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Our Philosophy
The key to resolving chronic injury is to understand the compensations associated with the breakdown in functional movement, structural symmetry, muscle firing, and change in core communication. The Sports ChiroTherapy™ protocol allows identification and alleviation of the compensations, restores structural symmetry, provides proper muscle firing, and establishes proper core communication. This enables the body to create a platform by which we can develop the patients return to the highest level of performance.
Sports ChiroTherapy™
Santa Cruz CORE is home to the founder of Sports ChiroTherapy™. Chiropractor Rhodes Walton, D.C. utilizes the Sports ChiroTherapy protocol which yields incredible results.
Step 1: Hanson Manual Therapy
The core theory of HMT is that muscular imbalance is the cause of injuries and decreased performance. HMT utilizes patient muscle feedback with indicator muscle testing to select the primary points of treatment for each individual condition. HMT is unique in that it combines acupuncture meridian lines, muscle testing, and trigger point therapy to create a comprehensive soft tissue technique.
www.fixpainhmt.com
Step 2: Chiropractic
Reestablishing structural symmetry and function with manual and applied adjustments. Chiropractic functions to improve nerve pathways to neuromuscular connections.
Step 3: Selective Functional Movement Assessment
SFMA is designed to break down the fundamentals of proper movement and to develop a specified exercise program to help re-establish authentic movement, strength, and coordination. Poor movement can exist anywhere in the body, but the brain is responsible for the poor movement patterns.
www.sfma.com
The unique combination of all 3 steps allows for the most efficient and long lasting return to optimal form and function
Clinical Services and Treatment
The initial appointment consists of three parts:
Initial Wellness Consultation: one of our Wellness Consultants greets you and does a complete health history and discusses plan for care.
Chiropractic Physical Examination: the doctor completes a comprehensive evaluation which includes a postural assessment, gait analysis, biomechanical assessment, neuromuscular evaluation, muscle strength testing, rang of motion and joint mobility.
Chiropractic Treatment: involves HMT, chiropractic, and instruction of corrective exercises and stretches that can be followed up with by our Corrective Exercise Specialists.
Follow-up visits will be based on individual progress with performance and ability. It is our goal to break the cycle of chronic injury and establish a long lasting platform of stability, enabling the patient to return to optimal performance independent of us. We work with the team of practitioners and recommend massage, corrective exercise, personal training, and acupuncture as appropriate.
Insurance
Santa Cruz CORE would be happy to check your insurance card for information regarding coverage. We employ professional insurance billing experts to make this process stress-free and easy for you.
Call (831) 425-9500 for a complimentary consultation if you have any questions about rates and packages.
OUR CHIROPRACTORS
Rhodes Walton, D.C.
Rhodes completed his undergraduate studies at University California San Diego where he earned a bachelors degree in Evolution Ecology. While attending UCSD, Dr. Walton D.C. acquired 8 varsity letters over 4 complete seasons in Cross Country and Track and Field. Over that time Rhodes experienced severe low-back and hip injuries that prevented him from competing in two national competitions. After numerous cortisone shots and medical visits with no results, and after being requested for surgery, he was introduced to a sports Chiropractor that was able to get him mobile, ambulatory, and returned to top strength with great efficiency.
In his final season Dr. Walton, D.C. was able to lead his team as Team Captain and All-Conference finisher to a National competition and followed up in Track and Field by qualifying for Nationals in the 800m, 1500m, and Steeplechase, ultimately deciding to compete and finish as an All-American in the 1500m. Dr. Walton, D.C. continued his education and Athletics at UC Davis, completing his Masters in Nutrition while training with the Olympic development Nike Farm Team. It was then that Dr. Walton, D.C. knew that the combination of proper health and biomechanics were the key to optimal performance. Dr. Walton, D.C. went on to compete at the elite level for a few years before completing his doctorate at Palmer College of Chiropractic West. Dr. Walton, D.C. has received certification in Graston Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique®, a system that incorporates patented tools to effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis and chronic inflammation. Also, Functional Movement Systems (FMS), a complete assessment of proper functional movement with associated exercise protocols. Hanson Muscle Therapy (HMT), an advanced manual technique using trigger and acupressure points for immediate relief of muscular pain, tension and dysfunction. It is a diversified system integrating feedback from postural evaluation, range of motion assessment and specific muscle testing to pinpoint areas of myofascial tension. Dr. Walton, D.C. has also completed the advanced level of Structural Functional Mechanical Assessment (SFMA), a dynamic assessment of pain-free movement, with associated exercise protocols to allow functional development at a fundamental level resulting in an organized progress to diversified pain-free movements.
Dr. Walton, D.C. is an avid surfer and very active runner in the community, racing multiple local events a year, and hopes to be a prominent Masters runner. Dr. Walton, D.C. is a father of 3 children, loving husband, and inspires to provide and educate the local community.
Distinctions / Certifications
- Masters Nutrition UC Davis
- Board Certified – National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
- Physiotherapy Board Certified – National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
- Graston® Technique Level 2 Certified– Graston Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique®
- Hanson Muscle Therapy (HMT)- Full Body certified
Dr. Ryan Slaughter, D.C.
Ryan is a Chiropractor for Santa Cruz CORE Fitness. He is a proud graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic West where he received his degree as a Doctor of Chiropractic in 2014. Prior to attending Palmer, Ryan graduated from San Diego State University in 2010 with his B.S. degree in Kinesiology with a focus on Physical Therapy. Throughout his education, Ryan has taken an interest and focused on rehabilitation and prevention of sports injuries. He was an active member of Palmer West’s Sports Council, which provided chiropractic care at various sporting events in the local community.
As a certified Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) practitioner, he looks at body movement and fundamental movement patterns to get a better understanding how to best treat the body as a whole. Using techniques including spinal manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, Graston, taping and exercises, he creates an individualized treatment plan for each patient to return them to their sports and activities they enjoy.
As a California native Dr. Ryan, D.C. enjoys the outdoors, going to the beach, snowboarding, playing volleyball, camping and playing the guitar. Participating and watching sports of all kinds has been a lifelong interest for him as well as rooting on his local Bay Area and San Diego teams.
TESTIMONIALS
Thank you for all of your help and dedication to me this past year and my recovery. You have impacted my life and brought me to a level of happiness that I never thought I would see again. I'm completely pain free, working out hard, and focused on my future. life is amazing, thank you for all of your help... you really completely changed my life.
- Kamron N.
Rhodes is the best chiropractor I have ever seen. I come see him to get realigned and have my muscles reset every time I am on the west coast (I have lived on the east coast for four years now). Have not been able to find anyone who can do what he does.
- Elise N.
I liked everything. Very professional and organized and I feel great.
- Keegan F.
Easy to get in for an appointment last minute. Very friendly staff. Chiropractor made a huge difference in my neck/back pain.
-Katherine K.
The practitioners are catered to individual needs.
- Shauna R.
Ryan Slaughter, D.C. was very skilled. Friendly staff.
- Bill S.
The massages are amazing and affordable! They are very attentive, as well as make sure to properly assess what your body needs and will explain anything they might notice that could use a little extra love.
- Jack S.
The staff is very attentive to the patients needs. The PT & Chiropractor have the best technique for pain relief and management.
- Michael I.
Wide spectrum of services.
- Ken S.
I was seen within 2 hours of my call, staff was very friendly, Dr. Rhodes, D.C. seemed to know exactly what needed to be done to correct my issues and gave me good information.
- Lily D.
Responsive staff, polite. Good followup. Professional and caring chiropractic care.
- Robin A.
Always professional service!
- Steve L.
I like Dr. Rhodes Walton, D.C.'s ability to pinpoint the injury and release it with 'good' pain.
- Tom S.
Total experts in their field!
- Steve D.
Personable, effective, attentive, caring wellness.
- Sahar T.
Effective treatment AND very warm employees. The employees make clients feel very welcome, regardless of their physical condition or issues. The effectiveness of the services is, of course, my primary reason for being there. Currently seeing Rhodes (who has already helped two friends) and Serena.
- Antoinette I.
Ryan Slaughter is a perfect hybrid between a chiropractor and a physical therapist. He has a great personality and he really knows his stuff! I have already recommended 2 people to him!
- Connie L.
I've recently switched from a regular gym to Santa Cruz CORE for their total body 'wellness' approach to fitness. I feel rejuvenated and re-energized! I'm incorporating private training sessions with chiropractic, massage therapy and The Vasper System! I feel great and couldn't be happier with the service and personal attention at Santa Cruz CORE Fitness!
- Thomas B.
Dr. Rhodes, D.C's HMT is very effective. I will continue to recommend Santa Cruz CORE to others. I also very much appreciate the welcoming attitude.
- Antionette I.
Dr. Ryan, D.C. is thorough, attentive, experienced, enthusiastic, caring. Everything you want in a health care professional, but rarely receive.
-Scott S.
Rhodes is the only person who was able to help me with a crippling psoas muscle problem that had plagued me for over a year.
- Michelle L..
Always courteous and willing to work with me and my busy schedule. Love the front staff.
- Barbara B.
Organized, available when needed, helpful and Dr. Rhodes, D.C. gave me hope as well as relief.
- Rita R.
Excellent variety of services, including great chiropractor and massage therapists. I really appreciate the multi-modality care offered.
- Donna B.
Front staff is very pleasant professional and competent. Rhodes is a lifesaver.
- Michelle L.
Rhodes is the best running/ fitness chiropractor that I have ever had. That includes 55 years of running and coaching.
- Tom S.
Clean and professional. Friendly employees. Immediate pain relief.
- Eric J.
[Dr. Ryan, D.C.] tuned into the needs of the client.
- Debbie A.
Massage therapists and chiropractors are experts at what they do.
- Arturo A.
[I like the] considerate and caring staff who work together to improve the client's quality of life and identify the root cause of the pain or injury.
- Kim M.
I highly recommend CORE to my friends and family.
- Barbara B.
Efficient, on time, Rhodes is the best. |
- Tom S.
| Rhodes is amazing! |
- Marcia O.
| ChiroTherapy helps me tremendously. |
- Catherine V.
| Everyone knows you by name and treats you like a regular customer. |
- Chris L.
Dr. Rhodes, D.C. always knows exactly how to fix any pain or muscular issue I have, and he also gives me exercises to correct imbalances that have really worked.
- Lily D.
Knowledgeable, personable staff. Help me progress continually toward my rehab & health goals. I like the text & email reminders too. |
- Jennifer S.
I like the whole person/body approach to health care. The chiropractic methods are more effective than traditional chiropractics I have visited.
- Nichole S.
I received an awesome 5 min massage from Lora which left me wanting for more. I eventually scheduled a chiro consult to address my neck/back stiffness issues (I work long hours on the computer) and found that my mobility was limited due to lack of core strength and poor posture. Will go in for more visits to figure out next steps.
- Siddhartha G.
Everyone is very friendly and helpful.
- Jo C.
Dr. Rhodes, D.C. remembers each patients history and seems to care about their athletic goals.
- Steve. D
Small facility. Personalized service. Friendly staff.
- Shelley H.
Professional and personable service, explaining exactly what is happening and why. They worked within my tight time schedule, though we started just a little late (I was also running late). Rhode's is very capable and trustworthy from the moment you meet him. Visit went much better than I expected, thank you.
- Andrew W.
I can come to one location for all my wellness needs, everyone is amazing. I see Clark and Dr. Rhodes, D.C. regularly and I always leave my appointments feeling improvement. |
- Andrew W.
| Very organized and professional. Also Dr. Rhodes, D.C. rocks. I went to physical therapy and a different chiropractor with no results. I made progress with Dr. Rhodes, D.C. right away. He also assigns exercises so you aren't just a passive client. |
- Mary L.
Always willing to help me with all of my needs. Great front desk. Santa Cruz CORE and Fitness care about your entire health holistically. - Barbara B.
I like how personal everyone is at CORE. I also appreciate that I am seen as a whole person not just the parts of my body that are challenged. And that the different practitioners know what the others are doing. |
- Susan M.
| I like that the services are integrated, and that there are so many different ways for me to take care of my health. Friendly staff, too! |
- Lisa F.
| Rhodes is amazing! |
- Sara H.
| I am very happy with Chiropractic services. Dr. Ryan is knowledgeable and explains things clearly. Very professional service and follow up with CORE staff. The deep tissue / micro facial release massage has been awesome. |
- Teri M.
| Everyone here is so friendly, knowledgeable and proffesional. I really like that I can come to one location to get out of pain and that all the practitioners and doctors I see know each other. Great location and they actually have 2 locations now. Keep up the amazing work. |
- Cala R.
| Friendly, professional staff. Great communication. Nice, clean facilities. Excellent chiropractic care. I look forward to using other Santa Cruz Core Fitness services. |
- Patricia W.
| Have been seeing Dr. Rhodes for persistent shoulder, neck pain and getting sports chiro-therapy, which has been helping thus far. I like how the appointments are not just a few minutes and I get trigger point therapy and some deep muscle work in my chiro appts with him. I have a long road to go and think Rhodes and Core will be my go-to-center for a while! Glad I found it in Santa Cruz. |
- Jared B.
| Rhodes helps my body function more normally and hurt much less. I also get information on how to help myself between appointments. |
- Antoinette I.
| great hours! great staff! |
- Raquel P.
| Knowledgeable and caring practitioners. |
- David F.
| Professional, knowledgeable, effective! |
- Tom S.
| Very well organized. The chiropractors are terrific. |
- Jared B.
| Whether I see the Chiropractor, Acupuncturist or Trainer, my needs are addressed and I always leave feeling better. |
- Cheri H.
| Very well organized. Chiropractors are both terrific. |
- Jared B.
| I like the array of services provided by your very competent, caring staff! |
- Denise B.
| Santa Cruz CORE is one of a kind! I go regularly for massage, chiropractic and group fitness training. I could name and recommend each of my practitioners, but they really are all amazing! I like that they work together when I have a problem, and communicate between departments so they know what is going on with my body. I have also asked questions on social media about nutrition and Jaimi, the owner, is always quick to educate on the topic at hand! Awesome resource! |
- Renee W.