Have you noticed that men sometimes ignore aches and pains until their wives urge them to see a doctor? Dr. Jim Hankinson at Back to Wellness Chiropractic in Kirkwood sees this all the time. I caught up with Dr. Jim and his new associate, Dr. Joshua Moul, at the Kirkwood Community Center to talk about men's health and wellness.
Katie: First, let's talk about your boys.
Dr. Jim: My oldest works for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, and my youngest is studying geography and environmental science at SIU. My wife, Michelle, and I saw both boys play music on stage together for the first time in Carbondale. It was fantastic. How are your boys?
Katie: My boys are into the Savana Bananas.
Dr. Jim: I love baseball. That’s how I decided to become a chiropractor. I started pitching when I was 14. One day, I couldn’t move my head. My dad took me to a chiropractor who adjusted me three times that week, and I was able to play in my tournament. I knew from that moment that I wanted to create a life-changing experience for others.
Katie: Dr. Joshua, what drew you to being a chiropractor?
Dr. Joshua: I wanted to work in a way that would allow me to be a key part of a patient’s care. I really like that Back to Wellness Chiropractic invests in innovative health technology like SoftWave Therapy. It’s a game-changer. The results in reducing pain and improving our patients' quality of life are so gratifying.
Katie: Who can benefit from SoftWave Therapy?
Dr. Jim: Anyone who has pain. We conduct an assessment to determine whether SoftWave is the right choice and make recommendations to ensure patients remain pain-free. Our goal is to avoid surgery, and we achieve that for more than 90% of our patients.
Katie: Men tend to push through their pain.
Dr. Jim: Absolutely. I don’t think men do it on purpose; it’s just how most guys are. They think their shoulder or knee pain will just go away. But the truth is, pain almost never disappears on its own. But once we start treating their pain, almost every guy tells me the same thing: “I wish I had come in sooner.”
Dr. Joshua: I had a patient tell me that yesterday. He had shoulder pain and couldn’t move his arm out or above his head. After one treatment, he said, “I’ll be able to swing a golf club so much better now.”
Katie: Do people need to be in pain to benefit from chiropractic care?
Dr. Jim: Not at all. Preventive care is so important. Keeping your spine healthy can improve your mobility, energy, and overall quality of life.
Katie: Do you have proactive recommendations for men?
Dr. Joshua: We suggest taking supplements. Creatine for energy, magnesium glycinate for relaxation and muscle function, and vitamin D for immunity and overall wellness.
Dr. Jim: Make sure you choose high-quality supplements from trusted health stores, and if you have health conditions or take medication, check with your doctor first.
Katie: Last question. What message do you have for guys who are hesitant to come in?
Dr. Jim: If you want to enjoy boating, golf, or time with your family without pain, don’t wait. Come in and see the difference for yourself.
Movement is Medicine Workshop
Ready to move through life pain-free? Join Dr. Jim Hankinson for a Movement is Medicine Workshop. Discover practical strategies to reduce, avoid, and eliminate pain. Take your first step toward a better quality of life at this free (no-registration) community event, sponsored by Kirkwood City Lifestyle. Wednesday, June 24, 10:00 AM, at the Kirkwood Community Center.
"Men think their shoulder or knee pain will just go away. But the truth is, pain almost never disappears on its own."