South’s Greatest Chiropractors 2021/22

More than just cracking backs, today’s chiropractors are leading the way in a new hands-on approach to pain management. With the dangers of some pain medications becoming clearer, there’s never been a better time to hop on the table and get your health in alignment.

Photo: D. Paul Graham

Dr. Chris Whelan / Chiropractic Care

Savannah is very fortunate to have many great chiropractors in practice. There are multiple approaches and schools of thought regarding spinal care to be found here in the low country. Whelan Chiropractic has been located downtown in the historic district for almost 25 years and we do our best to provide care on a very personal level in order to achieve the best results.

APPROACH

Some patients who come to our office can’t stand or even walk on their own due to the pain in their back. The greatest reward is seeing them walk out of the office feeling better than when they came in. We have seen over 25, 000  patients- lawyers, judges, students, teachers, longshoremen, retirees- we are a very diverse, community oriented practice that will do all we can to help our patients.

WHEN AND WHY

I had injured my back in college and after being helped by a chiropractor, I realized what an amazing profession it was.

OUTSTANDING MOMENT

Our office has been voted, “Best Chiropractic Office in Savannah!” For eight of the last 10 years. We have an amazing staff and another chiropractor in our office, Dr. Erin Todd, DC, who really deserve the accolades for that recognition.

OUTSTANDING PERSON

While not a mentor per se, my mother taught me at an early age how important it was to work hard. I strive to apply that work ethic each and every day.

OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY

In our clinic, Dr. Erin Todd, DC, is always on top of the latest innovations and techniques regarding patient care. We only have one body and when you pay attention to what you eat and stay physically fit, it will go a long way. Chiropractic care will help your spine to work more efficiently and if you combine that with exercise, you will feel younger and look great. At Whelan Chiropractic, we’ve always got your back!

COVID-19 CHALLENGES

COVID-19 slowed down things for a while, however, there is always back and neck pain. We are now more conscientious with our efforts to provide a safe, healthy, and clean clinical environment.

Learn more about Dr. Chris Whelan and Whelan Chiropractic:
Savannah, GA • 912.232.1900 and whelanchiropractic.com

Photo: D. Paul Graham

Dr. Bart Wetherington / Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic

Wetherington Chiropractic specializes in care for families and athletes as well as personal injury like car crashes and other accidents. We pride ourselves in the treatment of our area’s first responders, public servants, military personnel and their families as well as players in the NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS and UFC. We are the official team chiropractor for many local schools, several colleges and local sports organizations.

“There is no greater honor than to help those who serve us.” Dr. Bart Wetherington

APPROACH

We view the health of our patients from a multifaceted approach. We use chiropractic, physical modalities and massage to attain the best results for our patients. We specialize in a chiropractic technique called Atlas Orthogonal. This technique focuses on the upper cervical region of the spine for optimal results of many different health issues.

WHEN AND WHY

I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the healthcare field in high school. After researching many different avenues in the healthcare industry, I was impressed how effective chiropractic was in helping with so many different health issues without the use of drugs or surgery. When I discovered the Atlas Orthogonal technique, I knew where my career was heading. I am very fortunate to currently practice on a daily basis the newest and best technology that chiropractic offers. By practicing Atlas Orthogonal techniques our patients are assured they are getting the best state-of-the art technique in chiropractic.

OUTSTANDING MOMENT

The defining moment that decided my career path happened to my dad. He was playing softball and fractured his neck at the posterior arch of his atlas. From that night on he had debilitating headaches that traditional medicine could not help. He was introduced to a chiropractic specialist in Atlanta, GA, named Dr. Roy Sweat. After being under Dr. Sweat’s Atlas Orthogonal treatment for two months, his headaches were completely eliminated.

OUTSTANDING PERSON

There is no one who has been more influential in my life than my dad. I have learned how to run a successful business from his example and advice. Although my dad has passed, I will always see reminders of his character and success in my practice.

HOBBIES + PASSIONS

Since I was a kid I’ve had a passion for flying. Besides the time I spend with my family, there is nowhere I would rather be in my off time than in the sky. There’s something beautiful and thrilling about flying through the clouds.

COVID-19 CHALLENGES

COVID-19 has actually strengthened and increased our practice. During the early stages of the pandemic, we continued our dedication to serving first responders in our area. From ER doctors and nurses, firefighters, police officers, city personnel and officials, we were able to treat these first responders and keep them well on the front lines.

Learn more about Dr. Bart Wetherington and Wetherington Chiropractic:
Savannah, GA • 912.351.0005 and wetheringtonchiropractic.com

Photo: John Alexander / Dr. Amy Thompson and Tillie the dog

Dr. Amy Thompson / Chiropractic and Wellness Care

The friendly and courteous staff at Thompson Chiropractic & Wellness Center are ready, willing, and able to ensure each client is seen quickly, in their large, comfortable treatment rooms. Referrals are accepted, along with most insurance and they do all the paperwork.

“Our approach is much different than traditional chiropractors. Our doctors work as a team with our therapists to formulate care plans with an all-hands-on approach to facilitate healing and remodel detrimental postural patterns.” Dr. Amy Thompson

APPROACH

Our approach is much different than traditional chiropractors. Our doctors work as a team with our therapists to formulate care plans with an all-hands-on approach to facilitate healing and remodel detrimental postural patterns. Our treatments are integrative sessions using techniques that combine assisted and active stretching, yoga and focused massage. Chiropractic is our foundation, but the icing on the cake is the additional time that we spend with our patients allowing their bodies to transform at a much faster pace with all that we offer at our clinic.

WHEN AND WHY

I have been under chiropractic care since I was six years old, my father since he was eight. The powerful effects of chiropractic care have always been a part of my family’s overall health and wellness. I worked for Chiropractor Doctor Meg Lawson when I was studying at the University of Georgia; she brought her dog to work with her every day. I watched her and learned so much. Witnessing firsthand how happy her patients were, and the positive change she made in people’s lives was the catalyst for me moving to Atlanta to start chiropractic school.

OUTSTANDING MOMENTS

All of the cases over the last 20 years when I performed the Webster technique on breech in utero presentations allowing babies to turn before delivery so that the mother could achieve her chosen birth plan; those are the most rewarding moments and achievements in my practice.

OUTSTANDING PROCEDURES

Dr. Janie Baxter in Hazlehurst, GA., was a real influence in how I wanted to practice and how I wanted to serve my patients. She was my family’s chiropractor. Everyone in her clinic felt like family and her staff went above and beyond to provide extra care and time. I wanted my clinic to feel like I did when I was at hers.

OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY

Studies show that chiropractic care increases telomere length. A decrease in telomere length can shorten your lifespan causing a faster rate of aging. Chiropractors seek to increase the function of every cell in the body through better neurological communication. Studies have also been released relating longevity and posture. Certainly, chiropractic can add years to your life and life to your years.

COVID-19 CHALLENGES

The biggest effect of COVID-19 was people not knowing that chiropractors are essential healthcare workers. I think a lot of our patients suffered, not knowing that they could still get in to see us at that time.

Learn more about Dr. Amy Thompson and Thompson Chiropractic & Wellness Center:
Savannah and Rincon, GA • 912.231.3220 and dramythompson.com

Photo: D. Paul Graham

Dr. John Hargrove / Holistic Health / Nutrition / Chiropractic

The Holistic Health Center of Savannah is a private practice focusing on both chiropractic and functional nutrition health care. Dr. John Hargrove has many years of experience providing comprehensive dietary counseling, evaluation and assessment of endocrine balance, as well as unraveling complex health issues that have been resistant to traditional methods.

“My favorite thing is how great my patients are, it’s like a big family.” Dr. John Hargrove

APPROACH

I think what makes our office stand out is total commitment to patient needs, customer service and making you feel better today.

WHEN AND WHY

I was attending Winthrop in undergrad and working at the local hospital. While the doctors that I got to know were great in their fields, I really connected with the chiropractor that I knew at the time. He loved his job more than any other physician that I knew. I was inspired.

OUTSTANDING MOMENT

One of the most significant things about my practice is how great my patients are. It’s like a big family. Most people are in my office because a friend sent them there. I love this.

OUTSTANDING PERSON

Dr. Vern Pierce gave me advice before graduating school. ‘When a patient comes to see you, get them the results that they came for, always give honest answers, even if they don’t like the answer, and always educate your patients to help them even long after they see you.’

OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY

While we do have the technology we desire to build upon the education, skills and resources of the doctor and staff we focus on skilled chiropractic adjustments in pain treatments and applied kinesiology, hormone balance, nutritional counseling, exercise and stress management techniques for functional healthcare.

COVID-19 CHALLENGES

COVID-19 has dramatically increased patient demand in our office. For some, the stress of the pandemic has taken a toll and they are seeking care, and for others, the recent events have caused them to take a closer look at personal responsibility in their own health.

Learn more about Dr. John Hargrove and the Holistic Health Center of Savannah:
Savannah, GA • 912.355.3185 and hhcofsavannah.com

Photo: D. Paul Graham

Dr. Terri Norburg / Natural Healing / Chiropractic Services

Since 1998, Norburg Chiropractic & Wellness Center has been harnessing the body’s natural healing ability through chiropractic services. We only treat one condition at a time, so you can feel the full benefits of personalized, targeted treatment that relieves you of chronic pain.

“I always knew I was a healer. I wanted to treat and correct the cause, not just deal with the symptom.” Dr. Terri Norburg

APPROACH

I use Gonstead Line Analysis to help decide the exact direction the joints are misaligned and how best to correct them. In some cases, a heel lift to help balance a short leg can make all the difference in the world.

WHEN AND WHY

I always knew I was a healer. However,  in a lot of cases, medication seemed to only cover up symptoms instead of getting to the root cause. I knew I wanted to treat and correct the cause, not just deal with the symptom.

OUTSTANDING MOMENT

There are so many outstanding moments, it’s hard to decide! But I would have to say the infertility cases warm my heart the most. Simply because there is no greater joy than being able to help a couple conceive who were told it wasn’t possible.

OUTSTANDING PERSON

I would say that the late Dr. Thomas Owen helped form my practice style more than any other person.

COVID-19 CHALLENGES

Initially, it was pretty quiet around these parts. But while everyone else was quarantined, chiropractors were still considered essential healthcare, so we were still in the office. But most of our patients weren’t. It took about 90 days for patients to start creeping back out, and for our business to recover, but we were very fortunate.

Learn more about Dr. Terri Norburg and Norburg Chiropractic and Wellness Center:
Savannah, GA • 912.236.0330 and norburgchiropracticsavannah.com

 


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