Services We Offer In Harrisonburg VA

Atwell Family Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center offers a number of chiropractic & wellness services in Harrisonburg VA.

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1. Corrective Chiropractic Care

Dr. Atwell utilizes multiple chiropractic techniques including Thompson Terminal Point Technique, Gonstead, Diversified, Palmer Upper Cervical, Chiropractic Biophysics, Activator Methods, Active Release Technique (ART), Cox Flexion-Distraction and Logan Basic Technique.

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2. Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Dr. Atwell has been adjusting infants and children since 2001 and specializes in Logan Basic Technique, Cranio Sacral Technique, and SOT for children. All are gentle, light pressure, effective techniques for removing misalignments of the spine caused from the birthing process known as subluxations. Common conditions that Dr. Atwell has seen in practice that infants and children may see benefit from chiropractic care are reflux, colic, irritability, not sleeping, lack to thrive, ear infections, constipation, not reaching developmental markers, torticollis, head shape, postural abnormalities and more.

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3. Pregnancy Chiropractic Care

Dr. Atwell is able to adjust expecting mothers throughout the entire pregnancy utilizing a special table that accommodates the ever-changing anatomy of the expecting mom. Dr. Atwell has also been trained in the Webster Technique which is an effective, gentle technique for those little ones that are not presenting in the head down position.

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4. Cold Laser Therapy in Harrisonburg VA

How It Works and What Conditions It Helps

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a modern, non-invasive treatment used in chiropractic care to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Unlike surgical or high-intensity lasers, cold laser therapy uses low levels of light energy that does not heat or damage the tissue. Instead, the gentle energy penetrates deep into the targeted area, stimulating cellular activity and accelerating the body’s natural repair processes.

How Cold Laser Therapy Works

During a session, a handheld device emits specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the cells within injured or inflamed tissues. This light energy promotes a series of beneficial cellular responses, including increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – the energy source for cellular function. As a result, cells are able to function more efficiently, promoting faster recovery, enhanced circulation, and a reduction in inflammation and pain. The treatment is painless, with most patients experiencing only a mild warming or tingling sensation, if any at all.

Conditions Helped by Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy is a versatile tool in chiropractic care, often used to complement adjustments and other hands-on techniques. It is effective for a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including:

• Neck and Back Pain – Reduces inflammation and muscle spasm, enhancing healing after spinal injuries or strain.
• Arthritis and Joint Pain – Decreases pain and swelling in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other joint conditions.
• Sports Injuries – Accelerates recovery from sprains, strains, tendonitis, and soft tissue injuries.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Relieves nerve irritation and supports tissue repair in the wrist and hand.
• Plantar Fasciitis – Eases heel pain and inflammation, improving mobility.
• Muscle Spasms and Trigger Points – Relaxes tight muscles and reduces discomfort from overuse or injury.
• Bursitis and Tendonitis – Promotes healing by reducing inflammation in affected areas.

Cold laser therapy is safe, drug-free, and can be used alongside other chiropractic treatments to optimize your recovery and support your journey toward lasting health and wellness.

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5. Shockwave Therapy

Softwave shockwave therapy is a cutting-edge technology used in chiropractic care to accelerate healing, reduce pain, and restore mobility. This non-invasive treatment uses pulses of acoustic (sound) waves that penetrate deep into the tissue, stimulating cellular repair and improving circulation. By activating the body’s natural healing response, Softwave therapy promotes stem cell regeneration, reduces inflammation, and breaks up scar tissue—offering relief from a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

How Does Softwave Shockwave Therapy Work?

Softwave therapy delivers gentle, targeted shockwaves to the affected area. These waves stimulate the release of stem cells at the cellular level and triggers increased blood flow and encourages the release of growth factors. The process supports tissue regeneration and speeds up the recovery process, all without surgery or medication.

Conditions that are helped by Shockwave Therapy by Softwave

• Neuropathy: a condition characterized by damage or dysfunction of the nerves, often resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, weakness, or pain. It commonly affects the hands and feet but can impact any part of the nervous system.

• Knee Pain and Shoulder Pain: Acute injuries to the joints, ligaments and tendons of the knee and shoulder. Also, arthritic changes to the joint, tears in the meniscus or labrum, and post operative scar tissue, inflammation, and healing.

• Chronic Pain: Eases persistent pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and joints.
• Sports Injuries: Accelerates recovery from strains, sprains, tendonitis, and soft tissue damage.
• Arthritis: Reduces inflammation and discomfort related to osteoarthritis and other arthritic conditions.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Provides effective relief for heel pain and foot inflammation.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis: Promotes healing in inflamed tendons and bursae.
• Scar Tissue and Trigger Points: Breaks down adhesions, relaxes tight muscles, and restores flexibility.

Shockwave therapy by Softwave is a safe, drug-free addition to chiropractic care, suitable for both acute injuries and chronic conditions. By harnessing your body’s innate ability to heal, this therapy helps you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

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6. Massage Therapy Services by our Licensed Massage Therapists

Massage therapy is a vital component of holistic chiropractic care, designed to support your body’s natural ability to heal and thrive. Our clinic offers a variety of advanced massage techniques; each tailored to address specific conditions and enhance your overall well-being:

• Deep Tissue Massage: This technique targets deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to release chronic tension, break down scar tissue, and alleviate stubborn pain. It is ideal for chronic back, neck, and shoulder discomfort, as well as postural issues and repetitive strain injuries.
• Myofascial Release: Focusing on the fascia—the connective tissue surrounding muscles—this gentle, sustained technique relieves tightness, improves flexibility, and reduces pain caused by conditions such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and restricted movement after injuries.
• Lymphatic Massage: This light, rhythmic therapy stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce swelling, promote detoxification, and enhance immune function. It is especially helpful for those recovering from surgery, managing lymphedema, or seeking relief from general inflammation and fluid retention.
• Cupping Therapy: Using specialized cups to create gentle suction on the skin, cupping increases blood flow, loosens tight muscles, and draws out toxins. It is beneficial for muscle soreness, sports injuries, tension headaches, and improving mobility.
• Sports Massage: Designed for athletes and active individuals, sports massage focuses on preventing injuries, enhancing performance, and accelerating recovery. It is effective for muscle strains, sprains, overuse injuries, and maintaining peak physical condition.
• Hot Stone Therapy: Smooth, heated stones are placed on specific points of the body to deeply relax muscles, improve circulation, and melt away stress. This therapy is excellent for managing chronic pain, relieving stress and anxiety, and supporting overall relaxation.

Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, improving mobility, recovering from injury, or simply wishing to unwind and restore balance, our skilled massage therapists will customize your session to address your unique concerns and complement your chiropractic care.

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7. Sports Injury and Concussion

Chiropractic care plays a pivotal role in the prevention, recovery, and long-term management of sports injuries and concussions. Through gentle spinal adjustments and advanced therapeutic modalities, chiropractic treatment promotes optimal alignment, reduces inflammation, and accelerates the body’s natural healing processes. For athletes, this means enhanced performance, faster recovery from strains, sprains, and joint dysfunction, and a proactive approach to maintaining peak condition. When it comes to concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI), chiropractic care can help address associated symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and cognitive changes by restoring balance to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

The Power of Cold Laser Therapy for Concussion and TBI

Cold laser therapy (also known as low-level laser therapy) offers a non-invasive, pain-free treatment option for those recovering from concussions and TBI. By delivering gentle light energy to injured tissues, cold laser therapy helps reduce inflammation, improve cellular function, and stimulate the body’s repair mechanisms at the neurological level. Patients often experience relief from headaches, improved mental clarity, and faster recovery times. When integrated into a comprehensive chiropractic care plan, cold laser therapy can support optimal brain health and foster a smoother, more complete return to activity, helping you get back to doing what you love, safely and confidently.

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8. Spinal Decompression Therapy and Cox Flexion-Distraction

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, gentle therapy designed to relieve pressure on the spine and restore proper alignment to the vertebral discs. By utilizing a specialized table or device, this therapy carefully stretches and relaxes the spine in a controlled manner, creating negative pressure within the discs. This process encourages bulging or herniated discs to retract, enhances the flow of oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues, and supports the body’s natural healing processes.

Spinal decompression is especially effective in addressing a range of conditions, including:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Chronic lower back or neck pain
• Sciatica and nerve root compression
• Facet joint syndrome
• Pain caused by spinal stenosis
• Failed back surgery syndrome

This safe, comfortable therapy is often integrated into a comprehensive chiropractic care plan and can be tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Many experience significant pain relief, improved mobility, and a return to daily activities with greater ease. If you’re seeking a non-invasive solution to chronic spinal conditions, spinal decompression may be the answer to helping you move, feel, and live better.