In recent years, chiropractors have emerged as valuable contributors to patient rehabilitation following a car accident, sports injury, or neck and lower back pain. In a 2019 study published in the American Academy of Pain Medicine, chiropractic spinal adjustments with physical therapy can reduce opioid dependency and provide a pain-free alternative for suffering patients. For Todd Custer, Doctor of Chiropractic, and owner of the Better Care Chiropractic & Physical Therapy clinics in Montgomery and Willis, the journey for him and his team is not only about providing a ‘speedy recovery’ for patients, but also about meeting the high demand for care. The clinic’s expertise in spinal health and musculoskeletal function offers patients a pathway to improved mobility, reduced pain, and enhanced performance. We had a conversation with Dr. Custer and his team, including Dr. Yanelly Hinojosa DC, and Dustin Cook PT, to discuss why their services offer a better alternative to care.
Dr. Custer has practiced in the Montgomery, Willis, and Conroe areas since he graduated summa cum laude from Texas Chiropractic College in 2005. Before obtaining his degree, he worked as a certified athletic trainer in a physical therapy clinic, as well as at the high school, college, and professional levels, including with the Philadelphia Eagles Football Club in 1994. He primarily works full-time at the Willis clinic and is investing in a successful team for his Montgomery clinic.
Custer: There are a lot of clinics that oversell without results, and we are more of a results-driven clinic. I won’t sell you on months of care without results, but it generally takes a handful of sessions to assess whether it works for you or not. We strive to keep our patients’ best interests at heart when recommending treatments.
Chiropractors focus on joint motion as their primary concern, then strengthen muscles and stretch the surrounding tissues so that the entire system functions properly. Whereas physical therapists tend to be more muscular in their primary role, they also stretch and mobilize joints.
[chuckling] Over half the population. Many times, after we’re finished treating a patient, they’ll say, ‘Wow, I didn’t even realize how much pain I was in until you treated me.’
Technology has increased business just as much as rigorous work has in the past. The sedentary lifestyle is more of a problem. We have abnormal posture, which is held for a long time, creating tension and joint stiffness from the effects of people bending, lifting, and twisting, which can cause trauma to the discs and affected muscles.
Correct.
I think the key to being a chiropractor is just as much knowing what not to do as knowing what to do. Not everyone receives the same treatment on each visit. I can refer patients to our massage therapist or do non-manipulation therapy to help things settle down before attempting to move joints.
I’m looking for someone with a good attitude, a people person, and compassion. We must motivate patients to exercise.
Physical Therapist Dustin Cook, who works at the Montgomery clinic, has twenty-two years of experience in sports medicine. Cook received his master’s degree in physical therapy at Ithaca College, where he also played NCAA basketball and track and field. Cook also received board certifications in orthopedics (OCS), strength and conditioning training, and in Kinesio taping (CKTP).
Cook: We’re seeing a whole lot of post-operative patients from joint replacements, tendon repairs, to rotator cuff injuries as well. We’re seeing the ‘weekend warriors’ busy with house and yardwork, high school athletes, runners, but we also see a lot of patients trying to avoid surgery.
We love discussing workplace ergonomics. It’s where we can create a workplace for you, adjust your chair, keyboard, and monitors to reduce strain on your body.
We have all the usual bands, weights, and stretching straps, but I’ve dedicated a small area to balance and fall prevention. We also have a nice leg press machine, known as a Power Plate, which is a platform used for balance.
Six and currently 97 years old.
I think we have an advantage over some of the other larger entities that are out there. When a patient comes to see us, he or she typically sees the same providers. I think there’s some value in that. Direct access allows you to undergo physical therapy without needing a prescription or a doctor’s visit.
The third leg of the team is Yanelly Hinojosa, Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine. Hinojosa earned her degree from Texas Chiropractic College and treats patients of all ages, covering a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Hinojosa’s goal is to “empower her patients to achieve lasting health and wellness.” She is currently a full-time practitioner at the Montgomery Better Care clinic, alongside Dustin Cook.
To help people. If I can prevent surgery, opioid usage, and provide pain relief to my patients, that would be a win.
Six and currently 97 years old.
We see a good handful of sports-related injuries, as well as a lot of patients after car accidents. They benefit from exercises, ultrasounds, and decompression. There are many tools we have that can help them. Chiropractic care offers a universal and evidence-based approach to managing musculoskeletal injuries, applicable to individuals of all ages, from nine to 97 years old.
Better Care’s focus on spinal health, mobility, and drug-free pain relief is one of the things that has led to success for many patients. Chiropractic care and physical therapy, combined with massage treatments, complement other therapeutic modalities and contribute to a patient’s recovery at both Better Care Chiropractic & Physical Therapy locations. To schedule an appointment and learn about pre-authorization, call their office at (936) 890-CARE or visit their website at WhyBetterCare.com.
WILLIS
804 W Montgomery
Willis, TX 77378
MONTGOMERY
17099 Walden Rd #100
Montgomery, TX 77356
