dr. Skinner’s office? “When every new and established patient reports that they are feeling better and functioning better after their last treatment with me,” he shared. If you are eager to partner with a medical professional dedicated to true betterment of each and every patient, you need look no further than Dr. Skinner at our Roanoke Clinic located on Peters Creek Road.

Winter is a perfect time to “hibernate”, right? Wrong! Don’t let the cold temperatures and shorter days be an excuse to become dormant. Sure, at times it is great to relax, take it easy, and enjoy being cozy. However, we challenge you to stay active during the winter months.
Roanoke has a plethora of opportunities to stay both mentally and physically active during the winter season. Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Escape Key is an escape game experience located in Salem. Escape rooms are very popular as they mentally challenge the players to figure out various puzzles in order to escape the room they are placed in. They offer a variety of themed rooms. They currently they have “The Night Before Christmas”, “The Hunter’s Cabin”, “The Magician’s Vanishing Act” and “The Curious Case of Professor Hugh Manitee”. These various offerings, which are changed periodically, keep the game exciting! The cost is $22 per person and is recommended for ages 12 and up.
2. River Rock Climbing is Roanoke’s premier climbing facility. But don’t let the name fool you, they offer much more than just indoor rock climbing: yoga, strength training and tai-ji classes are offered. They describe themselves as a kid-friendly gym, as kids are natural climbers. This is a great way to get all of that cooped up energy out when you start to feel cabin fever kicking in! The cost varies depending on the activity you choose and all ages are welcome.
3. Kids Square at Center in the Square, located in Downtown Roanoke, is the newly opened children’s museum within Center in the Square that has been extremely popular since it opened in August. Their mission of being a space where children can explore, play, and learn is evident throughout their many interactive exhibits including the town, forest, theatre, building zone, sensory cove, dig pit, and classroom play areas. This museum is geared towards children 10 and under and admission is $8.00/person (ages 1+), and ages 1 and under are free.
4. Launching Pad Trampoline Park & Family Fun Center is Salem and Roanoke’s first and only trampoline park! Launching Pad is the place to get your jump on. There are no age limits, kids and adults alike are encouraged to come and enjoy! If you get a little worn out from jumping, they also have a snack bar to refuel, along with an arcade, launch tower and bumper cars.. This place has a little something for everyone! Pricing varies depending on the activity and how long you plan on jumping but ranges from $7-$16.
5. Roanoke Pinball Museum is a nostalgic adventure for the kid at heart, or new experience for the younger generation. Located within The Center in the Square, the Pinball Museum is a small space with a ton of fun. The Museum charges a daily rate for unlimited play – no quarters needed! They have over 50 machines in play, ranging in years from 1932-2016, and are rotating in new ones regularly. You are bound to find a classic favorite or discover a new one. Prices are $12.40 for ages 9+; $6.78 for ages 6-8; and ages 0-5 are free!

Don’t let the winter doldrums keep you from getting out of the house. Go out and enjoy the many wonderful things that Roanoke has to offer! The true spirit of life is evident during the holiday season – it is meant to be embraced and enjoyed. When you feel good, you are inspired to do just that.
Chiropractic care helps keep you feeling your very best so you can enjoy each day. Contact us to setup an appointment and we will keep you feeling good throughout the winter and beyond.

For those who have been turning to chiropractic for years as a way of mitigating pain and feeling their very best, the benefits are felt in tangible ways. For others, who have yet to give chiropractic a chance, it may be hard to imagine the positive impact this health care option can have on your physical well-being and quality of life. No matter where you find yourself on the continuum of seasoned chiropractic patient to novice, it is helpful to review and fully understand the many benefits of chiropractic.

1.  A Drug-Free Approach to Pain Management

Have you heard of the opioid crisis? It’s hard not to. Newspapers, TV, and mass media are regularly sharing the devastating effects of this epidemic. Many stories begin with a person who innocently began taking opioid-based pain medication and ultimately ended up with a life-altering addition. Chiropractic offers a drug-free approach to pain management. We are proud to be a positive solution to a problem that is plaguing our society. Our conservative care model, which looks to alternatives for pain management prior to drugs or surgery, values the ability to intervene early and avoid the more serious side effects of medicated options.

2. It Fits Your Health Goals

Chiropractic care is effective for all types of people. As chiropractors, we are proud that our treatments help a variety of patients feel better and live better. Our team of doctors has been privileged to help Olympic-level athletes and is equally privileged to help ‘everyday people’ striving for a life full of vitality and freedom from pain. Chiropractic is an approach to wellness that scales to the needs of each individual.

3. It Can Take You to the Next Level

Getting regular chiropractic adjustments increases mobility and motion. This is important for everyone—from a high performance or professional athlete to a grandparent who simply wants to enjoy going for walks with their grandchildren. While the way mobility and motion manifests itself may change, the desire to fully embrace physical activity is a constant. When your body is in proper and optimal alignment, you feel good and perform better.

4. Safe, Effective, and Non-Invasive

Did you know you are a thousand times more likely to get struck by lightning than injured by a chiropractic adjustment? Yes, it’s that safe! The ultimate goal of chiropractic is to promote health in a way that does not require invasive methods. It also offers long term solutions and lasting results. Our hope is that this clear benefit results in more people turning to chiropractic as their first option for painful problems, knowing it is poised to make a difference for the long haul, in a safe way.

5. It is a Team Approach

A collaborative spirit embodies our approach to chiropractic care. We often work closely with primary care doctors, pain specialists, and other practitioners to ensure our patients have the very best plan for care. And let’s not forget, the most important member of the team is you, the patient. By partnering with other healthcare professionals, we truly meet your needs in the most comprehensive and effective way. It’s a team effort!
We are proud of the positive impact chiropractic makes on people–which is evident from the numerous benefits. We believe in our profession and its ability to transform patients’ lives for the better. If you are ready to personally experience chiropractic, please reach out to our team and we’ll get the conversation started.

A huge part of what we do as chiropractors is education. We always want to ensure our clients not only understand what they should do to optimize their wellness, but why they should do it, too. For that reason, we enjoy connecting with our audience through our wellness blog.
As 2017 comes to an end, we decided to take a look at all of the blogs we shared with you this year, from healthy hacks to stories about our wonderful doctors and patients. We hope you enjoy reflecting with us, on the most popular chiropractic and wellness blogs of 2017.

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger & Chiropractic – You may know Arnold Schwarzenegger for his roles in a variety of films, or for his tenure as the governor of California, but did you know he is also a huge proponent of chiropractic? Dr. Brooke was able to meet the legend himself earlier this year!
2. Welcome Dr. Roiketa Strand – We welcomed Dr. Roiketa Strand to the Tuck team this year! Growing up, Dr. Strand had a dream of becoming a Pediatrician or OB/GYN, but a life-changing moment caused her to pursue a career in Chiropractic instead. Take a moment to learn more about Dr. Strand and her story.
3. The Botetourt Chiropractic Announcement – We started 2017 off with a bang! We opened new office to serve the Bonsack, Botetourt, Northeast Roanoke and Vinton Communities. Exciting moves like this would not be possible without our supportive patients and community.
4. Welcome Dr. Flynn – We were lucky to add Dr. Anna Occhiuzzi-Flynn to our team this year! Her passion for serving others and strong sense of empathy makes her a great fit. However, the moment she knew chiropractic was her calling didn’t come as you may expect.
5. Dr. Ray Tuck Honored as Chiropractor of the Year – Wow, what an honor! We are thrilled that the Virginia Chiropractor’s Association honored our own Dr. Ray Tuck as the Virginia Chiropractor of the Year for 2017 by the Virginia Chiropractic Association.
6. Local Strongman Competitor Powered by Chiropractic – We are honored that Dr. Skinner and the staff at our Roanoke Clinic were able to serve Shanice and help her optimize her physical condition for training and competition. She competed in the Strongman Corporation North American National Championship last month!
7. Dr. Rathmann: A Strong Community Leader – Our own Dr. Jen Rathmann was nominated for the award of Accomplished Business Woman of the Year though the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about this much deserved honor and recognition!
8. Dr. LaBarbera’s Chiropractic Journey – Dr. A.J. LaBarbera is a second-generation chiropractor, and his father’s experience as a chiropractor served as his inspiration. His journey throughout this chiropractic career has been one filled with teamwork, leadership, and helping others.
9. Top Hiking Trails in Southwest Virginia – Just like the importance of chiropractic treatments as part of an overall wellness plan, regular activity should also be part of your routine. A great way to become more active is to get outside and enjoy nature by going on a local hike. So, we narrowed down some of our favorite hiking trails in our area.
10. Study: Too Much Sitting Can Be Deadly – A research review found that daily sitting for long periods of time can lead to negative health effects such as heart disease, diabetes, and even death. This information impacts so many of our patients, who have jobs requiring extensive periods of sitting. Luckily, we have a few tips to help reduce your risk of increased health problems.

We appreciate everyone who keeps up with our blog each week. We are looking forward to connecting with you in 2018!

The reality of the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape is that we must stay on top of quality and consistency of care–in addition to positive patient outcomes. While many things about healthcare are uncertain, one thing must remain steadfast: an unwavering commitment to excellence.
The famous thinker and philosopher Aristotle is credited for saying, “We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act but a habit.” At Tuck Chiropractic, we believe in consistency and always pushing ourselves towards increased clinical excellence and a superior patient experience.  Sure, we can self-evaluate, rely on introspection, and encourage each other towards continuous improvement. However, we find the most valuable information to be feedback directly from our patients.
Since patient satisfaction and feedback is paramount, we put our heads together on the most efficient way to get this feedback that would provide us with actionable data and arm us with information to refine our clinical and patient experiences, as needed. We created a succinct and short survey that is shared with patients over email and via text message–on average it requires 30 to 90 seconds to complete and provides us with a wealth of information.
We first launched this concept in the Bedford office and committed to a five-month pilot of the feedback program. That pilot study has recently concluded, and the end result is a new patient survey designed to equip us with valuable insights from the patients we impact each and every day. It allows us to know what we are doing that works incredibly well and the areas we can modify to better meet needs and exceed expectations.
The pilot was such a success that we decided to apply the process, concept, and procedure at all clinic locations in order to make sure our entire team–all nine locations and 60 employees–were on the same page. We got together for a lunch meeting at Amelia’s in Christiansburg and received a presentation from Dr. AJ LaBarbera. This presentation was a great opportunity to bring everyone together and plan for success with this survey procedure.
Not only did our training create the opportunity to inform our team about how we will use this performance measurement for betterment. It also gave us the time to pause and enjoy each other–as a team of professionals committed to positively impacting others with chiropractic.
Our doctors and staff are critical to a patient’s experience; therefore, they are invaluable. It is important that our commitment to excellence is focused not only on our patients, but our employees as well. Doctors give great care in a great environment, which leads to our overarching goal of great patient outcome.