Celebrating its 75th year, Dr. Webb and Associates is one of the oldest chiropractic clinics in the area, and the first one to open in Washington. Current owner Christopher Webb, D.C., is a third-generation chiropractor who says he had a "genetic predisposition" in his career choice. His grandfather, Dr. Raymond Ralph Webb, established the clinic in 1933 and his father, Dr. Michael Webb Sr., and brother, Dr. Michael Webb Jr., have kept the clinic running and in the family until Dr. Christopher Webb took over ownership in January 1999. His father, Michael Webb, Sr., is still on staff at the clinic.
With over 135 years of combined family experience, Webb said the clinic prides itself on staying on top of the latest chiropractic news and research. Specializing in neck and back pain, the clinic is a "one-stop shop" for ailments. With a trained staff of 25 people, including 9 massage therapists, four chiropractors, an anesthesiologist and an occupational therapist, Webb said he wants everyone to know that there is an "old, well-established clinic right in their own back yard."
After learning a new patient's medical history and giving them a physical, the clinic has a variety of options for treatment. The first is spinal manipulationóthe cornerstone of chiropractic treatment. The clinic also offers a fully-equipped spinal rehabilitation suite and various forms of physical therapy with a staff of trained professionals to assist in the process.
The clinic offers on-site acupuncture, pressure point and muscle stimulation therapies. A type of therapy called Flexion-Distraction is a gentle form of lumbar traction used to treat herniated or bulged discs. Dr. Christopher Webb is certified in this procedure and has also recently completed a post-graduate program in orthopedics that enables him to better diagnose and treat those with orthopedic conditions using non-surgical methods. Less than 1% of all chiropractors in the United States have this distinction, Webb said. He is currently enrolled in a similar post-doctorate program focused on Neurology.
"We're kind of a one-stop shop," Webb said. "And if we can't handle it, we don't hesitate to refer out to arguably the best specialists in the country."
The office will work with top specialists in the area to coordinate a treatment plan for the patient, or to send a patient for further diagnostic testing, such as an MRI, bone scan or blood work.
Webb adds that more and more family doctors are seeing the benefits of chiropractic care and referring patients to chiropractors for treatment. The staff at Dr. Webb and Associates will also work with family doctors to determine the best form of treatment for a patient. A branch office in Shadyside was opened about one year ago, Webb said, to reach more people and also to see the patients referred to the clinic for treatment by specialists. Webb is at the Shadyside office for two days every week.
"The most rewarding part is when you have patients who have already been to multiple specialists," Webb said. "And then you see what's occurring and are able to take care of the problem. Being able to alleviate something that's been a great worry, concern and sometimes pain and debilitation to them and having that immediate feedback and appreciation from that patient."
In celebration of its 75th year, the clinic will have an open house and customer appreciation day on March 18th during regular business hours. A catered buffet-style lunch will be available and all new patients will receive a free 30-minute massage. Mugs and T-shirts will be available for existing patients.
Webb said that it's also very fulfilling to treat multi-generations of families.
"It's not unusual for me to see a patient and they tell me that their mom or grandmother started to see my grandfather back in the 1930's or 1940's," Webb said. "And it continues on through. It's an amazing little web that's weaved."
For more information about Dr. Webb and Associates and the services they offer, go to www.chirowebb.com.