What is Chiropractic?

What truly differentiates doctors of chiropractic from any other healthcare professionals is the fact that chiropractors are the only professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat what are called spinal subluxations. The word "subluxation" comes from the Latin words meaning "somewhat or slight" (sub) and "to dislocate" (luxate). So the term 'vertebral subluxation' literally means a slight dislocation or misalignment of the bones in the spine.

When a subluxation occurs, a chiropractor can correct the misaligned bone and allow it to return to its proper position. This procedure is appropriately called an adjustment, and the adjustment enables the body to heal. We use a technique called Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique. The Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT) uses the latest advances in orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic examinations to seek joint dysfunction in the spinal column and extremities for improved patient care. AMCT uses the Activator Adjusting Instrument to give consistent low-force, high-speed chiropractic adjustments to a vertebra for the purpose of correcting its position, movement or both. Removing the misalignment and correcting the joint dysfunction relieves stress that the joint dysfunction is causing and allows the body to move more freely. This decreases inflammation in the area, which thereby relieves pain. To keep the joints moving correctly several adjustments over a course of time may be necessary, in addition to massage, physical therapy, stretching exercises, or strengthening exercises. In the chiropractic world, keeping the problem fixed and preventing its reoccurrence is just as important as the initial remedy.

There are actually five components that contribute to the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC).

  1. Bone Component-where the vertebra is either out of position, not moving properly, or are undergoing degeneration. This frequently leads to a narrowing of the spaces between the bones through which the nerves pass; often resulting in irritation or impingement of the nerve itself.
  2. Nervous Component-is the disruption of the normal flow of energy along the nerve fibers, causing the messages traveling along the nerves to become distorted. The result is that all of the tissues that are fed by those nerves receive distorted signals from the brain and, consequently, are not able to function normally. Over time, this can lead to a whole host of conditions, such as peptic ulcers, constipation and other organ system dysfunction.
  3. Muscular Component-since nerves control the muscles that help hold the vertebrae in place, muscles have to be considered to be an integral part of the vertebral subluxation complex. In fact, muscles both affect, and are affected by the VSC. A subluxation can irritate a nerve, the irritated nerve can cause a muscle to spasm, the spasmed muscle pulls the attached vertebrae further out of place, which then further irritates the nerve and you have a vicious cycle. It is no wonder that very few subluxations just go away by themselves.
  4. Soft Tissue Component-the VSC will also affect the surrounding tendons, ligaments, blood supply, and other tissues as the misaligned vertebrae tug and squeeze the connective tissue with tremendous force. Over time, the soft tissues can become stretched out or scarred, leaving the spine with either a permanent instability or restriction.
  5. Chemical Component-is the change in the chemistry of the body due to the VSC. Most often, the chemical changes, such as the release of a class of chemicals called "kinins," are pro-inflammatory; meaning that they increase inflammation in the affected area.


These changes get progressively worse over time if they are not treated correctly, leading to chronic pain, inflammation, arthritis, muscle trigger points, the formation of bone spurs, loss of movement, as well as muscle weakness and spasm. Chiropractors have known the dangers of the vertebral subluxation complex ever since the birth of the profession. More and more scientific research is demonstrating the tremendous detrimental impact that subluxation have on the tissue of the body. In order to be truly healthy, it is vital that your nervous system be functioning free of interference from subluxations. Chiropractors are the only health professionals trained in the detection, location, and correction of the vertebral subluxation complex through chiropractic care.


Office Hours

Our 96th Street office is convenient to north Indianapolis, Nora, Carmel, and Zionsville.

Chiropractic Office Hours - Dr. Mary Jo Johnson

Monday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Chiropractic Office Hours- Dr. Steve Avitabile

Monday:

7:00 am-9:00 am

Tuesday:

7:00 am-9:00 am

Wednesday:

7:00 am-9:00 am

Thursday:

7:00 am-9:00 am

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Therapeutic Massage - Becky Troyer, CMT

Monday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

10:50 am-7:30 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Special appointment only.

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Therapeutic Massage-Sheryl Lanham, CMT

Monday:

9:40 am-6:40 pm

Tuesday:

9:40 am-6:40 pm

Wednesday:

9:40 am-6:40 pm

Thursday:

9:40 am-6:40 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Therapeutic Massage- Kriss Luckett-Ziesemer, CMT

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

9:20 am-5:40 pm

Friday:

10:00 am-12:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Therapeutic Exercise- Savannah Fisher, MSK

Monday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 pm-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

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Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Dr. Johnson is an amazing chiropractor and an amazing woman. Her staff is great, everyone is kind and there to be of service. Dr. Johnson will help you get your whole wellness life together, and will do it with kindness and care. I would send anyone here."
    Mr. K.
  • "Fantastic people doing great work in this office. I have had back pain since my mid-20's. The chiropractic work helped, but then Kurt was able to help me figure out I had a wheat intolerance that was the root cause of my problems. If you are looking for a great support system for your health needs, look no further!"
    Jeff C.
  • "I love this place!!!  I had never been to a Chiropractor before, i thought they were scary, with all the old school treatment.  Dr. Johnson is the best, her treatment plan has worked for me, i was a mess when i first went there, i suffered for months with the pain in neck, upper back and shoulders, starting the treatment on 5/25/2019.  i am so much better now!Her staff is also friendly and kind, and very knowledgeable, her front desk receptionist, Emily, is the best also!  Thank you all so much!"
    Kim K.
  • "Thank you Dr. Johnson - your gentle and holistic approach to chiropractic care and wellness is greatly appreciated. Your work and that of your wellness team is among the best!"
    R.D. Indianapolis /Indianapolis, IN