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AS ONE OF 10 CHIROPRACTIC outlets of its type in Arizona, the Inline Network Chiropractic office in Ahwatukee doesn't have a traditional medical office atmosphere or approach.
Instead, it has a group room where soft music and the soothing sounds of water are heard as Jason Kolber and Elissa Katz do spinal adjustments for up to six people.
The husband-and-wife team provide network care, a type of chiropractic care that is focused on a gentle touch and enabling the patientsā spines to become self-correcting so they are less reliant on a chiropractor. A private room is available for those who are uncomfortable with a group setting.
Regardless of the room, patients are referred to as "practice members," according to Kolber, because it implies they are an empowered partner in their health. He said the term "network" care reflects that the nervous system works like a network of computers.
"You can send an e-mail all over the world with one gentle click. With the nervous system, a delicate touch in the right place also can have a global effect," Kolber said.
Katz said the spinal cord is an extension of the brain that sends messages to the body's organs, tissues and cells. Misalignments or problems with the spine can interfere with those messages. She said by gently adjusting the spine, tension in the body and nervous system can be dissipated. This allows people to maximize their body's natural healing capacity and ultimately become self-adjusting.
"Because we experience so much stress our bodies are constantly in a state of fight or flight. The body has no time to recover so it becomes less flexible and able to adapt to stress. It's very difficult for a body to heal," Katz said. "We work to help the body unwind and recover."
Network chiropractic care was developed by Donald Epstein, a chiropractor who based his work on a network of concepts related to the firing of the nervous system, according to Kolber. He said a study at the College of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, showed that network care resulted in improved physical, emotional and psychological well being as well as less stress, positive lifestyle changes and overall better quality of life.
"We're not a cure-all and we're clear with our practice members about that. We just want to help people and families enjoy better health by trusting their bodiesā own inner wisdom" Kolber said.
During their first visit, practice members at Inline Network Chiropractic complete a health profile that Kolber said asks questions about their life and how aspects of it are showing up in their
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body. As part of the visit, the probes of an electromyograph machine are placed along the spine to measure electricity or the firing of the nervous system. Printouts from this machine help identify problem areas and measure improvement.
During the second visit, written goals are set with the practice member, who is given the electromyograph printout. This visit generally lasts 30 minutes with following visits lasting about 15 minutes. The electromyograph machine is used again during a re-evaluation after four weeks. After eight weeks, another questionnaire is given.
Prices for the first visit, which generally lasts an hour, are $100 for adults and $50 for children. Following visits are $25 for adults and $10 for children.
Beyond completing undergraduate schooling and chiropractic school, Kolber and Katz spent an additional three years learning network care from its founder. Kolber said this involved workshops, written exams and a clinical aspect that included seeing patients with Epstein present.
According to him, only 300 people worldwide are certified to practice network chiropractic. Kolber said there are 13 network chiropractors in Arizona.
Previously practicing in Los Angeles, Kolber and Katz founded Inline Network Chiropractic nine months ago. Their practice members include infants, teens, seniors, athletes and others.
One practice member is Joan Emont Leshner of Tempe, who recalled lugging baggage as well as her 4-year-old during a recent trip.
"I rolled my neck back and everything fell into place. It really is self-correcting," she said.
"The fact that a light, gentle touch can radically change someone's life is pretty cool," Kolber said.
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