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Injury Prevention in School Sports

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School and sports. They go hand in hand. Our kids start out young playing a sport like soccer. Head to a park on a Saturday morning in the spring or fall and you will see countless fields of kids playing soccer. School gyms are a busy place during the school year with team sports such as volleyball and basketball. Find a baseball field in the spring and early summer and chances are you can catch a game. You will also find lots of parents too lining the sideline or sitting in the bleachers, too. Adolescence means school and sports. But, it also can mean so much more.

If we make the big leap to college level sports, we know that there is a big difference in competition and intensity of play. There is also a big difference in how the players are treated too, especially the ones that have scholarships. Those athletes are given priority in terms of conditioning, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. But before they arrived at that level of play, what type of priority treatment did they receive at the high school level in terms of conditioning, rehabilitation, and injury prevention? What about at the grade school level?

As a child grows their body develops and changes. So does everyone else’s. If playing football, the tackles become harder as the opponents grow in size and weight. In basketball, the intensity of the players increases as does the contact. What is available to these athletes to help them stay healthy and injury-free throughout their season? Do they have the proper resources available to them for personalized conditioning and strength training?

Many times what is offered is not player specific, nor is it truly meant for injury prevention. Coaches and parents will want their kid back on the field or court as soon as possible. Why? To win and to increase their odds of being seen by a recruiter. Yes, kids are resilient. Yes, kids recover quickly. But at what cost?

At DCW we see student athletes. We understand the desire to get back in the game and play. But we also know that if that student athlete is not 100% they run the incredible risk of re-injury. We also know that there is player specific conditioning and rehabilitation that will help offset the risk of injury, too. So, until your kid makes it to the college level of play and receives the individualize treatment, let DCW ensure they receive it today for the sake of tomorrow.

4 Areas of Rehabilitation

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Rehabilitation means different things to different people, but the focus is the same. If we look at the Latin roots we see that rehabilitation means “again” with the prefix re-, and “make fit” with habitare. The DCW Rehabilitation Department has four main areas of specialty:

  • Injury
  • Muscular Imbalance
  • Health Focused
  • Athlete and Sport Specific

The most recognized of the four is our Injury Rehabilitation. This therapy helps individuals who were hurt in a car accident, in the work place, or simply going about their daily activities. The goal is to “make fit” the areas of the body that have suffered from injury resulting in pain, weakness, decreased range of motion, or any other symptomatic effect to restore full functionality. Injury Rehab happens once the patient is out of acute pain and it complements the chiropractic treatments.

Similar to Injury Rehab, Muscular Imbalance Rehabilitation (MIR) is designed to alleviate pain. The difference is that the pain may not originate from a specific injury. The imbalance could be due to years of living and the body simply compensating for a deficiency in a part of the body. A great example of this type of imbalance is text neck. Text neck is caused by the imbalance the neck sustains from constantly looking down at a wireless device. The goal in this area is to rehabilitate the under- and over-active areas of the body with stretching and strengthening to alleviate chronic pain and discomfort, plus increase overall quality of life.

The last two areas of focus in our Rehabilitation Department are less well known. Some individuals are looking to improve the management of a specific health condition. These conditions can range from cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. Other conditions that would benefit from Health Focused Rehab are weight loss or stress management. Many times people need an accountability partner, plus the support of a well trained staff to get started. In addition, specific rehab exercises are modified to accommodate the needs of the patient until progress is made. This prevents unnecessary injury or harm from happening.

The other less familiar specialty is our rehab work with athletes. Playing any sport runs the risk of injury. These injuries can range from micro- to macro-. A micro-injury results from the “wear and tear” on the athletes body from playing the sport. A macro-injury, on the other hand, is due to overuse or a single impact. With this type of injury the cause is much more easily identified.  In order to get the athlete back, specific training is required. Our focus is on utilizing sport specific stretching, strengthening, conditioning, and skill development to restore and maintain their elite athletic performance. From grade school, to high school and collegiate sports, time is of the essence. However, so too is ensuring the athlete has been fully rehabbed to prevent re-injury.

No matter where you are at in life, things happen. The good news is that when things happen, DCW can help make you fit once again.

Phase 2 – Rehabilitation

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The end of pain can create a sense of disillusionment. The person who was suffering from pain now feels immense relief. This feeling of relief can lead the person to mistakenly believe that the absence of pain means the cause of the pain has been eliminated. The truth is that that person has entered the second phase of returning to wellness. Phase 2 is rehabilitation. This stage requires a conscientious effort on behalf of the patient to strengthen their body to restore proper functioning and to reduce the chance of their pain returning.

As indicated in the prior post, phase 1 involves pain relief – period. The person in pain made a decision to seek help, whether is was the result of an accident or a series of life choices that lead to the pain. Sometimes in the chiropractic field, the patient decides to discontinue care once the severity of the pain is gone. Unfortunately this only delays progress, or healing. Why? Because in time, the pain returns as nothing was done to prevent it.

In phase 2, the most important work is accomplished. It basically ensures that the treatment received in phase 1 is successful. While symptom relief is still a motivating factor in the treatment plan, other elements are introduced. Elements such as strength training, balance, and stretching. The body’s proper alignment (that is, one without pain) is enhanced by strengthening the muscles that support it. Without that, the body will eventually go back to it’s pre-treatment alignment – which caused the pain in the first place.

Understanding why and how function will be restored is a critical piece in the process. At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) we believe education is the foundation for every patient’s success with treatment because the ultimate goal is elevated wellness. What does that mean? It means raising the bar on personal wellness. It means being in a better place of wellness than where you were before.

The Injury Ripple Effect

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When we injure ourselves, the focus is immediately put on the area affected. We break our arm, we get a cast. We scrape our knee, we put a band-aid on. We sprain our ankle, we put a brace on. We lift something heavy the wrong way and hurt our back, we take pain medication. But a question still remains. How does that injury affect the rest of the body? The trust is that any injury has a ripple effect on the rest of the body. The injury is not contained within itself, rather it impacts other areas of the body as well because the body needs to compensate for the injured part. It’s this compensation that creates misalignment and the potential for future problems.

Rehabilitation after an injury should encompass not only the affected area, such as the knee or shoulder, but the whole body. Granted, the initial emphasis needs to be made on the knee or shoulder, but rehabilitation does not end with the injury. True rehabilitation ensures that the impact on the body from the injury has been addressed, even if it is minor. Imagine how the body will be impacted in the long run if countless injuries over the years have never been corrected? Would we be out of balance because we subconsciously shifted our weight to our left side ever so slightly? Would we be more prone to falls later in life because this occurred? Would this have been avoided had we taken proactive steps to protect our body from daily living over the years?

Consider looking at your body as an intricately connected system, like that of a clock. If even one small piece is affected, it impacts the other parts. The time is no longer accurate. Everything is off. We are that clock. One piece not working as it should does affect the whole.

 

The Truth About Chiropractic Care

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There exists an old misconception about those in the chiropractic field that seems to date back to the earlier days of this profession. This misconception is very similar to other professions such as used car salesmen and lawyers. When we think of a used car salesman a particular image may come to mind, and one that is not very flattering. The same can be said of lawyers, too. Does an ambulance chaser come to mind? However, one could argue that not all used car salesmen nor all lawyers are like that. In fact, one could also argue that they know of many individuals who are reputable and professional in each field. They know lawyers who have brought justice to those who deserve it the most. They know men and women who work hard to provide a previously owned vehicle to a family at the best possible price. Does one bad apple taint the field for the rest?

In the field of chiropractic, one of the biggest misconceptions is that once you start to see a chiropractor you need to see one for the rest of your life. That treatment never ends. This must be how urban legends begin, because under layers of falsehoods there exists a kernel of truth but it has been so misconstrued that even the truth is difficult to believe. So what is the truth as it relates to achieving wellness through chiropractic care?

Typically, people visit a chiropractor when they have an injury or are in pain. At that time a particular treatment plan is prescribed. At DCW that treatment plan includes not only the specialized care of the chiropractor but also the collaborative care of both the massage therapist and rehabilitation specialist. The reason behind this approach is so the body can hold the alignment the chiropractor has performed. By massaging the muscle that is restricting the mobility of the spine and then strengthening those muscles with rehabilitation, the success of chiropractic is amplified. Once the 6 to 8 week treatment has been completed, patients are instructed to come back either once a month or only as needed. DCW patients learn how to recognize how their body feels when it is out of alignment. They are then in control of their care. They come in only when they feel it is needed, not for life.

The goal of Damron Chiropractic & Wellness is to provide the highest quality patient care so people can get back to living life on their terms, not the pain’s.

Surgery Is the Last Option

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When you have an accident or get injured, surgery should be your last option, not your first. Granted there will be times when it is apparent that surgery is required, depending on the severity of the injury. But many times we mistakenly jump to the conclusion that the body is unable to heal itself and surgery is needed. In fact, the surgical option can come with another set of potential issues and complications whether it’s a knee replacement or a herniated disc. So, if the situation permits, exploring other treatment remedies may not only heal you but also prevent a longer road to recovery.

Strengthening the affected area through a series of specific exercises can significantly reduce the chance of surgery if you are working with a credible professional that is trained to do just that. Being actively engaged in physical therapy over a set course of time, plus eating the right foods and taking the right nutritional supplements can help to heal the body, too. But what if after all the effort to correct the problem it doesn’t work? Well, then surgery can be your last option. Surgery is invasive, not a guarantee, expensive, and many times requires physical therapy afterwards. Why not try other options first?

Your body is an amazing organism made up of many complex systems. Given the chance, it has the ability to heal itself if given the right tools. Perhaps the injury occurred in the first place because we lacked balance and were weak. Perhaps we overexerted ourselves causing our body to stain. Perhaps we thought we were okay after a minor car accident only to wake up two weeks later in pain. Seeking a holistic approach to our body can provide great insight as to the true cause of our problem and eliminate countless visits to other doctors who may opt for surgery first.

Patience, along with rehabilitation, is really a virtue, especially when it comes to the well-being of our body.

Strength Training

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The most recent edition of the ESPN magazine had an article on Stephen Curry. Many would argue that he is the best shooter in NBA history. While that may or may not be the case, the article actually focused on how his lucrative career might not have ever happened. You see, his ankles were creating a serious problem with his ability to play ball. They were getting injured quite frequently and in ways that weren’t considered common. Despite a surgery prior to his NBA career, the ongoing issues continued to persist, that is until a new Personal Trainer entered the picture with the Golden State Warriors. His philosophy was built around the concept of strength training. If Stephen Curry was able to strengthen his core, specifically his hips, could the stress on his ankles be offset? The short answer, yes.

Fast forward to today and one may not even realize what Stephen Curry went through to get where he is now. The hours of strength training has allowed him to continue playing the sport he loves. By investing in his most treasured asset, his own body, he has been able to nearly eliminate the ankle problems he suffered from before. The game changer was the benefits of strengthening his body.

The reality is that sometimes surgery is not the solution. The human body, if given the opportunity, can elevate its performance to compensate for any weakness with strength training, or rehabilitation. You still owe it to yourself to live as fully as possible. Working with a plan to strengthen key areas of your body that are causing problems is what we do at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness. You needn’t wait until you think you might need surgery either to improve your situation. Strength training should be your first resort, not your last.

You may not be Stephen Curry, but you can benefit from strengthening just as he did. It’s never too late to start.

Circle of Care

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Things at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) are a little different than they are at other chiropractic offices. Most practices provide only one element of care to patients, that being chiropractic. While there is nothing wrong with this singular approach to wellness, we believe that there are ways to enhance it so that the benefits of chiropractic are maximized and retained. At DCW we provide a circle of care that incorporates three other therapies to every person we treat:

  1. Massage Therapy
  2. Rehabilitation
  3. Nutritional Support

So, what is the significance to this methodology? Well, structurally, a body that is out of alignment will eventually go back to its original state after an adjustment if nothing else is done to support it. The muscles will work against the realignment, as they are use to holding the body in a certain way. Massage therapy works to loosen the muscles that are holding the body in a particular position. This in turn will improve the results of each alignment. Likewise, incorporating rehabilitation will strengthen those muscles to hold the body’s structure as it should.

Our body is designed to function a certain way; however, life sometimes gets in the way. Years of improper posture, accidents, childbirth, or aging can have a negative affect on how our body is aligned. Off-setting that with the care of a Chiropractor is providing your body with preventative maintenance, and coordinating that with massage therapy, rehabilitation, and nutritional support completes the circle of care.

Knowing that you have several wellness professionals working together to provide you with the best possible care should give you peace of mind. It should also tell you that DCW is interested in getting you well once again because our individualized care plans have an end in mind. This end is possible because we have strategically incorporated three other modalities that can truly support the benefits of chiropractic care.

The Workout Win

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At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) we pride ourselves on being different. One of those ways is through our Rehabilitation department. Many of our patients come to us from the Chiropractic side. People who are in pain and looking for relief. Those individuals need rehabilitation therapy to strengthen their body to keep out of pain; however, we also offer additional services within that department, too. You see, you don’t need to be a chiropractic patient first to enjoy the benefits of working with our Rehabilitation Specialist, Omari Kittrell. You can simply want to feel good again with strength training, improving your flexibility, losing weight, or learning different exercise techniques. It’s the workout win.

We call it the workout win for several reasons:

  • DCW requires no membership dues or fees to participate.
  • You can workout in a small group or privately if you prefer.
  • Omari Kittrell is not only a Personal Trainer, but also certified in Pilates – Reformer I,II, and III.
  • You will be in a nurturing, positive environment that meets you exactly where you are at in your wellness journey.
  • DCW is an ideal starting point for those who are beginners and may be dealing with other health concerns too.
  • DCW is the perfect place to establish a solid wellness foundation so you can be better prepared for a more traditional gym.

Sometimes we simply aren’t ready for any mainstream workout regiment. We may have other health concerns that are limiting our ability to do that. A place like Damron Chiropractic & Wellness, or DCW, can help you find good health once again. What it really comes down to is this – are you ready to feel good again? If you are, then we are here. Consider the DCW difference and stop by for a visit. It’s true what they say, “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” You never know the possibilities in life if you don’t open your mind to the options available to you.

2016 Fitness Movement

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At the onset of each new year there are countless lists of trends of things to be expected. There are trends in fashion, colors, hairstyles, decor, and food. Interestingly, in light of the work we do here at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW), a recent article in Dynamic Chiropractic (1/15/16) highlighted the “Top 10 Fitness Trends for 2016,” by Dr. Jeffrey Tucker. There is also a 2016 fitness trend that you should know about as well.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, or ACSM, there are 10 important trends in the fitness world that are transforming our society and wellness in general.

  1. Wearable Technology
  2. Body-Weight Training
  3. High-Intensity Interval Training
  4. Strength Training
  5. Educated, Experienced Fitness Professionals
  6. Personal Training
  7. Functional Fitness
  8. Programs for Older Adults
  9. Exercise and Weight Loss
  10. Yoga

The good news is that DCW has the ability to address 8 of the 10 trends listed above! The rehabilitation component of our team approach encompasses all types of training that is customized to each individuals needs and goals. Our Rehabilitation Specialist, Omari Kittrell, brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience to help our patients live not only pain-free, but with better health as well.

While there is no “one size fits all” solution to wellness, there is a right way to achieve it and a wrong way. The wrong way is believing that there is a quick fix to things like losing weight. The wrong way is believing that what worked for a friend will also work for you. The wrong way is also not addressing your whole self, but only a single facet such as weight.

The right way is understanding how intricately related each system in your body is. How pain, for example, can affect your sleep, your weight, your emotional state, and your motivation to exercise. It’s also recognizing that if the root of the problem is not addressed properly, any attempts to achieve wellness can be compromised. That means even if you are successful at losing weight in the short-term, the risk of gaining it all back is more likely if there are other unresolved issues you are dealing with like pain.

Take advantage of today’s trends in fitness. Take the time to invest in yourself and discover how a customized fitness approach can benefit you in the long-run.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Andrew Damron, Chiropractor

Why ChiropracticProfessional Experience Personal Information
Dr. Damron established DCW because he was fed up with the current health model. Statistics continue to show an increase in pharmaceutical prescriptions to patients every day. Although he does believe some medications are necessary, he believes the majority of what is prescribed is actually harmful to the patient’s long-term health, creating another set of healthcare issues as a result. Dr. Damron believes DCW’s unique approach to achieving overall wellness will revolutionize the healthcare industry through collaborative care utilizing chiropractic, massage therapy, rehabilitation, and nutrition. The DCW focus addresses the whole person versus a only symptom and uncovers the root cause. He also believes that education is vital to sustaining a healthier more vibrant lifestyle as well. His goal is to create a healthier society and a better place for our children to live.
Dr. Damron began his medical career with a Biology Degree from Wright State University in 2002. He went on to receive his Doctorate of Chiropractic from the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange, Florida in 2007. While attending Palmer, he had the opportunity to travel abroad to Madagascar and provide chiropractic care to the native Malagasy people. Dr. Damron has continued his post-graduate studies with a focus on nutrition, rehabilitation, and functional medicine.
Dr. Damron and his wife, Kristy, reside in West Chester with their two young children, Graden and Isabelle. An avid Buckeye fan, Dr. Damron enjoys playing the guitar in a band with his college friends, watching/playing any sport, cooking, reading, and attending concerts, especially the Dave Matthews Band and Foo Fighters.

Dr. Greg Washam, Chiropractor

Why ChiropracticProfessional Experience Personal Information
Dr. Washam was introduced to Chiropractic by his mother at the age of 16. She was working for a Chiropractor at the time, experiencing all the benefits that Chiropractic care had to offer, and thus began taking Dr. Washam and his siblings in for regular adjustments. Dr. Washam had been experiencing painful bouts of Strep Throat from the age of 8, which always included a 10 day course of antibiotics. While under Chiropractic care his doctor convinced him to avoid the antibiotics and receive Chiropractic adjustments instead. To his amazement, Dr. Washam’s strep throat symptoms had vanished within three days and he never had an issue from that point forward. He was so astounded by his experience that he fell in love with Chiropractic and decided that was the path for him. He wanted to commit his life to helping people through the power of Chiropractic, just as it had helped him.
Dr. Greg Washam began his college education at the University of Cincinnati, studying biology. After he made the decision to become a Chiropractor, he attended Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO. While at Logan, he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Life Sciences in 2009. He received his Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2011. Dr. Washam was presented with various awards upon graduation. These included Dean’s List honors, the Senior Intern Assistant Award, and the Award of Excellence from the Division of Research. He has completed many hours of post graduate education focusing on nutrition, supplementation and injury recovery.
Dr. Washam and his wife Kassie reside in Mason, Oh with their two daughters, Lillian and Wren. In his free time, Dr. Washam enjoys cooking, exploring new restaurants, touring local craft breweries and reading. He also spends a great deal of time outdoors with his family and his Beagle, Willow. Dr. Washam is a music enthusiast and listens to all genres of music. He especially loves classic rock from the 60’s and 70’s. His favorite band of all time is Led Zeppelin.

Brooke Snyder, Operations Manager

Why DCWProfessional Experience Personal Information
Brooke had never been to a medical office where she really felt like they cared more about her than her money until she came to DCW as a patient. DCW made it so easy to arrange financial payment with, they were compassionate, dedicated and most importantly 100% honest. The team addressed all aspects of her health and well-being, above and beyond chiropractic care. Her initial impression of chiropractic offices were that they would only adjust then send her on her way. She realized that she was wrong. Because of her experience as a patient at DCW she realized she wanted to pursue a career within it. She saw everything she wanted in healthcare at DCW. Finally, a place where patient care really comes first! She comes to DCW with a degree in Nursing and a background in finance. When someone asks her “Why DCW?” she cannot think of one reason why not.
Brooke has a background in business finance and computer technology prior to the start of her medical career. She attended Southern State and obtained an Associate’s Degree in Science, R.N. Sh began working from DCW in December of 2014.
Brooke has five beautiful girls from 15 to 6 years old. She is married to Jamey Snyder who has two boys of his own. She lives on a two acre farm in the country with horses, dogs, cats, and a pot belly pig. Brooke enjoys spending time with her very active family and watching their kids play sports.

Nicole Foreman, Licensed Massage Therapist

Why MassageProfessional Experience Personal Information
Nicole always wanted a career that was focused on helping people. It wasn’t until she drove past the Dayton School of Medical Massage on a daily basis that it became clear what she was meant to do. She enrolled as soon as she could and it has been the best decision she has ever made. She loves the feeling of knowing she has alleviated someone’s pain and possibly made their day better in some way. She had been working alongside chiropractors for over 7 years before joining the DCW team. Before DCW she never really felt her opinions and insights were valued or even asked for, which she felt hindered patient care and the effectiveness of each treatment. At DCW she feels valued and part of a practice that is focused on changing the approach of wellness with cohesive and effective patient care.
Nicole is a graduate of the Dayton School of Medical Massage and obtained her license in 2008. She utilizes Deep Tissue, Swedish and Thai massage techniques to relieve pain, tension, and stress while increasing range of motion and flexibility.
Nicole is married to her husband of 5 years and they one daughter, Rylee, and one child on the way due in September 2016. As a family they enjoy camping, hiking and spending time at the lake during the summer.

Erika Pantona, Insurance Specialist

Why DCWProfessional Experience Personal Information
Erika started coming to DCW in 2010 after spending two years in substantial pain after an injury. She had spent those two years at various specialists and taking medications to simply get up in the morning due to the pain. She was 18 when she found herself facing a major, life altering surgery (SI Fusion) and realized there must be another way. When she began her treatment plan at DCW she started to have days with little or no pain. She stopped taking her medications and realized they had been affecting her overall mood. In 2015 Erika joined the DCW team because they allowed her to live her life once again. She wants to prevent others from living in pain like she did unnecessarily, and to receive the benefits of chiropractic care.
Erika is well versed in the insurance industry with her previous employment at Express Scripts and Anthem.
Erika has two siblings and resides in Liberty Township. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and hiking with her family.

Amy Faris, Patient Care Coordinator

Why DCWProfessional Experience Personal Information
After moving to Ohio in 2010, I was in need of some relief from minor pain associated with working in customer service fields for 15 years. I was interested in seeking alternative forms of therapy and found a chiropractor in our small town. After going for a few visits, the therapy seemed somewhat outdated compared to what I had researched. In talking with my husband, he remembered that he knew someone who was a chiropractor. After just a few visits with Dr. Damron, I definitely noticed a difference in his techniques and style. It was nice to see results and feel like I was being listened to as a patient, not just heard…something you don’t always feel with doctors. After being a patient for several years, the opportunity came about to join the DCW team. It would be something different from what I had done in my past, however I knew my passion for working with people would translate well into helping patients receive the best care possible. I believed in the mission of DCW as a patient, and I am excited to be part of living that mission every day. 
 I am originally from St. Louis, MO. I graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a degree in Secondary Education – Language Arts. I worked in restaurant/catering management for several years before starting a career in retail management and training.
In that position, I met my husband, Matt, who is from Wilmington, OH. After we got married in 2010, I moved to Wilmington. Realizing retail wasn’t where my heart was any longer, I began working as a substitute teacher in the Clinton County area. Matt and I live in Wilmington with our 6 year old German Shepard, Dale. I enjoy camping, boating, riding 4-wheelers, and spending time with family and friends. I love St. Louis Cardinals baseball and am a recently converted Cincinnati Bengals fan.

Hours

Monday 9-1 & 2-6

Tuesday 9-1 & 2-6

Wednesday 9-1 & 2-6

Thursday 9-1 & 2-6

Friday 8-11

Saturday and Sunday CLOSED

Contact information

 3187 Western Row Road Suite 114
    Maineville, OH 45039

Office:
     (513) 770-3434

Email:
    info@damronchiropractic.com