Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
Dr. Heidi Hansen, of Balanced Health Chiropractic in Charlotte, describes chiropractic care as a natural form of health care to relieve pain and improve the function of the body. It focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal and the nervous system and the effects these disorders can have on the general health of her patients.
Chiropractic doctors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, she explained. They adjust and manipulate the spine and other parts of the body to get them into proper alignment. They also concentrate on the patient’s overall health, which includes diet, nutrition, activity level and exercise.
At Balanced Health, which opened in 2008, you will find chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, foot detox, yoga, cardio dance, Rumble (a new workout of powerful kicks and punches to make you sweat). Ear candles and supplements are also available. Dr. Hansen has three massage therapists available, with one present each day.
Hansen is currently expanding her chiropractic knowledge through coursework in pediatric chiropractic care, as she recognizes a need in her younger patients often due to the trauma of birth on their bodies. The certification, through the International Pediatric Association (IPA), also includes coursework in working with pregnant women. Seventy-five percent of pregnant women suffer from low back or pelvic pain, Hansen explained. Moms, too, can suffer after-effects from pregnancy and childbirth that will respond to chiropractic care. Hansen expects to complete her classes and to be certified by next summer.
Balanced Health has a special bed that opens up so that pregnant women can lay on their stomach for adjustments or massages. It can also help to open the pelvic floor, Hansen explained. Women can be adjusted right up to delivery, and even during delivery.
Children who suffer from ailments of the spine, nerves or joints can benefit from adjustments by their pediatric chiropractor, or if they are injured in an accident or while playing sports.
“I have patients that range from nine-months old to 95 years old who I adjust,” Hansen said. “We adjust babies differently than we do for adults, of course.” Children, and the elderly, respond well with a gentle force. “Chiropractic care on a regular basis is shown to be helpful in maintaining general health, well-being and increased vitality,” Hansen added.
Stress issues are increasing in the middle-school age group, Hansen said. Sports contribute to this, but prolonged computer use also contributes. Neck issues and headaches can develop, along with poor posture, from sitting too long at a computer. “Text neck” (Definition: head forward, shoulders rounded, and back slumped) develops from being hunched over a phone and can occur in both kids and adults. Hansen treats both situations.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, all cleaning protocols are followed at Balanced Health Chiropractic.
Balanced Health Chiropractic center is located at 710 W. Lawrence. Patients are seen by appointment only. Clinic hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m.; Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. To make an appointment, call 517-543-6360.
