Tesitmonials

"Dr. Smith's program for scoliosis correction is the end of my 40 year search for a treatment that works without surgery or braces. Because it works on correcting the underlying neuromuscular problems, her treatment does not pose the extensive risks involved in surgical placement of a steel rod through the spine. After only 6 weeks into the program my spinal alignment is already improving. Dr. Smith is dedicated to achieving results. Her support and encouragment places her in a league of her own. I highly recommend Advanced Spinal Rehab to anyone with back related issues."

I just wanted to say thank you to the Clear Institute for attending the FCA convention last year and changing mine and my patients lives. I have never received a testimonial like this before this program!

Sincerely,
Dr. Jackie Smith

Chiropractic College Students with Scoliosis Receive Treatment at C.L.E.A.R. Institute By Dolly A. Garnecki, B.A.

In the past 14 months, 5 Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida students (and one recent graduate) traveled to St. Cloud Chiropractic Clinic in Minnesota to train with Dr. Dennis Woggon at C.L.E.A.R. Institute (Chiropractic Leadership Educational Advancement and Research). Two of those students didn’t know they had scoliosis until they arrived. All 6 students received Chiropractic treatment and rehabilitation, and the scoliosis Cobb angle measurements reduced in all of them. Not only did they receive care for their spines, but they were each able to spend 4-5 days in the clinic interacting with other scoliosis patients and gaining incredible training from Dr. Woggon on new patient exams, x-ray analysis, Chiropractic adjustments for structural correction, and rehabilitation.

Patients whose scoliosis complexity varied from a single lateral curve to a triple lateral curve shared their personal accounts: Amanda Ferguson, Michelle Kerr, Jeff Glover, Katie Benson, Matt Frahm, and DeJeanne Denet. The students explained what it was like to live with scoliosis, what it felt like to discover they had scoliosis for the first time, the physical and emotional challenge of receiving intensive scoliosis treatment, and how they felt physically after 4-5 days of care.

Amanda Ferguson
"People who say that it can't be done should not interrupt those of us who are doing it!"
The unknown author of this quote precisely explained my thoughts and feelings after completing five days at the C.L.E.A.R. Institute with Dr. Dennis Woggon.

Although I knew I wanted to become a Chiropractor from a young age, it wasn’t until I started at Palmer that I became intrigued in learning about and correcting Scoliosis, especially my own. Perhaps due to my eagerness to answer the ‘why’s’ in life, I cannot and will not accept that my scoliosis is idiopathic. I am determined to discover how this condition was conceived in myself, and how, in others, it is born. Fueling the flame further, I found no answers at school, the place where chiropractors become experts on the spine, nervous, and muscular systems. Too many times, I hear, “besides pain management, there is nothing Chiropractic can do for patients with Scoliosis.”

It was not until I became involved in the Pettibon Club that I knew there was light at the end of my question mark tunnel. From this technique, I learned of Dr. Dennis Woggon, and it was from then on, my spirit calmed to know someone else shared my passion. During this time of revelation, I was concerned my scoliosis was worsening due to the increased pain in my neck, hips, and back. Meanwhile, fables of scoliosis stabilizing after teenage growth spurts, incapable of improvement, contradicted my intuition. After fighting for new X-rays at the Palmer Clinic, my suspicion became evident. My scoliosis had progressed by a Cobb angle of at least 10 more degrees in a period of eight months. The next step in my journey for knowledge and correction was to visit the C.L.E.A.R. Institute and Dr. Woggon.

I arrived on a Monday morning at the St. Cloud Chiropractic Clinic, and I was not sure what to expect. DeJeanne Denet, an upper quarter student, accompanied me. She had a scoliosis worse than mine, and this was her second visit to the clinic, so she gave me a sense of encouragement. I was surprised to find Dr. Woggon already at the clinic treating patients at 7:30 that morning. After I filled out a history and evaluation, Dr. Woggon took x-ray views of my spine. I was shocked to find out how bad my scoliosis actually was: 142% loss of cervical lordosis, 1.4 inches of forward head posture, 24 pounds apparent of head weight and a triple curve scoliosis with angles measuring 21 degrees upper dorsal, 40 degrees lower dorsal, and 33 degrees lumbar curvatures.

Now that we had a blueprint to my spine, the work began. Each morning and afternoon for the next four days, I wobbled, performed cervical traction, stretched, exercised, warmed my spine up, and got adjusted. In addition to those treatments, I sat in the Scoliosis Traction Chair for 30 minutes. After the chair, I concluded each session with wearing head weights and hip weights while having to walk blindfolded on a tightrope. After 6 hours of treatment a day, I experienced great exhaustion, not only physically but emotionally as well. I often napped after the morning treatments on my lunch break, and I longed for my bed with the conclusion of the afternoon sessions.

It was Monday morning when I received my first adjustment, and had a peculiar emotional response. I choked back the tears, trying not to let my new Chiropractor see my tears. I wanted him to be proud of how strong I was… silly thoughts, now when I look back. Later that week, I watched Dr. Woggon adjust another scoliosis patient, and saw she had the same response I had. The hardest day was after the second day of treatments. Although DeJeanne was staying with me, I longed for family and friends. Besides having headaches, I also was sore from the treatments, physically exhausted, and emotionally unstable. I dug deep and carried on, giving it all I had to give. Surprisingly, I woke the next morning, feeling better than the first two days. That morning we took another X-ray of my cervical curve to make sure I was responding to treatment. Seeing my neck reversing back to a lordotic curve, filled my soul with encouragement and strength to keep working hard. The days flew by after that. It seemed my body was adapting to the treatments and its new form.

I awoke Friday morning filled with excitement, wondering how my spine had changed. Did the treatments work on me? I soon found out when Dr. Woggon took my last set of X-rays. He put the X-rays of my cervicals and scoliotic spine on the view box. A rush came over my whole body when I saw my new form. My triple curve scoliosis went from 21 degrees in the upper dorsals to 8 degrees, 40 degrees in the mid dorsals to 22 degrees, and 33 degrees in the lumbars to 13 degrees! My cervical lordosis went from a loss of 142% to a loss of only 90% and a reduction of forward head posture by 11 pounds and 2.1 inches. My strength and range of motions all improved dramatically, and my lung capacity went from 3100 cc to 3300 cc. By the rehydration of my discs and the straightening of my spine, I was a half-inch taller. Overall, I was amazed by the results.

Amanda’s lateral cervical views on day 1 (left) and on day 5(right)

Amanda’s AP thoracic views day 1(left) and on day 5(right)

In the days following my treatment at the C.L.E.A.R. Institute, I began to realize how much better I felt. (These new feelings are hard to explain, and probably even harder for others to relate to.) I had a new sense of who I was after my trip to C.L.E.A.R. I felt like I had a heavy fog lifted off me. Things like my self-esteem, mental capability, concentration, hearing, vision, and overall well-being were all enhanced. As strange as it may sound, it was as if I was looking at the world and experiencing life in a new and brighter dimension. Although all this was remarkable, I believe it was my satisfaction with the fact Chiropractic care for scoliosis patients truly was possible and it was EXISTENT... after all, I had experienced it myself. Thus, for all those who are indifferent and not in agreement, I leave you with my opening quote, one in which Dr. Woggon uses frequently, "People who say that it can't be done should not interrupt those of us who are doing it!"

Michelle Kerr
It wasn’t until the week was almost over that I realized how nervous I had been about having my scoliosis treated. Was I going to need an MRI because I had a “wrong-way” [left thoracic] scoliosis [that could interfere with my heart]? Was I going to be in a lot of pain? Was I going to get better, and if so, how much? Would I be able to keep up and understand what was going on or would it all be over my head? Then on Thursday afternoon, it hit me, I had almost survived my experience at St. Cloud Chiropractic Clinic, and it wasn’t so bad.

In fact, it was incredible! I didn’t need an MRI, and I hadn’t been very sore from my treatments. I’d already seen progress showing that I was getting better! Further, I was learning so much from Dr. Woggon.

[Aside from radiograph analysis, several other outcomes assessments were used in my treatments, orthopedic tests, spirometry, photos in front of a posture grid, and Myo-Logic computerized muscle testing and spinal ranges of motion assessment. On Monday, a spirometer was used to measure my forced expiratory volume at 2800 cc; by Friday, it had increased to 3200 cc.] The biggest change that occurred was in my balance. On the initial exam, I was only able to perform Hautant’s Stork test with eyes closed for 6 seconds on the left foot and 2 seconds on the right foot. Five days later, I was able to stand on each leg with my eyes closed for 25 seconds. This impressed even Dr. Woggon. He said he’d never seen such high improvements in such a short period of time.

[Per plain film line analysis, my posture improved and my scoliosis reduced. I began treatment with a left thoracic Cobb angle measurement of 8 degrees (standing) and a right lumbar Cobb angle measurement of 17 degrees (seated). My lateral cervical view indicated that I had 196% loss of curve and 26 pounds of apparent head weight (1.6 inches). Five days later, my thoracic Cobb angle measurement was 3 degrees (standing), and my lumbar Cobb angle measured 8 degrees (seated). My scoliosis curves had been cut in half! My post lateral cervical view had improved to a 65% loss of curve and 17 pounds of apparent head weight (0.7 inches).]

Michelle’s seated AP thoracolumbar views on day 1(left) and on day 5(right)

The treatment sessions lasted 2-3 hours and I did 2 sessions a day for 5 days. While I was getting the treatments, I had a lot of neck pain and trapezius muscle pain with associated headaches. I would also have intermittent pain between my shoulder blades. Non-chiropractors like my husband have noticed my posture is better now compared to before I had scoliosis treatment. Before I started doing structural correction, I used to have headaches every single day. I think I've only had one headache since I've been to C.L.E.A.R.

I had learned a lot through the Scoliosis Correction Seminars and the Scoliosis Mentorship Program at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida, but it was incredible to realize that to some small level I could put all the information together, and it made sense. I have a lot to learn still, but my trip really gave me the confidence boost I needed to be ready to see my first patient when I returned to Palmer.

I gained so much from my time at C.L.E.A.R. Institute. The correction that I received has helped me to have more energy, decreased frequency and severity of headaches, neck, and back pain. My body is able to function at a level even closer to optimal. The confidence that the internship gave me could not have come at a better time, since I began seeing patients two weeks after I left the clinic in St. Cloud. Finally, the knowledge that I gained is invaluable to my understanding of spinal biomechanics, scoliosis, running an office, interacting with patients, and analyzing x-ray films. The knowledge I gained at Dr. Woggon’s clinic will serve as a valuable foundation for which my understanding will grow throughout my Chiropractic career serving to benefit all of my future patients. Further, my experience at C.L.E.A.R. Institute showed me that my goals for my Chiropractic career were too small. Now, I hope to not only restore health to my patients while continuing to learn throughout my career, but I hope to one day give something back to the Chiropractic profession.

Jeff Glover
Before I went to Dr. Woggon’s clinic, I never knew I had scoliosis. You would think that that being in Chiropractic school, someone would have caught it. My current student intern reviewed my patient file in mid-January and discovered that previous radiology reports indicated that I was diagnosed with a mild lumbar scoliosis, however none of my previous interns told me about my condition. Rather, they ignored it and adjusted my hips and low back and actually made my condition worse.

I first became interested in scoliosis when I heard Dr. Woggon speak at Palmer Florida. I was amazed at seeing the pre and post x-ray film results he was getting in his clinic. We’d been taught in Chiropractic college that you cannot fix scoliosis through chiropractic, rather you can only manage the patient and try to get him out of pain by adjusting “the high side of the rainbow” or the convexity of the lateral curve. That was the very type of adjusting that I had received and had made my scoliosis worse. Dr. Woggon and C.L.E.A.R. Institute were offering a seminar in Daytona Beach Shores, and after hearing an introductory lecture at school, I knew I wanted to hear more. After the first seminar weekend, I was overwhelmed. I couldn’t follow anything, and I didn't know exactly what he was adjusting, nor could I figure out where he was adjusting it! Also, I couldn’t follow the order in which he did the rehab and protocols. There was just so much information presented, that it was naive to think that I could learn everything in one weekend seminar.

So, I jumped at the opportunity to train with Dr. Woggon at his clinic in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Along with five other students from Palmer, I went over the fall break to learn about scoliosis. Two of us discovered for the first time that we had scoliosis, yet, I had been fairly asymptomatic. When I found out I had scoliosis, I didn’t believe it because it is like I had a terrible disease. I thought, “Not me! I don’t have scoliosis, I feel fine.” To say the least, I was shocked. When I told my mother I had scoliosis, she informed me that her father, also had scoliosis. That revelation made sense to me because photos of my grandfather always indicated that he had a high hip and that he walked a little crooked.

I had hip surgery at age 15. The top of my femur was externally rotating from my pelvis, and it manifested itself as knee pain. It got to the point where I couldn’t walk, and I couldn’t use crutches without crying from the excruciating pain. Surgeons inserted a screw into my hip in order to prevent my femur from externally rotating any further. The osteopathic doctor couldn’t correct it, because he said the femur would most likely die if he attempted to de-rotate it. So now, it affects me because I’m unable to do things like run. All of my cardio and aerobic exercise is limited to an elliptical trainer or a stair-stepping machine; I also can’t do squats nor leg exercises.

The actual scoliosis treatment hurt A LOT. I attribute the pain to the fact that my spine changed from having the scoliosis curve for so long, and my muscles and ligaments weren’t easy to change so quickly. After a treatment session, it hurt to walk, stand, or move—getting up from a rehab table totally sucked. Yet, what I liked about the treatment is that Dr. Woggon really cared about me. I didn’t like the pain. But, different people react to the treatment differently. I reacted badly to the Vibrating Traction as well as the Eckard table. When I got off those units of equipment, I felt worse than before the treatment session began. Post treatment, I have a series of exercises that I continue to do to rehab my lateral lumbar curve. Although I had pain during the treatment, I felt good on the day we left the clinic, and I have felt good ever since then.

My training at C.L.E.A.R. Institute has made me a better Chiropractic student intern. I’m now considered the “scoliosis expert” among my classmates. Everyone asks me questions on how to treat their scoliosis patients. I have since treated two patients with scoliosis. I’m having success with one patient, but not with the other patient. The patient who’s not progressing is not compliant with treatments and home exercises. She has missed several appointments, and she hasn’t come into the clinic for some time. My other scoliosis patient is doing great. I haven’t had the opportunity to get post-treatment films, but she is much happier and she has no pain! Prior to receiving care from me, she had severe back pain, headaches, and blurred vision, which have since subsided since I’ve worked on her. My training at C.L.E.A.R. has helped me treat scoliosis patients because I can relate to what they’re going through, and I can provide care for them with confidence. I tell my patients that if they want the same results that they’ve been getting with previous treatment, they should keep doing what they were doing. But, if they want better results, they should come to me.


Jeff’s AP thoracolumbar views on day 1(left) and on day 5(right)

In the week I spent with Dr. Woggon at C.L.E.A.R. Institute, I learned a ton of information, and I had a chance to bond with some great friends that I plan on having for a lifetime. While there, we went through all the warm-up exercises, adjustments, and rehab that every scoliosis patient goes through: wobble chair, cervical traction, Eckard table, scoliosis traction chair, core muscle stim, whole body vibration, eyeglasses and head/hip weights. In five days, my lumbar scoliosis went from a 20 degree Cobb angle to a 9 degree Cobb angle. So, I technically don’t have scoliosis anymore since it’s defined as a lateral curve greater than 10 degrees. I feel better after receiving treatment and learning from Dr. Woggon, not only physically, but mentally as well. Being around him re-inspired me about Chiropractic, and I can’t thank him enough. If I had the chance to do it again, I definitely would.

Katie Benson
I am a current Chiropractic student at PCCF. In October, I was one of five Chiropractic students that made the trip to C.L.E.A.R. Institute. We all went to C.L.E.A.R. to learn more about the latest research and techniques for scoliosis treatment. I first became interested in the scoliosis treatment when Dr. Clayton Stitzel came to speak at Palmer Florida. He shared with us the amazing results they have been having with scoliosis patients. I was really excited to hear this because, at that point in school, I had learned that routine Chiropractic has little success with scoliosis. A few days later, I watched a video of a Harrington Rod surgery on a scoliosis patient. It was the most appalling thing I had ever seen. I realized at that point that Chiropractic really needed to step it up and give scoliosis patients a better option for treatment.

While at the C.L.E.A.R. Clinic, we were all treated by Dr. Woggon. There is no better way to learn something than to experience it yourself. After taking x-rays of my spine, we discovered that I had a 15 degree scoliosis in my thoracic spine and a 185 percent loss of curve in my cervical spine. Wow, I was shocked! I have always had difficulty with balance, coordination, poor posture, and chronic back pain, but never knew I had scoliosis. I was treated at Dr. Woggon’s for three days, and my scoliosis decreased from 15 degrees to 4 1/2 degrees and my cervical curve improved to a 68% loss of curvature! I noticed immediately that I had better posture, better breathing, and better balance. I had been getting standard Chiropractic care before, and I had not experienced any of these changes.


Katie’s AP thoracic view on day 1(left) and day 5(right)

I received spinal adjustments that were very specific to my spine. The adjustments were both manual and instrumental and not always pleasant. I also had specific spinal exercise and rehabilitation such as vibrating traction, scoliosis traction chair, mirror image therapy on an Eckard table. I also was given an at-home spinal rehabilitation protocols that I have to follow in order to prevent my spine to returning to its original position. I have to do cervical traction, head weights, wobble chair, and about 7 different spinal exercises that are specific to my spine. I have been doing the spinal rehabilitation and exercises pretty consistently, and 4 months later, I am continuing to feel great.

Since my time at C.L.E.A.R., I have a greater confidence in my ability to help scoliosis patients. After spending time with a few scoliosis patients at Dr. Woggon’s clinic, I realize the need for advancements in scoliosis treatment.

Matt Frahm
I went up to Dr. Woggon's clinic to learn some of the treatment protocols and procedures for scoliosis care over the winter break in 2006. Little did I know that I was going to receive scoliosis treatment. Due to my past history of a motorcycle accident, Dr. Woggon decided to take x-rays of my spine to see what was going on. Sure enough, I had a 65% loss of cervical curve with 1" forward head posture (and 10 pounds of apparent head weight) and a trauma-induced scoliosis in my upper thoracic spine of a 21 degree Cobb angle that spanned 4 vertebrae.

As a Chiropractic student, many of my classmates had unsuccessfully tried to adjust this area after palpating my "stiff" upper thoracic spine. I never felt pain or felt limited from any activities, but I did notice that I was always very stiff between my shoulder blades. I also knew that my spine was not functioning to its full potential because of this lack of joint motion.

The treatment protocols were very intense. They consisted of 2 sessions per day for 5 days and each session lasted about 2 hours. I started each session with spinal warm-ups on the wobble chair and cervical traction unit (Dr. Woggon refers to this as the Mix phase of the treatment). The Mix phase was always relaxing, and I did notice a difference in that completing the "warm-up" procedures made it easier for Dr. Woggon to adjust my spine. The adjustments, known as the Fix phase, were very forceful, especially in my upper thoracic spine. The first time Dr. Woggon adjusted my upper thoracic spine, it took me awhile to catch my breath due to the force of the adjustment. However, that area was so "locked-up" that previously, no one else was able to get it moving. I was thankful that he was able to move the joints, even though it was uncomfortable the first few times.

The final phase of treatment was the Set phase which involved various specific exercises to help strengthen the musculature that would hold the spine in its proper position. This was the most intense portion of the treatment protocol, and it involved a lot of work on the part of the patient.

After treatment, my post-film results revealed a reduction in the thoracic scoliosis from 21 degrees Cobb angle to only 9 degrees! I was amazed at the results considering that the curve was trauma-induced and therefore had been infiltrated with scar tissue for years. I also saw an increase in my lung capacity which began with 3860 cc on day 1 and by day 5, my peak flow rate was 4300 cc.  Another bonus was that I left the clinic 5/8" taller than when I entered. Also, I was able to increase my performance time of the Hautant’s Stork test so that I was able to stand on one leg with my eyes closed from 2 seconds on day 1 to 20 seconds on day 5.


Matt’s AP thoracic view on day 1(left) and day 2(right)

After five days of treatment, I was extremely exhausted, but I could tell that my body was going through some positive changes. Overall, I was very satisfied with my results. I appreciated the amazing opportunity I had learn from Dr. Woggon, and I would recommend the experience to anyone interested in learning about spinal biomechanics and the treatment protocols for scoliosis correction.

Dr. DeJeanne Denet
My journey with scoliosis began in 1999, when I was seventeen years old. My doctor discovered I had scoliosis after performing a routine physical exam. So he referred me to an orthopedic surgeon, and I began the process of preparing for Herrington rod surgery. Then, I decided to pray, and I heard God say “NO”. So I said “Okay, what do I do now?”

Next, I started researching alternative ways of treating scoliosis and I found that chiropractic care was a beneficial option. I started going to a chiropractor, and I got a lot of pain relief. Then, after I graduated from college, I decided to become a chiropractor. Meanwhile, my chiropractor decided I need a brace for my spine. So I had to wear the brace 23 hours a day, and I absolutely hated it!!! It was debilitating. I couldn’t even tie my shoe without someone’s help. So, I ditched the brace, and prayed to God for an answer. The answer appeared in January 2006 when I meet Dolly Garnecki, Kristin Schafer (my angels), and Dr. Clayton Stitzel at a scoliosis correction presentation at Palmer Florida. I was totally blown away. It gave me hope and reassured the faith that I had in the chiropractic profession. I knew this was the answer to many years of prayer.

So in March of 2006, Dolly, Kristen and I took a trip to St. Cloud, MN to learn more about scoliosis correction and treatment. There we met Dr. Dennis Woggon (the man who not only changed my spine but also my life) a leading expert on scoliosis correction through chiropractic care and rehabilitation. We started the treatment and upon the first examination, the x-ray films revealed that I had a right thoracic Cobb angle of 62 degrees and a left lumbar Cobb angle measuring 72 degrees. After 2 sessions week-long sessions of treatment (March and June), and after completing nearly a year of continuous spinal exercises and therapies, my scoliosis curves have decreased to 22 degrees in my thoracic spine and 38 degrees in my lumbar spine. It is another chiropractic miracle!!! I know I am blessed to have the opportunity to preceptor with Dr. Dennis Woggon so that one day I will be able to help others just as he has helped me.

DeJeanne’s thoracic views on 24 March 06 (left), 29 March 06 (center), and 30 June 06 (right)