In Bedford County, it’s easy to know just about everybody. Growing up in a small town with a tight-knit community such as Bedford often inspires unexpected roots to sprout. At least this was the case for Tuck’s Bedford Clinic, Dr. Matthew Foster, who completed his preceptorship and began practicing as a licensed chiropractor at Tuck Chiropractic Clinic in Bedford in the Fall of 2017.

When Career and Community Come Full Circle

As a Sophomore football player at Jefferson Forest High School, Dr. Foster sustained injuries in the weight room. Most young, spry athletes are always eager to get back on the field after an injury and Dr. Foster was no different. Unfortunately, he had trouble finding true relief. After going through specialty stretches, physical therapy, and pain medication, the pain was merely masked rather than relieved. Finally, he paid a visit to a well known, now-retired Chiropractor in Bedford for an adjustment. After seeing the miracle-like effect a simple adjustment can have on a healing body, Matthew discovered his future career.
“The chiropractic profession, where you can heal people with your hands, is almost biblical,” says Dr. Foster. “My uncle Paul Foster is a physician’s assistant and was a big role model for me growing up. I remember him always talking about how many people come through the office for pain medications.”
Knowing the toll that the “medical loop” takes on your body in search of pain relief, Dr. Foster set out on his mission to heal people with his hands. He attended Liberty University for his undergraduate degree and continued his chiropractic education at the renowned Palmer College of Chiropractic in Florida. When it came time to complete his preceptorship and find a job, his hometown in Southwest Virginia came calling to him.
“I actually had the opportunity to move out to Hawaii to practice, but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to come back home and work in the community I grew up in,” says Dr. Foster. “It’s an awesome feeling that money can’t buy when you help the hometown that helped raise you to be who you are.”

Refined Treatments for Special Cases

As a new graduate, Dr. Foster has had the opportunity to explore some of the alternative methods to administering chiropractic care beyond spinal manipulation. He is certified to administer dry needling, activator methods, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, and Epley’s Technique for vertigo.
How do these techniques vary from the classic chiropractic adjustment? Essentially, they are just more direct ways to get to the root of the pain while remaining in the natural remedy arena. Dry needling, similar to acupuncture, operates on pressure points in the body that can cause pain. Dr. Foster can also perform the activator method and soft tissue mobilization with special instruments that focus on a specific area of the body that is experiencing pain.
“It’s so rewarding to hear people say that they feel better and the gratitude and satisfaction that you get from healing pain is immeasurable,” says Dr. Foster. “My only goal is to help people with acute pain or injury find relief, educate them well enough to help them take care of themselves, and hopefully they’ll choose elective care to help their lifestyle. I didn’t choose the profession for the money, I just want to help people that want to help themselves by implementing our mission statement of, ‘To make a positive impact on every life we touch.'”

Rooted in the Community

Of course, working at Tuck Chiropractic Clinic wasn’t the only reason Dr. Foster returned to Bedford County after college. It was his connection to the community that really called him back home and he demonstrates that as much as possible through his activities outside the clinic walls. As a member of the Bedford County Rotary Club, Bedford Chamber of Commerce, and soon to be Free Masons, Matthew spends this free time giving back in any way he can.

Some people spend their whole lives trying to figure out what they want to do “when they grow up”. Others tend to have a gut feeling from a young age which path is right for them. When Dr. Anna Occhiuzzi-Flynn joined Tuck Chiropractic’s Botetourt Clinic last year, we got to hear how she decided at a young age that finding natural ways of healing through lifestyle and nutrition were the way to go. As her career developed, she wanted to find a way to help people heal through natural means and fell into chiropractic care through her network of peers. By fell into, we mean fell in love with it!
“A lot of people think that chiropractic care is only for back pain. While that’s a big part of it, it’s so much more than that,” says Dr. Flynn, passionately. “It’s an overall health that you gain, a lot of people come without pain symptoms just to be healthy and stay healthy.”
Dr. Flynn kicked off her chiropractic career in the San Francisco Bay area where she practiced for 15 years. As her young children began to grow, she wanted to give them a lifestyle at a slower pace, so they packed up and moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Botetourt, Virginia. After opening her own practice in Rocky Mount, VA, Dr. Flynn decided to sell the practice so she could focus on raising her children. Now that her kids are grown and her “nest” is empty, chiropractic care called to Dr. Flynn, once again.
“My job is very rewarding. To be able to help people every day is just unbelievable!” says Dr. Flynn. “The results that we get every day is truly a blessing. When you see people who have suffered from debilitating issues their whole lives and start to see their lives change when we treat them, it’s so rewarding.”
We were thrilled to have Dr. Flynn bring her years of expertise to serve our patients at our Botetourt Clinic. For Dr. Flynn, this is her first experience working for a larger practice. She really appreciates the opportunity to be able to have a laser focus on helping her patients find a better lifestyle and the support system that comes with a practice made up of 9 locations and 17 doctors.
“We have a great support system. You can always call on someone if you’re not getting the results you want or want to collaborate on finding a solution,” says Dr. Flynn.
Dr. Flynn also enjoys the wide variety of patients she gets to treat at the clinic. Because of the clinic’s proximity to William Byrd and Lord Botetourt. She has the opportunity to work with a lot of the high school athletes to help them avoid and heal from injuries. Sometimes, she even makes it out to the games to watch them!
Aside from attending her patients’ games, Dr. Flynn stays active outside and in her community. She is highly involved with the Botetourt Chamber of Commerce, loves representing Tuck Chiropractic Clinics at health and wellness fairs, and taking advantage of the natural amenities that Southwest Virginia has to offer! Biking, skiing, and kayaking are just a few of her favorites!


 
 
 
 
 

Dr. Tiffany Grace and the Rocky Mount Clinic staff are excited to share that they are now operating out of a new facility in Rocky Mount, VA. After years at their current location, the Rocky Mount practice has relocated this week to a location that we feel will be more convenient and offer better accessibility for all of the patients they serve.
Located on the lower level of 490 South Main Street, just below Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital in Rocky Mount. It is in the same building as Carilion Pediatrics. The new facility is more modern, with plenty of room for us to provide the top quality care that our patients depend on.

“We are very excited for Dr. Grace to have the opportunity to continue to serve her patients with the highest level of care possible in an even better environment,” says Dr. Ray Tuck, President of Tuck Chiropractic.
Dr. Grace, who has been practicing at the Tuck Clinic in Rocky Mount since 2007, plans to continue to serve patients without an interruption of service during normal clinic hours.
“We are very excited to be opening in our new location which will enable us to better serve our amazing patients in a very accessible and modern location. We are looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful existing patients and are looking forward to serving many new ones!” says Dr. Grace
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Grace, please call 540-483-4444.

As a leader in both chiropractic and greater medical communities, Dr. Tuck spends his time beyond the clinic walls collaborating with other leaders in the industry and advocating for the continual improvement of conservative care methods. Over the next few weeks, his roles on the Board of Governors for the American Chiropractic Association and on the Virginia Board of Medicine will take him to some of the biggest meetings in the biz! Here’s what’s on his itinerary:

Federation of State Medical Boards Annual Meeting

As a member of the Governor-appointed Virginia Board of Medicine, Dr. Tuck will be representing Virginia at the Federation of State Medical Boards Annual Meeting, aimed at bringing leaders in the nation’s medical regulatory community together for three days of intensive program surrounding making connections across areas of expertise and exploring new initiatives in the overall medical industry.
Dr. Tuck will be participating in the day-long annual meeting where members of Administrators in Medicine (AIM), the National Organization for State Medical & Osteopathic Board Executives, will convene to discuss various plans of action for the coming year across the medical industry. One of the many focuses will be on working together to find constructive solutions to the ongoing opioid crisis through collaborative, conservative care.

Canadian Chiropractic Association Meets with ACA

Members of the leadership of the American Chiropractic Association will be traveling to Calgary in Alberta, Canada to meet with the Canadian Chiropractic Association to collaborate on initiatives across country lines. This meeting will serve as an exchange of ideas on a range of topics in the chiropractic industry including collaborative care with the larger healthcare community and working to support the efforts to reduce opioid addiction in pain patients.

Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards Annual Conference

After a quick break and a birthday celebration on April 30, (Happy Birthday Dr. Tuck!) Dallas, Texas is on the horizon for the annual conference for the nation’s Chiropractic Licensing Boards. Dr. Tuck will speak on a panel session to provide an “Update on the Profession” where, as a member of ACA Board of Governors, he will have the opportunity to highlight their latest initiatives in collaborative care. As an attendee, Dr. Tuck will have the opportunity to sit in on a wide variety of programs focusing on different elements of the chiropractic industry.
It takes a lot of time and energy to passionately advocate for the chiropractic profession, but Dr. Tuck does it with a smile on his face. We and so many of those who have been helped by chiropractic care are so very thankful for the work he does!

It’s been a busy month for the doctors at Tuck Chiropractic Clinic. While Dr. Tuck spent time leading the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) in a new direction, Dr. LaBarbera lobbied in Washington, D.C. for better healthcare access, and Dr. Matthis spoke to a crowd on Best Practices in Chiropractic. But possibly the most exciting adventure was Dr. Tuck and Dr. LaBarbera’s trip to Austin, Texas to attend the 31st South by Southwest, a conference, and festival celebrating the convergence of industries for innovation.
You might be wondering how two chiropractors from Southwest Virginia had an interest in a festival historically known for focusing on the entertainment business, but they discovered plenty of opportunities to be inspired by their own industry and beyond.
“It’s incredible to see how design crosses over to all industries,” said Dr. Tuck, reflecting on the weekend.
They strategically split their time between the healthcare-focused tracks and the marketing and innovation focused tracks to elevate their strategies in providing collaborative care and helping individuals in need discover that kind of care in a meaningful, authentic way.

Forward Thinking in Healthcare

The goal of the healthcare conference track is to explore new technology and innovation to improve health in the communities that we serve. One of the biggest take-aways arose from a session presented by Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin titled “Returning Health Care to Its Purpose“. This session focused on methods of overcoming the challenges of access to, availability of, and payments for health care to get back to the root purpose of being a healthcare provider: health.
The Dell Medical School demonstrated an innovative take on providing care by building a team of health care providers from various backgrounds to work collaboratively to extract more meaningful outcomes in the care plan provided to patients. This concept is very much aligned with the declaration of a new direction for the ACA; the belief working together can only ever bring about positive outcomes will change the way we provide care.
Breaking the siloed approach to build a system that is centered around the patient’s needs will prove to be a challenge in such a sprawling region like Southwest Virginia, but after some new insights and inspiration, the doctors at Tuck Clinic are up for the challenge.

Telling The Story

At times, the medical industry can face challenges in truly reaching an audience in need in a genuine way. Whether it’s because of a knowledge gap in understanding exactly what the chiropractic practice involves, or because of preconceived notions, there’s typically a hurdle in communicating to the public in a meaningful way.
Even as doctor’s, we realize the best way to overcome these challenges is to tell our story and the stories of our patients in a meaningful way, which is why the session focused on “Brand Storytelling in the Digital Age” was so impactful. In this session, three senior marketing experts at Kate Spade New York demonstrated how strategic digital storytelling can demonstrate a brand’s purpose and mission in a more engaging way. In order to reach the individuals we hope to help, we’ll be bringing out takeaways home with us to find new platforms and new methods of demonstrating our expertise and helping the public #FeelBetterLiveBetter.
Stay tuned to see all the Tuck Chiropractic Clinic has to offer!

As you may know, Dr. Tuck and his family have been passionate players in the world of chiropractic for decades. Their dedication to the professional has, in turn, inspired his own team to take the time to advocate for the industry by speaking at conferences and taking opportunities to lobby for special initiatives like healthcare access.
Dr. Tuck is a member of the governor-appointed Virginia Board of Medicine and a member of ACA leadership since 2007. He was elected to the ACA BOG in 2013 as the District 3 Governor of the Board and was elected to serve as Chairman of the Board in 2016.
We are excited to share that Tuck has been working hard with his peers to bring about changes in governance and strategic focus of the ACA to adjust to the changing landscape of healthcare and the chiropractic practice. As such, he has been re-elected to the Board of Governors and named interim-President of the organization to continue his efforts in spearheading a shift in focus in the industry and in the national organization.

The New ACA

The American Chiropractic Association has always been a figurehead for chiropractors who seek to provide conservative care held up to high standards and values. That will never change. However, because of its longstanding presence in the industry, it was time for a refresh. ACA Today wants to represent a standard that’s “Hands Down Better™”. How do leadership and members aim to hold true to that standard?
Starting today, and every day after, ACA is moving in a healthier direction. These are their tenants of the new initiative:

• We will accept the most principled and dedicated DCs
• We will expect every member to sign our new Pledge of Professional Values
• We will meet patients where they are in their treatment
• We will be more collaborative with other healthcare professionals
• We will insist on evidence-based practices
• We will abide by our newly-adopted treatment guidelines so patients will know that working with an ACA chiropractor means the highest level of care
• We will make the ACA logo the symbol of only the finest chiropractic care available

To sum it all up, the ACA aims to be the guiding light for the chiropractic industry to encourage members to provide high quality, conservative and collaborative care to it’s patients by working through a team approach within their own practice and with other physicians outside of their practice.

Dr. Tyler Garapola has joined the Tuck Chiropractic Clinic located in the Woodlawn area of Carroll County, Va., and is accepting new patients. He will work alongside Dr. Katie McKown, who has practiced there since 2010.
Dr. Garapola brings a youthful passion for chiropractic care and community involvement from his active involvement in extracurricular activities during his education – two things that Tuck Chiropractic Clinic hold in high value. President of Tuck Chiropractic, Dr. Ray Tuck, said, “We are very excited to have Dr. Garapoloa join Dr. McKown at our Woodlawn Clinic to contribute to our dedication to collaborative care.” Dr. Garapola is eager for the opportunity to work with the team at Tuck Chiropractic Clinic, who work together to achieve the best possible treatments for patients.
Garapola grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania and earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Life Sciences from Penn State University in 2014. He sought further education for chiropractic care at the Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, Missouri. While studying at Logan, Dr. Garapola was an active member of Pi Kappa Chi professional fraternity, the Student American Chiropractic Association, and Logan’s Student Government. He was also privileged to work with veterans and gain valuable clinical experience at St. Louis VA Medical Center.
Dr. Garapola was attracted to the chiropractic field for its potential as a natural alternative to the more common approaches to musculoskeletal treatment. Throughout his time in school and especially during his work with veterans, he became interested in the management of chronic pain and the role of lifestyle changes and patient education as part of his treatment. Dr. Garapola is excited to treat and educate all kinds of patients, especially athletes, seniors, and kids.
Dr. Garapola now lives in Galax, VA and works with patients at our Woodlawn location. He enjoys spending a lot of his free time in the great outdoors, traveling, and is always reading and learning more about how to live a healthier life and help others do the same.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Garapola, please call 276-730-9555.

 
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.