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™. Dr. Rhodes teaches our chiropractors and other professionals in the field this unique protocol that 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
SMFA 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
Dr. Rhodes Walton - Dr. Walton completed his undergraduate studies at University California San Diego where he earned a bachelors degree in Evolution Ecology. While attending UCSD, Dr. Walton acquired 8 varsity letters over 4 complete seasons in Cross Country and Track and Field. Over that time Dr. Walton 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, Dr. Walton 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 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 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 knew that the combination of proper health and biomechanics were the key to optimal performance. Dr. Walton went on to compete at the elite level for a few years before completing his doctorate at Palmer College of Chiropractic West.Dr. Walton 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 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 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 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 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 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.
Local's Sports ChiroTherapy Special
There are two ways to get the Local's Discount:
1. Purchase online by clicking the button below and USE PROMO CODE AT CHECKOUT: LocChiro79
- or -
2. Print this coupon and present it to the front desk at your next appointment.
Please Note:
This coupon is for local's only. Must present a valid I.D. or local address. It covers your first visit only and may not be applied to other visits. First time clients only.
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.
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 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'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' 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 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 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] 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.
| Chiro therapy helps me tremendously. |
- Catherine V.
| Everyone knows you by name and treats you like a regular customer. |
- Chris L.
Dr. Rhodes 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.
