What we offer

EXCEPTIONAL CARE ... my primary goal.

Hello, I am John Colwell. I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, where I attended grade school and graduated from Westlake High School in New York. As a teenager I was active in the National Honor Society, played soccer, and played trumpet in the school’s band. I moved to Ohio in 1966 to attend the College of Wooster. Shortly after I graduated in 1970 with a BA in chemistry, I went to work as a chemist for Bell Laboratories in New Jersey.

In 1973 I returned to graduate school, having decided I wanted to become a chiropractic physician. In 1977, I graduated cum laude from New York Chiropractic College, finished my internship, and accepted my first professional position as an associate professor with Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon. A year later, not caring for the rain in Portland, I relocated to Ashland, Oregon, beginning the 24-year tenure of my private practice.

Since then, I have dedicated myself to bringing the best of what chiropractic has to Rogue Valley residents. Our office has helped over 10,000 people to feel better, live healthier, and prevent future problems. With this length of practice and the breadth of conditions I have treated, you can be assured we will know if your problem can be managed with chiropractic and natural treatments.

Professionally, I served 4 years on the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Peer Review Committee and was then appointed by Gov. Kitzhaber to the Board as a professional member 3 years ago. I am now serving my second 3 year term on this licensing/regulatory agency. It has been a challenge and an honor to represent Oregon citizens and help ensure that they have quality chiropractors serving them throughout the state.

It is my dedication to caring and excellence that I hope shows through to our patients, their families and my fellow professionals.

John Colwell

Curriculum Vitae

Education

• Post Graduate in chiropractic orthopedics, Western States Chiropractic College, Portland, OR, 1990
• Fellow (F.I.A.C.A.) in acupuncture, International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture, Kansas City, KS, 1987
• Doctorate as chiropractic physician, New York Chiropractic College, Seneca Falls, NY, 1977 (4.0 GPA)
• BA in chemistry with minor in urban studies, Wooster College, Wooster, OH, 1970 (3.0 GPA)

Positions Held

• Private practice, 24 years as Colwell Chiropractic Office, Ashland, OR.
• Licensed as a physician in the states of Oregon, California and New York. Utilize Gonstead, Cox, activator method, applied kinesiology and diversified as primary techniques for patient treatment, 1978-2002
• Associate Professor, Western States Chiropractic College, Portland, OR, 1977-1978
• Chemist, Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, NJ, 1970-1973

Conference Presentations

• "Ergonomics In The Workplace," Professional Secretary's International, 1995
• "Managing Life's Stress," class, at the Smullin Center, Rogue Valley Medical Hospital, 1993
• "Ergonomics At Home," for AARP at the Smullin Center, Rogue Valley Medical Hospital, 1993
• "Preventing Back Injuries," Pacific Power & Light, 1992-1995
• "Ergonomics In The Workplace," U.S.West, 1992-1995
• "Oregon Practice & Utilization Guidelines," Oregon Chiropractic Physicians Association, 1988-1990

Professional Organizations

• Chiropractic Association of Oregon, 1978-2002
• Independent Physicians Association, 1978-2002
• American Chiropractic Association, 1978-2002
• International Chiropractic Association, 1978-2002
• Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research, 1978-2002

Professional Service

• Member, Executive Board of the Oregon Chiropractic Physicians Association, Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners (O.B.C.E.), 1988-1990
• Member, Standards Committee for the O.B.C.E. Chiropractic Procedural Parameters, 1990
• Interviewer, Medical Examiner's Committee, Oregon Department of Insurance and Finance, 1989
• Member, Peer Review Committee, O.B.C.E., 1992-1996
• Chairman, Peer Review Committee, O.B.C.E., 1995-1996
• Member, Practice & Guidelines Nominal Panel for Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners, 1998-2000
• Member, Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners 1998-2002, appointment by Gov. Kitzhaber, now serving second three-year term.

Volunteer Experience

• Regional Chairman, "Doctors With A Heart," 1988-1992
• Chairman, canned food drive for Ashland Food Bank, 1988-1992
• Mentor, Medford Center's Annual Health Fair, 1990-1992
• Supporter, Ashland Community Hospital, 1990

About the Staff

Our staff members are friendly and knowledgeable. From our account secretary and receptionist to our therapy staff, each person is an expert in their field. Our licensed chiropractic assistants have undergone initial training and attend continuing education classes on a yearly basis. You will find them to be compassionate and focused on helping you.

Spinal Manipulation

Each vertebra is designed to move in six directions. When a vertebra is stuck in one position, it is said to have a subluxation. This can limit the flexibility of the spine and cause pain — sometimes in other areas — by pinching the spinal cord or irritating muscles. A chiropractic adjustment is a way of unlocking the vertebra and returning flexibility to the joint. As there are a number of techniques available, the doctor will determine the most effective method after examining the patient. To this end, Doctor Colwell is proficient in a number of chiropractic techniques, including Gonstead, Applied Kinesiology, Thompsen, Cox/Flexion distraction, Activator and SOT.

Massage

Our Licensed Massage Therapists treat muscle strain, ligament sprain, tendonitis and muscle cording (fascitis) caused by accidents. Massage is a gentle therapy of pulling, stretching and kneading the affected area. This gentle approach reduces inflammation by increasing circulation. The increased blood flow allows greater oxygen input, flushes the toxic chemical build-up from the site, and provides greater mobility. The result? The affected muscle relaxes and therefore your pain decreases.

Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound is used to reduce pain, reduce internal scar tissue and to speed healing. Ultrasound produces sound waves that cannot be physically heard or felt. These sound waves pass through the muscles and vibrate the tissues, causing an internal friction (or heat) that relaxes the muscles. In turn, this increases the blood circulation and removes toxins from the area, relieving pain.

Interferential Treatment

Interferential current therapy is used when injured tissues and muscles of the body have become so constricted as to cause these deeper tissues to 'squeeze' the blood supply from the site. This continual state of corded tenseness impairs the normal ranges of motion and produces unremitting pain. Interferential current therapy (crossed electrical currents of minimal dosage) provides an increased blood flow in the constricted deeper tissues and muscles of the body, thereby alleviating pain. Each treatment session is set for the individual patient’s needs and tolerances. It is the patient, via feedback, who determines the inferential frequency and amplitude settings.

Biostimulation Laser Therapy

The Microlight 830 cold laser is used to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The use of low-energy laser technology provides the first conservative approach to treating CTS. The treatment results in a photochemical reaction that increases the cellular metabolism rate, speeding cell repair and the stimulation of the immune, lymphatic and vascular systems. The net result? An apparent reduction in pain, inflammation, edema, and a significant reduction in healing time. It is non-invasive, non-thermal, non-destructive, and non-toxic.

Lasermedics, maker of the Microlight series, is working toward an effective solution to RSI by employing the process of photo-biostimulation. The US Food and Drug Administration has recently approved the Microlight 830 for use in treating CTS. Further studies are now underway in various nations to determine the effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in pain management, soft tissue trauma and dental applications.

For more information about LLLT, please follow the links below:

Results of General Motors Study
The World Association of Laser Therapy
Laser World - LLLT Internet Guide

General Motors’ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Double-Blind Clinical Study

Group A underwent physical therapy and Microlight 830 Laser Therapy. The duration of the study was limited to 5 weeks (15 treatments). Group B underwent the identical physical therapy, however, the participants were treated with a 'sham laser' for the same period of time as Group A (placebo effect).

Grip Strength Average Improvement	Group A Physical Therapy & Laser	Group B Physical Therapy Only
in Flexion	48%	14%
in Extension	41%	11%
in Pinch Grip	29%	15%
% of workers who RETURNED to WORK	72%	41%

Acupressure

Meridian Therapy and electro-acupressure is a modern form of treatment based on the 5,000 year old concept of natural healing: no drugs, no surgery. Its purpose is to restore the proper energy flow to the various organs, glands and tissues of the body by stimulating the specific acu-points of your energy meridian.

Electro-acupressure is based on the concepts of acupuncture. It differs from acupuncture by using a low amperage electrical current that is carried by damp Q-tip© probes, rather than needles, to stimulate the acu-points.

Normal, healthy tissues and organs have little to no electrical activity at their acupressure point. When you have a disease or an injury, a localized electrical current appears at that site. It also appears at the acupressure point that governs the disease or injury site. Usually, though not always, that point is far removed from the actual injury or disease location. This therapy is not painful. It merely produces a curious tingling sensation.

Commonly treated conditions

Many conditions respond positively to Acupressure. The UN based World Health Organization lists these conditions for approved acupuncture/acupressure treatments: hay fever/allergies, neuralgia, headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, tics, spasms, muscular rheumatism, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, heart trouble, abnormal blood pressure, lumbago, bladder irritation, certain kidney problems, female disorders, tonsillitis, skin conditions and even nervous and psychiatric factors— based on that fact that mental problems often arise from physical disorders.

Allergies and Acupressure

Acupressure, sometimes in conjunction with a chiropractic adjustment, is our primary treatment approach to allergies. Dr. Colwell’s experience is that 85% of allergy patients find good to excellent relief from all their allergy symptoms. Over-the-counter and prescribed medications are no longer necessary for these people.

Springtime Special

If you suffer from allergies, take advantage of our Allergy Treatment Special! For $60, you receive:

• Consultation with the doctor
• Two Meridian Graphings and interpretations
• Six acupressure treatments

PhytoPharmica

We carry PhytoPharmica nutritional supplements because of their commitment to quality, innovation, and results. Their products use European standardization to ensure exact potency based on scientific testing. We offer a variety of their products, including:

•	Glucosamine	to alleviate joint pain *
•	Gingko Phytosome	to enhance memory *
•	Echinacare	for head colds *
•	Super Immuno-tone	to strengthen the immune system *
•	Grape Seed Extract	a potent antioxidant*
•	Kava	for anxiety *
•	Garlitrin	to reduce cholesterol *
•	CoQ10	Supports cardiovascular function *
•	and homeopathic medicines.

For more information on PhytoPharmica, please visit their website.

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Orthopedic Pillows

Special, orthopedic pillows have been designed to help alleviate incorrect sleeping postures which aggravate or create neck injury.

Custom Insoles

Many people find they have one leg shorter than the other or their feet. This can be easily alleviated with the proper heel lift or custom made insoles that slip into your shoes.

Braces, belts, supports and cushions

We offer a variety of products that encourage proper posture and support injured or weakened joints.

Exercise

Exercise is crucial in returning the body to a healthy state after an injury. We offer individual instruction to our patients, and provide illustrative brochures to explain each exercise.