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Interviews
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Interviews
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Written by George Curry, DC
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Friday, 22 April 2005 13:43 |
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For Dr. George Curry, chiropractic is truly a family affair. “I graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1982, my stepfather graduated from Palmer in the 60's, my stepbrother in the 70’s and my nephew graduated in 2002. The two oldest of my six children plan to enroll in chiropractic college in 2006 and 2008,” says Dr. Curry. This Connecticut-based chiropractor heads a successful, high volume family practice in which he utilizes his own experience, knowledge and education, along with that of family and mentors to deliver the best possible care to his clients.
In an interview with The American Chiropractor (TAC), Dr. Curry describes what inspired him in the beginning, what keeps him inspired, and how he sees chiropractic now and in the future. Clearly, his devotion to his clients and to chiropractic makes him a TAC “Amazing Chiropractor.”
TAC: What originally sparked your interest in chiropractic?
Curry: When I was a child, I slipped from a tree that I was climbing and landed flat on my back. The wind was knocked out of me but, otherwise, I felt fine.
A short time later, I developed severe migraine headaches. My mother, who was a single parent, took me to several specialists, which lead to extensive hospital diagnostic testing. The doctors could only recommend strong medication, which my mother did not want me to take. I would suffer from 2-3 days of sickness each month.
At age seven, when I met my stepfather, who was a chiropractor, he examined my spine and found that my C2 was severely rotated. He began adjusting my spine and, for the first time, I was free of headaches. Now, when I see patients in my office who suffer from headaches, I can sympathize with them. I find great satisfaction in helping them get their lives back. The ability to improve the quality of a person’s life is a great gift.
TAC: What type of patients do you generally treat or attract?
Curry: I run a high volume family practice that cares for up to three generations of patients. All of our patients are educated as to the value of lifetime chiropractic care. Vertebral subluxation detection and correction is the cornerstone of our educational program. I believe that, when patients understand the devastating effects of the vertebral subluxation complex and the tremendous benefits of living a life subluxation-free, they will be motivated to refer their family and friends to our office. Patients who have had subluxation correction frequently respond in our office to conditions like asthma, ear infections, and digestive disorders.
TAC: What techniques do you use & why?
Curry: I practice the techniques I learned at Palmer including Upper Cervical Specific, Gonstead, Thompson, and Pierce. These techniques allow me to utilize state-of-the-art chiropractic adjusting.
TAC: What type(s) of diagnostic testing procedures do you use and why?
Curry: Each patient receives a thorough orthopedic, neurologic and chiropractic examination. Chiropractic analysis includes postural analysis, spinal range of motion, static and motion palpation, leg length analysis and chiropractic instrumentation. We utilize plain film radiology and the digital motion X-ray for vertebral subluxation analysis. We use the Dermathermograph and the Tytron. These procedures allow me to analyze the spine to find out when I need to adjust the spine and to monitor the body’s physiology relative to nerve interference. Specific adjusting, when done only at the right place at the right time, will help chronic and difficult cases.
TAC: Tell us your most amazing patient success story.
Curry: Over the years, I have seen thousands of miracles through chiropractic care. One of the most rewarding and satisfying experiences was that of the Christian Chiropractors Association’s mission work in Poland, in 1994. I was able to perform over a thousand adjustments per day and see people wait in lines spanning city blocks for the opportunity to have their spines checked. We had countless miraculous testimonials videotaped each day. I was able to go into the public schools and check and adjust all the students as they dismissed them.
TAC: Is there any one thing or incident that really impacted your growth as a chiropractor and/or your practice’s growth?
Curry: I can honestly say that I can attribute most of my success to the mentors who helped me from the beginning of my practice. My technique mentors are Dr. Joe Stucky and the late Drs. Michael Kale, Clay Thomson and Vern Pierce. My philosophy mentors are Dr. Reggie Gold, Dr. James Sigafoose and the late Dr. Fred Barge.
My practice success models are Dr. R.C. Herfert and Dr. Sid Williams. I met Dr. Herfert while I was a student at Palmer. He was my roommate’s father. Dr. Herfert practiced in Michigan and was seeing 200-300 people a day in one of the largest and most modern offices in the country. He was one of the first chiropractors in the world to completely manage and automate his practice with computers. I was fortunate enough to learn how to run a high volume, profitable practice, built on the chiropractic principles developed by D.D. and B.J. Palmer.
These doctors along with the help of the ICA (International Chiropractic Association) have been the springboards to my success.
TAC: What marketing strategies do you use to attract new patients and keep current patients?
Curry: We use all the standard New Patient marketing procedures including direct mail, outside lectures and spinal screenings. I have hosted a 30-minute television show, called “Today’s Health”, which airs weekly across the state of Connecticut. Our high retention is a factor of our patient education program. In addition to our two-day Report of Findings (ROF), we have weekly health care classes to teach people the principles of lifetime chiropractic care. After the 12th and 24th visit, the patient receives an additive ROF.
TAC: With your practice being a mix of cash-based and insurance-based, can you tell our readers your advice about setting up and maintaining such a practice in today’s healthcare system?
Curry: Our practice is a mix of cash and third party pay. Patients who are in relief phase of care utilize their insurance, and people in corrective and wellness care pay cash. I feel it would be difficult to manage your practice without an efficient chiropractic computer software program. Herfert computer management system has been fantastic for us.
TAC: Where do you see the future of chiropractic headed?
Curry: There has never been a better time to be a chiropractor. Chiropractic is positioned to take its place as the leader in the wellness revolution. People want to live their lives to their full potential without the use of drugs and surgery.
You may contact Dr. Curry at
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or call 860-668-1218.
Editor’s Note: Do you know an Amazing Chiropractor that you’d like TAC to highlight in our The Amazing Chiropractor series? Contact Carey Berends, by phone at 888-668-8728 or 305-434-8865, or email
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. We want your inspiring story! Contact us today!
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Interviews
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Written by Steve Shanks
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Friday, 22 April 2005 13:41 |
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Interview with Steve Shanks, Vice President of Erchonia Medical.
TAC: Tell us about your product and what it does?
Shanks: The Erchonia laser is the first low level laser to receive FDA market clearance; Erchonia opened a whole new industry in non-invasive patient care. We currently have FDA approval for chronic neck and shoulder pain and post-surgical pain. We should have another approval for the treatment of acne by the time this article is published. We are also doing clinical trials on wound healing, burns, carpal tunnel and several other indications.
TAC: How did you develop this product?
Shanks: We started in the laser business in 1996, when my partner, Kevin Tucek, started fixing lasers from Europe. At that time, he built his first prototype and filed his patents and we have been growing ever since. We currently have several device and application patents and have several more pending. We continue to do ongoing product development, which is proven through the many patents we have.
TAC: Is there any training needed to successfully use your product?
Shanks: Yes, and that is one of the problems. For chiropractors, we definitely feel there is a need for training. You can point and shoot and get results similar to ultrasound; but if you really want to learn to use a laser, go to a seminar by John Brimhall, Jeff Spencer, John Donofrio or Dan Murphy and Richard Amy, You can see some of the biggest names in chiropractic lecture on how to use the Erchonia laser, because they know it works and their reputations are on the line.
TAC: Are there any precautions that need to be taken before using it?
Shanks: That depends on the laser. There are no known side effects with low level lasers, but they are lasers. Depending on the power, some require safety glasses and some don’t. There are class IV lasers that are now approved that are being marketed to chiropractors. A lot of these lasers are not in their scope of practice or you have to start putting interlocking mechanisms on your doors before you can use them. The doctors really need to do their homework
TAC: Is there anything controversial about the use of your product or others like it?
Shanks: Yes. This is a new industry and, just like a lot of other industries, manufacturers will say anything to sell you a laser. Most don’t have the proper regulations to even sell their product. Some companies are advertising light products as laser and all the research says light therapy is not nearly as effective as laser therapy. There is a lot of bad information out there on depth of penetration and power. Penetration and power do not guaranty a good clinical result. Look at the science and research behind a device before you purchase any medical device.
TAC: What are some of the comments you get back from chiropractors and/or their patients?
Shanks: I have testimonials on every condition you can imagine but, because of FDA restrictions, I will leave it at that. The doctors that have the lasers love them and a lot of them purchase multiple units as their practices begin to grow, because of the results they are getting. We did a survey of Erchonia purchasers and the doctors that replied back stated that their practices have grown an average of 5% to 50% because of our equipment.
Chiropractors are the best doctors for low level laser therapy because they understand how the whole body works together. Other professions keep chasing symptoms.
TAC: What are specific areas in which your product works best?
Shanks: Any musculoskeletal condition or anything that has to do with pain or tissue healing. I believe the applications are as limited as the doctor’s imagination. In the future, I believe that lasers will be as big in healing as the computer is to information technology.
TAC: Is your product being tested in other areas currently?
Shanks: Yes. We are currently doing clinical trials on burns, wound healing, carpal tunnel, acne, neck and shoulder pain, knee replacements, bunion surgery and hair restoration, just to name few.
TAC: What do you say to doctors interested in your product?
Shanks: The Erchonia low level laser is the most researched low level laser in the world, but do your homework. Do not listen to a sales pitch. Ask what research has been done and what has been published with the device that you are purchasing. Don’t purchase something from someone whose laser is just as good as an Erchonia laser unless they can prove it through the research they’ve done. We spend more money on research and patents than all of the other low level laser companies combined. We opened up the market in the US and plan to stay ahead of everyone else by giving our customers the quality and research backing they deserve.
TAC: To what type of doctor does your product appeal most?
Shanks: Chiropractic is our biggest market, but we also sell to physical therapists, plastic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists and pretty much every other medical profession. I believe Erchonia will help bridge the gap between the professions. We have more surgeons wanting to come to chiropractic seminars to learn how to treat pain.
TAC: Tells us the difference between ultrasound and cold lasers and when a doctor should choose one over the other?
Shanks: There is a new study that just came out that shows ultrasound works better for treating carpal tunnel than laser, if you are using an infrared laser. That is one of the reasons we don’t build infrared lasers. I believe I know why this is, but I don’t want to give my competitors an edge. I believe that we will be able to show better results with the Erchonia laser when our clinical trial is finished.
TAC: How is your laser different from others?
Shanks: We have done a lot of cellular research, which helps us tune our lasers into the precise power. We know through our research that, if we treat the body with too much power, the cells shut down and you get very little effect. There is a biological law called Arnat/Shultz that states “weak stimuli excites biological activity.” We also know, through research, that by pulsing the laser we can get much better effects than with constant wave lasers. We believe that is the biggest difference between Erchonia Medical and everybody else.
For more information, contact Erchonia Medical, at 4751 E. Indigo St., Mesa, AZ 85205. Phone 480-633-3129 or 888-242-0571; email
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or visit www.erchonia.com.
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Interviews
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Written by Kent Greenawalt
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Friday, 22 April 2005 13:38 |
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Kent S. Greenawalt, President and CEO of Foot Levelers, Inc., in Roanoke, Virginia, has, for years, helped revolutionize chiropractic care by developing and patenting many chiropractic products for everyday patient use.
Now he has embarked on a new project to unite the profession in an effort to change the public’s perception of chiropractic care, once and for all.
Kent Greenawalt founded the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, a nonprofit foundation formed to spearhead The Campaign for Chiropractic.
The Campaign for Chiropractic had its first historic moment on November 8, 2003, when, at the annual Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (COCSA) meeting in Las Vegas, NV, twenty leaders in the chiropractic community agreed to support a united national public relations campaign for the profession. The leaders signed the Declaration of National Public Relations Unity, agreeing to “put the brakes on” and not do any public relations on their own. The leaders then signed the Pledge of National Public Relations Unity that, essentially, “committed us to doing our public relations together,” according to Kent Greenawalt.
In an interview with The American Chiropractor (TAC), Greenawalt discusses the Campaign—how it will work, what it will achieve, and why it will succeed.
TAC: Tell us about The Campaign for Chiropractic.
Greenawalt: The Campaign for Chiropractic is the result of several years’ effort to come together as a profession to reach one goal: to get the public to “go see a chiropractor”.
This requires getting all the “legs of the stool” to support this goal. We need all facets of the profession involved: The doctors, vendors, colleges, and all organizations associated with chiropractic. We also have an army of 20 million patients that can help us get the word out about the benefits of this great profession.
TAC: What are the reactions, so far, from chiropractors about the Campaign?
Greenawalt: The Campaign has gotten overwhelming support from individual practitioners, the associations, colleges, publications and vendors. It has received both financial and in-kind support to help make the Campaign a success.
TAC: Some years ago, the International Chiropractic Association (ICA) and American Chiropractic Association (ACA) tried to accomplish more or less the same thing. How do you think people perceive this attempt now?
Greenawalt: I believe that, due to the current state of the profession, people are realizing the time is now to finally work together to get something done. The fact that the profession couldn’t agree on how it should be done before is the reason The Campaign for Chiropractic can succeed. For this campaign, we’ve taken a business approach. The Campaign for Chiropractic is being run by public relations experts, not by chiropractors. And they’ve done the research to support the campaign strategy. This time, we are going to let the experts help us do the job. We are doctors, not public relations or marketing experts; and we need the help of professional PR firms with this effort.
TAC: Up to this point, have you received a lot of support and/or donations from the profession?
Greenawalt: Initially, large financial donations have been made by Mark Sanna of Breakthrough Coaching and by Joseph Doyle of the Doyle Group, which publishes Chiropractic Economics. Dynamic Chiropractic has committed space to regular coverage of The Campaign. Many recurring and one-time donations have been made by practitioners and organizations. We have received international support from Canada, Germany, and Norway. Can you believe that they want to help us with a U.S.A. campaign?
Currently, announcements are very close to being made on a number of six-figure pledges. We are so grateful for the leadership that has inspired these contributions, and we are sure this is only the beginning of a consistent flow of support from the entire profession.
TAC: Do you feel that, this time, an attempt in uniting the profession is going to work?
Greenawalt: This is a first step. We have agreed that we all want to serve more patients. We are working toward that goal. Based on the response to date, I am very optimistic about this campaign. But it is up to the profession, as a whole, to cultivate a larger vision and commitment to the future of chiropractic. It will take all of us making a long-term commitment to make this campaign succeed.
TAC: What will Foot Levelers, in organizing this campaign, specifically get out of it?
Greenawalt: All boats rise on a high tide. Foot Levelers is part of the chiropractic profession. When the profession grows, we all grow. The whole point of this campaign is to ensure the health and future of the chiropractic profession and increase our market share. All will benefit: individual practices, chiropractic colleges, associations, publications, and vendors.
TAC: What’s your specific motivation?
Greenawalt: Results. We’ve been a profession for 110 years. We get negative press, see far fewer people than we should, and we don’t let the world know how good we are. It’s been too long with too little results in being properly recognized and respected. Let’s change that.
TAC: Were any of the findings of the PR company (about the public opinion) a surprise to you?
Greenawalt: The public lacks information on chiropractic. They haven’t gotten the right message and that’s why it’s worth it for us to work so hard to change public perception. Knowing what the survey results were just makes it essential, in my mind, to get the message out about the good that chiropractic does and get more people into chiropractic clinics to experience it for themselves.
TAC: What are the first public actions to be taken to prove the value of chiropractic treatment to the public? TV, radio, newspapers, what about the internet?
Greenawalt: The campaign will be multi-tiered and multi-yeared. There will be three components: national, local, and fundraising. As we’ve already pointed out, we are trusting the experts to design and execute the strategy; but I fully expect that all three components will be going on at the same time.
Of course, national, regional, and local media outlets as well as the Internet will be involved. But we will defer to the firms to communicate the strategy and to execute it.
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The Previous Nationwide Campaign Promoters ACA/ICA Talk about their Experience with the Alliance for Chiropractic Progress Campaign (1996-1999)
What the experience taught the profession and how the knowledge gained then can be applied in future campaigns, to obtain the desired results.
Quote by The International Chiropractic Association (ICA)
“ICA stepped forward and invested upwards of $1 million in the Alliance for Chiropractic Progress, and that joint project taught us that, even with ten times the budget, chiropractic could never buy enough advertising to break through into the broad public awareness we all sought to do. What ICA sees as the most practical route to using the media to educate the public about chiropractic is a regular stream of high-profile, positive stories and an aggressive placement strategy.”
Ronald M. Hendrickson
ICA Executive Director
Quote by The American Chiropractic Association (ACA)
“A lot of hard work went into (the campaign), but at that time it was difficult to come up with a package that could be utilized by the entire profession, because we were unable to reach a consensus on some of the marketing strategies,” noted Dr. Reeve Askew, former ACA executive committee member and Alliance steering committee member. “The concept was good, but the implementation was very difficult at times due, in part, to different ideologies and philosophies.”
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TAC: Many years ago, the dentistry industry did a similar PR Campaign to the point where everybody needs to go twice a year to the dentist for preventive care. What are lessons we can learn from them?
Greenawalt: It’s an excellent example of what can be done with chiropractic. Have you tried getting an appointment with a dentist? Their practices are very busy with patients seeking dental care. Their message was heard.
In the chiropractic profession, our research is strong, our results are excellent, we are effective in what we do, and we are safe. People need to know that.
TAC: I think everybody has these questions on their mind; how much is this going to cost, and how long can we continue?
Greenawalt: We don’t want anyone to be misled. Professional public relations services cost money. We are looking at seven-figure budgets on an annual basis to start with. We want to raise two million dollars the first year to do the work that has to be done. And, over the course of the campaign, it goes up each year to $12,000,000 in the fifth year.
Advertising costs a lot more, that’s why we have to rely on positive public relations. And to get that, we need everyone contributing as much as they can on a regular basis. It needs to be built into their budget as a normal cost of doing business.
We need to continue this type of support forever. This is a long-term effort to better an entire profession. We can’t turn our effort on and off like a light switch. You don’t say, “I’m going to take care of my health for five years and then quit doing it and see what happens.” The reality is, I’m going to take care of my health forever, because I know that’s going to enable me to accomplish everything else. It has to be in our DNA to take care of this profession—to help it grow and prosper.
TAC: Is there any other incentive for the chiropractors who donated, besides the exposure?
Greenawalt: The incentive is in having all of the legs of the stool win. The incentive is having chiropractors caring for more patients, chiropractic colleges increasing their enrollments, and chiropractic vendors selling more supplies because the practices are growing. This campaign is not about instant gratification, it is about a bigger and better vision for the profession.
TAC: Any final words for our readers?
Greenawalt: Yes. Support The Campaign for Chiropractic! We need you! Commit yourself today to being part of this campaign. Just like you pay your light bill and your rent, commit today to giving $100 a month to the campaign, because it’s a normal cost of doing business. Get out your credit card and make a financial commitment to The Campaign for Chiropractic.
Call the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, 1-800-777-4860, to commit your support.
You may contact the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress toll free at 800-777-4860 or by email at
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. Donations by check are payable to the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress and should be mailed to the Foundation at P.O. Box 12611, Roanoke, VA 24027-2611. Donations also may be made with major credit cards.
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Interviews
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Written by Ken Krimpelbein, DC
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Tuesday, 15 March 2005 03:06 |
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Dr. Ken Krimpelbein, former high school physical education teacher and personal trainer, and a 1995 graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College, is now the owner of a successful multidiscipline practice in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. He presently employs three chiropractors, a massage therapist, a registered dietician, five personal trainers and will soon have a physical therapist and a neurologist on staff. “Treat your patients the way you would want to be treated. Implement nothing in your office unless you, yourself, would want that service,” is the cornerstone of his success.
In an interview with The American Chiropractor (TAC), Dr. Krimpelbein describes his practice now, and how he sees it and chiropractic in the future. With his dedication to his patients and to the chiropractic profession, he is a TAC “Amazing Chiropractor.”
TAC: How did you become involved in chiropractic, Dr. Krimpelbein?
Krimpelbein: In the summer of 1990, I was living above a chiropractic practice while I was doing my undergraduate studies in physical education and health. The girl I was dating at the time got a bug up her butt and wanted to move out to California; I had nothing better to do, so I moved out there with her. During the day, I would teach high school physical education and health classes and, in the evenings, I would ride my bike to a chiropractor’s office and personal train some of his clientele. The chiropractor I worked for had a fitness center connected to his practice. That is when the light went on.
Soon after this experience, I called my friend, Dr. John Freidrichs, who was enrolled at Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Missouri. He told me to get my butt to Kansas City. The next thing you know, I had packed up a U-Haul and moved from California to Kansas City. I often tell other chiropractors that they did not choose chiropractic. Chiropractic chooses us. We are the chosen ones.
TAC: What types of patients do you generally treat or attract?
Krimpelbein: We treat anybody with a spine. The conditions we see in our office are no different than those that are seen in any other chiropractic office. My job is to take the spine from where it is to where it needs to be, regardless of the patients symptoms.
TAC: What techniques do you use and why?
Krimpelbein: Techniques that we use include Diversified, Chiropractic Bio-Physics and Cox Flexion Distraction. My motto is, “Fit the technique to the patient, not the patient to your technique.”
TAC: Tell us your most amazing patient success story.
Krimpelbein: I can’t tell you one that sticks out the most, but I can tell you about the patient that resonates with me the most—the patient that comes in here with the mindset that I’m going to make them feel better and they leave here with the mindset knowing that they’re responsible for their health. Based on that information, this patient decides, on their own, to continue with chiropractic wellness care, implement a sound nutritional program, and become a member at the health club I own. That is the reason that I get out of bed each morning. As chiropractors, we preach the inside out philosophy of healing, yet, most of our interventions are outside in. To me, a true inside out healer is one that has the ability to empower the patient to realize that they’re responsible for their health, not their doctor and certainly not their insurance company.
TAC: Is there any one thing or incident that really impacted your growth as a chiropractor and/or your practice’s growth?
Krimpelbein: Currently, I am a senior coach of Breakthrough Coaching. I originally became a Breakthrough Coaching client because of my desire to master Rehab/Active Care. Presently, I’m creating a multidiscipline practice. Multidiscipline practice is not for everyone. Thanks to my staff, I am able to run a very successful chiropractic practice. Other professions are certainly not needed in this practice.
However, I really struggle knowing that there are procedures that could help my patients that I can’t offer. Many times I feel uncomfortable referring to other professionals, because I don’t know what is being said to them when they are outside the walls of my facility.
At this time, my facility employs three chiropractors, a massage therapist, a registered dietician, five personal trainers and, in the near future, a physical therapist and a neurologist. The neurologist that is going to be working in this facility is not just any medical doctor. He has an M.D., Ph.D., Pharm.D. and an M.B.A., and played a key role in removing Vioxx from the market. He is very wellness based and I look forward to building on the relationship that we have established.
TAC: What marketing strategies do you use to attract new patients and to keep current patients?
Krimpelbein: Hands down, the one thing that has built this facility is my New Patient Orientation. I’ve been in practice now for ten years and have consistently done a New Patient Orientation every other week. Our Patient Visit Average (PVA) on a patient that attends a New Patient Orientation is double that of one that does not. The purpose of the New Patient Orientation is to sell the principle of chiropractic. Care plans tend to run out, but the principle lives forever. Once a patient grasps the inside out principle of healing, they are yours for life. It is also a great opportunity for them to not only buy into the message, but for them to buy into the messenger.
TAC: With your practice being multidisciplinary, can you tell our readers your advice about setting up and maintaining such a practice in today’s healthcare system?
Krimpelbein: My advice in creating a multidisciplinary practice is to not build a house of cards. Make sure you have all of your policies, procedures and protocols in place before another professional, such as a physical therapist or medical doctor, comes into your clinic. You do not want the inmates to run the asylum. If you’re not sure where to start, find yourself a reputable consultant with a good track record to help you with this process. Mistakes cannot only be costly, they can jeopardize your license.
TAC: Where do you see the future of chiropractic headed?
Krimpelbein: The wellness revolution is here and we are positioned perfectly to take over that role, but we all have our responsibilities. I can’t fathom why anybody would not belong to a national or state organization and would not contribute their money or energy toward the advancement of this great profession. I’m proud to be a coach for a team that just contributed $500,000 toward the Campaign for Chiropractic. I hope other organizations step up to the plate as well.
TAC: Any final words for our readers?
Krimpelbein: Treat your patients the way you would want to be treated. Implement nothing in your office unless you, yourself, would want that service.
You may contact Dr. Krimpelbein via email at
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Interviews
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Written by TAC Staff
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Tuesday, 15 February 2005 01:44 |
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We interviewed eight representatives from the leading manufacturers of chiropractic tables to find out what’s new and what makes each company unique. From new, electronic features and tables made for specific techniques to tables that adapt to any technique, these companies, with a combined experience of almost 300 years, have something for everyone.
Lloyd Table Company
Lloyd Table Company is continually striving to make a table(s) that will meet all of the needs of today’s chiropractor, thus enhancing the health of the entire world through chiropractic care.
We know that most doctors use multiple techniques when they adjust. Our goal at Lloyd Table Company is to manufacture one table that will adapt to any technique, whether it is Activator, Flexion–Distraction, Thompson-type drops, Gonstead, CBP, SOT, Upper Cervical, Decompression or any other technique.
We pride ourselves on using cutting edge technology to help make the adjustment process easier. Some of the many new tables/features we are working on are:
• CBP-Type Drops, Elevating head & chest
• Drop Ankle–Manual & Automatic Cocking (extremity adjusting)
• Galaxy 905HS—This table has the capability to hylo & elevate in just over 8 seconds. The 905HS has an incredible height range from 18" to 38"
• Galaxy McManis Elevation 05—This table has the capability to elevate from 18" to 38" with up to 24 degrees of flexion.
Lloyd A. Steffensmeier, DC, is President and CEO Lloyd Table Company, one of the largest manufacturers of chiropractic adjusting tables in the world, located in Lisbon, Iowa. Dr. Steffensmeier began manufacturing equipment in 1963 from the basement of his Mt. Vernon practice and the company has steadily grown to encompass an approximately 50,000 square foot facility. For more information on Lloyd Table Company, call 800-553-7297/319-455-2110, or visit www.lloydtable.com.
Eckard HealthTables
I invented motorized flexion distraction, in 1981. I first built tables we named Leander. Then, after a few years of great success and professional acceptance, I sold the company to a Wall Street tycoon type, who proved his superior intellect and left me talking to myself.
After five years, I designed a new table that also incorporated flexion distraction and some new concepts, which have since been proven very effective treating patients. The mission of my efforts, as the principle of my company, has always been to serve the chiropractic profession and provide the best equipment and seminars possible.
Actually, I have long since developed a superior adjusting technique to reduce subluxations using the flexion distraction motion to assist in making the spinal corrections during motion.
The newest feature in my table is the two step pelvic drop device, which allows the doctor to correct just one sacroiliac articulation without insulting the integrity of the other sacroiliac articulation.
Dr. Leander Eckard graduated from Cleveland College of Chiropractic in Kansas City in 1964. He practiced chiropractic in his home state of Washington for 30 years. Since surviving a crash in a personal airplane in 1990, he has limited his practice to demonstrations at Parker Seminars and various State seminars. He presently lives in Idaho with his wife of 13 years, Diane.
Elite Chiropractic Tables
Elite Manufacturing has been in the chiropractic industry for over 30 years. Our chiropractic tables are considered to be the workhorses of the industry. Our mission is to provide chiropractors with the very best tables at a great price.
Our tables have been designed with a variety of techniques in mind, including but not limited to, Thompson, flexion-distraction and diversified. With the majority of chiropractors practicing a form of diversified technique, we have found that our tables will suit most, if not all, techniques being used by today’s chiropractor.
We have recently developed the ET Flex table (electric tension controlled flexion table). This table allows chiropractors to adjust the flexion with just a tap of a foot switch. This feature is superior to the manual tension control, which can be awkward and time-consuming. We have also developed our own distraction table, which allows the doctor to create axial tension in the lumbar spine. These features are allowing chiropractors to treat a wider variety of patients.
For more information, call Elite Chiropractic Tables, 800-689-4730; email
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; or visit www.elite-chirotables.com.
Health Care Manufacturing, Inc. (HCMI)
The support of the chiropractic profession is the number one priority at HCMI. We take great pride in offering the highest quality X-ray systems, chiropractic adjusting tables and electro therapy units. HCMI will continue to develop new and exciting product innovations in an effort to supply chiropractors with the tools to grow their profession.
HCMI manufactures a full line of chiropractic adjusting and therapy tables. It is this diversity that insures that we can build a table suited for just about any of your clinical needs.
Since 1989, HCMI has designed, manufactured, and marketed a wide range of products to the chiropractic profession. Starting as a table manufacturer, HCMI’s growth and popularity allowed an expansion of the product line to include electro therapy units and, starting in 1999, 100 kHz high frequency radiographic systems. This has given HCMI the most comprehensive product line manufactured under one roof and the convenience of one stop shopping.
Rob Brice is a regional sales manager of Health Care Manufacturing. For more information about HCMI, call 800-641-4107/417-864-6511, or visit www.healthcaremfg.com.
Williams Healthcare
For nearly 100 years, Williams Healthcare Systems continues to lead the world in developing, manufacturing and marketing Zenith chiropractic adjusting instruments, and related products that enable the doctor to provide a consistent level of high quality healthcare delivery to their patients throughout the life of their practice.
To that end, the company shall always endeavor to delight its customers with products and services which result from good manufacturing practices, ethical decision-making and on-going efforts to continuously improve the products, processes and services to achieve that objective, every day!
Our chiropractic tables are designed to support the practice of the generalist all the way through to the specialist.
Our Zenith adjusting instrument family compliments the widest range of multiple technique clinics, because they were designed by great innovators of chiropractic technique.
The NEW Zenith III table family incorporates state-of-the-art electronic control systems, auto-cocking “Terminal Point” airdrops, the supple “Sensation” upholstery and a product warranty that is unmatched in the industry.
The company is also very proud to offer the family of motorized flexion distraction tables designed and built to the demanding specification of Leander J. Eckard, DC, and has recently brought on-board the phenomenal work of two doctors, Dennis Woggon, DC, related to scoliosis treatment and chiropractic vibrating therapy and Arthur Copes, PhD, related to scoliosis treatment, bracing and nutritional management. In addition, the company is offering a brand new suite of Gonstead adjusting instruments that feature a clean and beautiful aesthetic design, rugged construction and uniquely-important features that will no doubt delight the Gonstead practitioner.
Thomas J. Kenny is President & CEO of Williams Healthcare Systems. For more information on Williams Healthcare Systems, call 847-741-3650, or visit www.williams-healthcare.com.
Hessco
The Schultz family has been serving the chiropractic table market for 45 years. My brother, Doug, and I grew up attending chiropractic conventions and working on chiropractic tables. The third generation has now begun serving the chiropractic profession.
Hessco has grown from 1 location with 3 employees to 13 locations and 65 employees by offering service after the sale. Our service techs average over 18 years of experience. Hessco also offers the chiropractor a choice of many table brands. This allows us to help find the table that is right for the doctor. As the world’s largest dealer for Leander, Lloyd, Zenith, Chattanooga, and Aquathermassage, Hessco is trusted by these table companies to provide world-class customer service. Hessco also offers tables from 20 other table manufacturers. We have over 500 used tables in stock, all of which will be completely reconditioned with the doctor’s choice of colors. Reconditioned tables come with up to a 2-year parts warranty.
We are able to offer many different models that will fit all techniques.
The chiropractic table business is constantly changing and growing. Our sales reps are always undergoing training to keep up with the many new products continually entering the market.
David Schultz is the owner of Hessco. For more information about Hessco, call 800-237-5652, or visit www.hessco.com.
LSI International
We, at LSI, have adopted the phrase Loyalty, Service and Integrity, to go along with the initials of our company. These three words truly exemplify our mission statement. We strive to build the highest quality, most reliable products on the market, while being loyal to the profession by providing exceptional customer service and always being honest in our business dealings with both our vendors and customers.
Since the table we manufacture is the Quantum 400 Intersegmental Traction table, there aren’t really any particular adjusting techniques that are used with it. Its primary function is to cause separation of the vertebra and to elongate and relax the trapezius, erector spinae and paraspinal muscles. This will help ease pain and spasm and make it easier for the doctor to adjust the patient.
Instead of moving the roller carriage on our table using rubber casters, we now use a rail system. We have the exclusive LSI Glide-Trak system, which consists of four permanently lubricated blocks that glide effortlessly over a polished steel rail. This eliminates the problem of the rubber casters wearing away and becoming very noisy and messy.
Mark Reiter is the Senior Vice-President of LCI International. For more information, call LSI International at 800-832-0053l, or visit http://www.lsiinternational.com.
EuroTech
Eurotech is one of the few table companies to be owned by a practicing DC, who knows and understands the problems and rewards in treating patients through chiropractic.
Our goal is to make the best tables available at the best price. As Eurotech’s owner, I will personally guide the doctor through his or her buying experience to make it as smooth and easy as possible, and then work with the doctor after the sale to help him or her get the most benefit from their new table.
Any form of flexion-extension therapy works well on the Eurotech tables. We furnish technique manuals as well as a thorough DVD, in order to teach the doctor always to get the most benefit from their new table. The doctor can use diversified and drop techniques as well. Eurotech tables can do double and triple duty as exam and therapy tables.
R.A.D., or Remote Access Distraction, now allows the doctor not only to do long axis distraction, but cycled spinal decompression easily and quickly through the use of the R.A.D. digital control module. This feature rivals tables costing ten to twenty times more. We also have the new R.A.D. II headpiece that permits cervical distraction as well as cervical flexion. We are very excited about a new feature called “E.W.T.”, or Euroflex-Wave-Technology. This new design will make flexion even easier for the doctor and the patient alike and, yet, still cost less than any electric flexion table on the market!
Dr. Gary Huddleston is the owner and C.E.O of Eurotech Mfg. His current practice is composed only of the film, entertainment, music industry and professional athletes.
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