Both friends and colleagues have sung the praises of Dr. Ken Berry so I was looking forward to learning more about his practice.  Dr. Berry lives in The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village with his wife Michelle and their two children Davis (8) and Ava (4).  He opened his practice, The Village Chiropractic Center of Florida, at the West Town Center in World Golf Village about two-and-a-half years ago.

I am a chiropractic neophyte.  I’ve never been to a chiropractor and, since I don’t suffer from back pain, I never thought I could benefit from a visit to the chiropractor.  That’s just one of the misconceptions dispelled last week when I visited with Dr. Berry and learned that chiropractic medicine may help manage my migraines.  The other misconception was that chiropractic medicine is a patient driven alternative therapy that the medical community all but ignores.  Actually, a large percentage of the patients at The Village Chiropractic Center are referred by their physicians, and Dr. Berry works closely with several orthopedic, neurological, and family practices in Northeast Florida. 

Dr. Berry’s Village Chiropractic Center is at the cutting edge of chiropractic medicine. The practice draws patients from all over Northeast Florida for its ProAdjuster technology.  This innovative tool is used by Dr. Berry to analyze and adjust the spine to achieve superior results with less trauma and stress to the muscles and joints. Dr. Berry explained, “This instrument is at the forefront of chiropractic medicine. It lets us objectively analyze the patient’s problem and create a therapy that’s repeatable and measurable.”  He went on to explain, “It also helps tremendously with the ‘comfort factor’ since the patient doesn’t have to worry about an adjustment that’s too hard or soft. This tool ensures that the patient receives exactly the right amount of pressure, in the right spot and the next visit will feel the same.  The pressure is personalized expressly for their needs.”  In fact, Dr. Berry uses the ProAdjuster regularly on pro athletes, as well as on his own eight-year-old son, to ease the bumps and knocks from his soccer games and other sports.

Dr. Berry demonstrated the ProAdjuster technology on my right shoulder. The pressure was comfortable, in fact more comfortable than the painful over-kneading from a pedicure massage chair.  The result was instant and noticeable.  My right shoulder, neck, and back were much more relaxed than my left. Dr. Berry’s knowledge and enthusiasm for what he does is readily apparent.  Along with his crack team of associates (pun intended!), he spends a tremendous amount of time educating people about the advantages and advancements of chiropractic medicine.  He attends health fairs, seminars and other outreach programs regularly and will soon have a portable version of the ProAdjuster technology that he will be able to take with him to sporting events and speaking engagements. “I enjoy meeting people and talking with them about their health and healthcare issues. It’s always gratifying to see their relief when they learn there’s something that will help their pain and it’s not another pill or a new surgery.”

Dr. Berry came to chiropractic medicine from nursing. He spent several stressful years as a critical care and transplant nurse and, in his words, “the trauma, pain and suffering really took its toll on me and I needed to practice medicine in a field where I could see the positive difference I was making in people’s lives.”  Already equipped with his nursing degree from the University of Central Florida, Dr. Berry went on to excel at the Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida, graduating Summa Cum Laude and serving as the graduating class’s Salutatorian. His interest in medicine was sparked at a young age when he broke his neck and back playing football and his mother took him to a Chiropractor in an effort to avoid risky surgery.  Six months later the therapy had healed him.  So well, in fact, that he spent four years in the U.S. Army airborne division jumping out of planes.  Today, Dr. Berry is highly regarded as a leader in chiropractic medicine and his practice is one of the most recommended in Northeast Florida.

Who benefits from chiropractic medicine?
We can help many people suffering with chronic pain.  In addition to back pain, we help people who suffer from arthritis, knee pain, migraines and headaches, shoulder and neck pain, TMJ, carpal tunnel syndrome, elbow pain, hip pain, foot pain, sciatica, sports and automobile injuries and more.

What is chiropractic medicine?
Today, through the use of the ProAdjuster technology, chiropractic medicine is a measurable and repeatable therapy that focuses on the relationship between the spine and the musculoskeletal system of the body and overall health.

Why should people consider chiropractic care?
One of the greatest advantages to chiropractic medicine is that patients who respond to treatment can avoid drugs and surgery!  We have countless examples of people who have avoided potentially painful, costly surgery.  Some have even been able to cancel a scheduled surgery after therapy with us.  I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to help people reduce their dependency on pain medications or, in some cases, get rid of their pain medications altogether.  I strongly believe that chiropractic medicine should be the first line therapy many people try when they are suffering from chronic pain. It’s a holistic, comfortable, healthy approach to therapy without potentially dangerous side effects and outrageous costs.

What can a new patient expect?
First of all, we offer a free initial evaluation. I take this very seriously and spend a tremendous amount of time with a new patient. I want to learn as much as possible so I can provide the best advice available. Sometimes that means telling a potential patient they need to see their primary care doctor or a specialist because chiropractic therapy is not the appropriate answer for their problem. But most people who come in for an evaluation will respond very well to chiropractic care so we map out a plan for them.  We find that the majority of patients start feeling better very quickly – sometimes after only one or two treatments. It’s dramatic!

What else do you want people to know about The Village Chiropractic Center?
That we are sensitive to their budget concerns.  Our rates are affordable, and many people don’t realize that most major health plans cover chiropractic care.  We will handle all of the insurance issues for you.  Our office team will contact your insurance company, verify your benefits, discuss payment options prior to care, and file your insurance claims for you.

For me, the only painful part of my visit to The Village Chiropractic Center was not having time to try out their new Hydromassage bed! This space-age looking bed got rave reviews from a friend of mine who was thrilled that only 15 minutes on the hydromassage bed left her feeling like she had an hour massage without the hassle – no undressing, no oils, no downtime.  I plan on trying it out soon for a mid-day pick-me-up instead of a triple latte!

You can learn more about The Village Chiropractic Center of Florida by visiting their website at www.thevillagechiropractor.com or call them at 904-940-0361.