Business Spotlight: Local Chiropractor’s Technique Goes Beyond Cracking

Dr. Richard Schwartz, of at 701 Limekiln Pike, offers unique services to the Philadelphia suburbs. That’s because Schwartz says he is the only certified chiropractor within a 15-mile radius of Philadelphia who uses a method known as the “Graston technique,” to help heal his patients.

“The Graston technique is a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization,” Schwartz explained. “It enables us to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and the resulting restrictions that affect normal function, such as in tennis elbow.”

Schwartz, who has practiced in the area for the past 12 years, said he is constantly continuing his education about new techniques and services that can help his patients heal. The Graston technique utilizes metal instruments that separate the individual fibers of tissue and “comb” out the restrictions, which allows for deeper penetration in the tissue. This helps to restore function and reduce pain by breaking the underlying scar tissue and adhesions apart.

"Chiropractic care is more than just making the pain disappear. It is about learning, understanding and taking care of your body to improve your quality of life,” Schwartz said.

An intimate practice of six, Schwartz and his staff say they take the time and care needed to help patients recover from their pain.

 “What sets my practice apart is I am compassionate, gentle and I take my time with each patient, I don’t rush through and if I know I cannot solve an issue, I will refer the patient to another specialist I work with,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz comes from a family of four chiropractors and uniquely developed his career. When asked about his background, Schwartz said that he learned much from working closely with well-known neurosurgeon researcher Jeffrey Yablon, and orthopedic surgeon Marc Allen.

Schwartz also says that he focuses on techniques that can be utilized on different age groups, from ages four to 81, and for an array of conditions including both acute cases such as post-surgery rehabilitation, and chronic cases such as arthritis. He also believes in coordinating care with primary care physicians and specialists when warranted.

 “Most people associate chiropractors with cracking, but that is not all we do. We work with a variety of mediums from massage therapy to ultrasounds, cyrotherapy, electrical muscle stimulation, microcurrent therapy, spinal decompression utilizing a special machine and other techniques.”

“Most of our patients come in for back related injuries, but we also treat carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, pinched nerves, headaches, shoulder problems, whiplash from work injuries or auto accidents and many other conditions,” he continued.

Schwartz says busy season is just around the corner, as winter approaches.

 “We do see an increase in back related issues as soon as the first snow occurs. Many patients come in from injuries resulting from shoveling snow,” Schwartz said. “I remind them to warm up before they go out to shovel, stretch, and throw the snow in front of them, not to the side or behind.”

Schwartz points to one of his more specialized techniques as pregnancy massaging.

“The benefits of massage therapy are well noted,” he said. “Some of the benefits of this therapy include relief from joint and muscle pain, increased blood circulation, as well as stress and depression reduction. The overall result that is sought after in massage therapy is the ability to bring the body to its natural state with increased healing capabilities.”

The doctor is in at 215-283-2844 or www.mapleglenchiro.com.