Chiropractic

Monmouth County Chiropractor, Active Healing Center

Treatment Plan

Immediate Care AND Long-Term Maintenance

Here at the Active Healing Center, we have incorporated a complete spinal rehabilitation program based on the Pettibon System for spinal correction which is backed by over 40 years of research.  This comprehensive program utilizes a variety of tools to mobilize the maximum number of spinal joints and retrain the nervous system to maintain proper posture.  The home rehabilitation portion of the program ensures long-term results and life-long maintenance.  Results can be measured by comparing x-rays taken at commencement of the rehabilitation program, after approximately 90 days of rehabilitation, and at the completion of the program.

An overview of the treatment plan is outlined below.

Warm-Ups:

-to be performed on a daily basis, whether being seen in the office or as a part of the home rehabilitation portion of the program.

Foam-rolling – stretches and mobilizes the muscles and joints of the thoracic and lumbar spine.

6-way Cervical-Dorsal Stretch – stretches and mobilizes the cervical and upper-joints of the thoracic spine.

Wobble-Chair Exercises – Loading and unloading exercises to warm-up the discs and ligaments of the lower spine.  Has several key benefits to assist in healing process of disc and lower spine injuries.

Cervical Traction – Loading and unloading exercise to warm-up the discs and ligaments of the upper spine.  Has several key benefits to assist in healing process of disc and upper spine injuries.

Adjustment:

-occurs only on days the patient is seen in-office

On days when a patient is seen in office, hands on mobilization, Y-traction therapy and nerve stimulation follow the daily warm-ups to aid in the recovery of form and function.

Weighting:

-performed in office and as part of the at-home rehabilitation process once patient has reached that stage in their rehab

Strengthening and retraining of the postural muscles of the spine occurs while using the Pettibon weight system.  Head, shoulder and hip weights will be used to retrain the nervous system and correct postural imbalances.  Wearing these weights while performing a variety of exercises provides posture-altering stimulus for the central nervous system.  Stress x-rays will be taken to determine to proper amount and location of weights used.  Also, to maintain the safety of the patient, frequent pulse oximeter readings will be taken to limit overexertion of the nervous system.

The Pettibon System is a proven spinal rehabilitation program and Dr. Gustafson is extremely excited with the results shown.  The comparison between Pre and Post-treatment x-rays demonstrates long lasting results.  As part of our comprehensive treatment program, we also recommend nutritional supplements to increase vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients, decrease inflammation, and support the immune system.


Here at the Active Healing Center, our most common cases are people with neck and back problems. Some are people who have been living with these symptoms for years and are seeking much needed relief, and others have recently injured themselves. Nonetheless, these patients have been receiving amazing results with Dr. Tom’s unique chiropractic techniques. No two chiropractors are the same. You will find this very true about our facility.

Our wellness programs will commonly consist of: precise chiropractic adjustments, physical rehabilitation and exercise, traction therapy, stretching, restoring nutritional imbalances, and restoring balance and form to the body.

Our goal is to restore your body to its normal structural and functional capacity and optimal health through proper function of your nervous system. We will accomplish this by incorporating a state-of-the-art spinal rejuvenation therapy and whole body wellness program.
We specialize in treating:

  • neck and back disc herniations
  • neck and back pain
  • spinal degenerative joint disease
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Osteoporosis and Rheumatoid arthritis
  • tension and migraine headaches
  • stress-related conditions
  • sports injuries
  • auto-related injuries
  • personal injury cases.

If you have any questions for the doctor or would like to schedule a consultation please call our office.
732-683-0200