Author name: Dr Richard Sawyer

Miracle Life Chiropractic is a family run business. Dr Richard Sawyer has been practicing since 1996. He has seen and adjusted over 10,000 patients during his 25+ year career. The passion of the team is genuine, and they live according to the principles they teach allowing them to act as your role models and cheerleaders.

The Dangers of Prolonged Sitting: Brisbane Chiropractor

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After more than 30 years as a chiropractor, I’ve seen firsthand how modern lifestyles are taking a toll on spinal health. Prolonged sitting—whether at a desk, in front of a screen, or during long commutes—can lead to serious issues affecting your posture, mobility, and overall well-being. But the good news? You can take action today.

How Sitting Affects Your Body

🔹 Postural Strain – Sitting for hours often leads to slouching and forward head posture, creating tension in your neck, shoulders, and back. Over time, this can cause chronic discomfort and spinal misalignments.

🔹 Weak Core and Back Muscles – When you sit too much, your core and back muscles weaken, making it harder for your spine to stay supported and upright.

🔹 Spinal Compression – Sitting places pressure on your lower back, which can contribute to stiffness, discomfort, and conditions like herniated discs.

🔹 Poor Circulation – Reduced movement limits blood flow, increasing muscle tension and swelling, particularly in the lower back and legs.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Spinal Adjustments – Gentle realignments help relieve pressure, improve posture, and restore balance.

Muscle Tension Release – Targeted therapies, including trigger point treatment and massage, reduce tightness and improve flexibility.

Postural Guidance – Chiropractors provide expert advice on ergonomic workspaces and better sitting habits to prevent long-term issues.

Movement & Strengthening Plans – Personalised exercises help counteract the effects of prolonged sitting, keeping your spine strong and mobile.

Simple Ways to Reduce Sitting Time

Stand up and stretch every 30 minutes to improve circulation.
Use a sit-stand desk to alternate between sitting and standing.
Perform neck, back, and shoulder stretches throughout the day.
Stay active with regular movement and exercise to support spinal health.

Take Action for a Healthier Spine

Sitting doesn’t have to take a toll on your health. With expert chiropractic care and a few simple lifestyle changes, you can maintain strong posture, reduce pain, and enjoy better mobility.

Don’t wait until discomfort turns into a bigger problem—book an appointment with Miracle Life Chiropractic today and take control of your spinal health!

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Common Signs of Neck Neglect

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Your neck is one of the most vital parts of your body—yet it’s often overlooked. It supports your head, allows movement, and protects essential nerves and blood vessels. However, many of us neglect proper neck care until discomfort, stiffness, or pain set in. With over 30 years of experience as a chiropractor, I’ve seen firsthand how this neglect can affect your health. Here’s how chiropractic care can help you rediscover your neck’s potential and keep it feeling great.

The Role of Your Neck

Your neck is an intricate and flexible structure that connects your head to the rest of your body, allowing you to turn, tilt, and look around with ease. However, its delicate nature also makes it prone to strain, stress, and injury.

Why You Might Forget About Your Neck

Modern living often sidelines neck care. Hours spent hunched over screens, sleeping in awkward positions, or poor posture can easily cause neck discomfort. It’s easy to forget how important your neck is until the pain sets in.

Common Signs of Neck Neglect

  • Persistent Stiffness: Difficulty turning or tilting your head is a clear sign of tension or strain.
  • Aches and Pain: Soreness or sharp pain may indicate underlying alignment issues or poor posture.
  • Reduced Mobility: If your neck feels tight or restricted, it’s time to address the issue.

How Chiropractic Care Brings Relief

Chiropractors, with years of experience, are experts in diagnosing and treating neck problems at their root cause:

  • Spinal Adjustments: Gentle realignments can relieve tension, enhance mobility, and reduce pain.
  • Postural Guidance: Learn to maintain optimal neck alignment throughout your daily activities to prevent strain.
  • Personalised Exercises: Specific stretches and strengthening routines can restore flexibility and support long-term neck health.

Rediscover Your Neck’s Potential

Your neck is vital to your overall health and well-being. By giving it the care it deserves, you can prevent discomfort and keep it functioning at its best. Chiropractic care helps reconnect you to your neck’s health, allowing it to feel years younger.

Remember What You Forgot About Your Neck

Don’t wait for neck pain to become a problem. Book an appointment with Miracle Life Chiropractic today! Our team of experts is here to guide you back to a pain-free, flexible neck and a healthier you.

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Warning Signs of Bad Posture: Brisbane Chiropractor

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As a chiropractor with over 30 years of experience, I’ve seen how bad posture can sneak up on people. Often, it goes unnoticed until it begins to take a toll on your health and well-being. Poor posture doesn’t just affect your appearance—it can lead to long-term pain and discomfort. Here are four common warning signs that may indicate your posture needs attention:

1. Rounded Shoulders

  • What to Look For: If your shoulders roll forward or hunch, it could be a sign of muscle imbalances or prolonged slouching. This improper alignment can put strain on your neck and upper back, leading to discomfort. As a chiropractor, I focus on restoring balance in the muscles of the upper body to alleviate this strain.

2. Forward Head Posture

  • What to Look For: Commonly referred to as “text neck,” forward head posture occurs when your head juts forward instead of staying aligned with your shoulders. This is often caused by extended screen time or poor workstation setups. Over time, this can lead to chronic neck pain and stiffness. Chiropractic care can help realign your spine and relieve the pressure on your neck.

3. Back Pain or Stiffness

  • What to Look For: Persistent discomfort or stiffness in the upper or lower back may indicate poor posture. Whether you’re sitting or standing improperly, it can put excessive strain on your spinal muscles and joints, causing pain that intensifies over time. A chiropractor can help by correcting spinal misalignments and providing exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles.

4. Uneven Weight Distribution

  • What to Look For: If one side of your body feels more tense or fatigued than the other, it could be due to uneven weight distribution caused by poor posture. This imbalance can lead to misalignments in your spine and joints, contributing to discomfort and pain. Chiropractic care can help restore proper posture and ensure that your weight is evenly distributed across your body.

Take Action Now

If you recognise any of these warning signs, it’s important to take steps to correct your posture before it leads to more serious issues. As a chiropractor, I’ve seen how early intervention can prevent long-term damage. Chiropractic care can help realign your spine, reduce tension, and provide guidance on maintaining proper posture in your daily life.

Stop Bad Posture in Its Tracks!
Don’t wait for bad posture to cause you more pain. Book an appointment with Miracle Life Chiropractic today, and let our expert team help you stand tall and feel your best. We’re here to guide you toward better posture and overall well-being!

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Difference Between a Migraine and Headache?

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As a chiropractor with over 30 years of experience, I’ve worked with many patients who experience both migraines and headaches. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they are distinct conditions with different causes and symptoms. Understanding the key differences can help you better identify what you’re experiencing and seek the right treatment. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Pain Type and Intensity

  • Headaches: Typically, headaches cause mild to moderate pain, often described as a pressure or ache. The pain is generally localised to areas like the forehead, temples, or the back of the head. Tension headaches, for example, may be linked to muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders.
  • Migraines: Migraines, on the other hand, cause severe, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. This type of pain can be debilitating, making it difficult to carry out everyday activities.

2. Duration

  • Headaches: Usually, headaches are short-lived, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the type.
  • Migraines: Migraines can last much longer, typically several hours, and in some cases, up to a few days, especially if left untreated.

3. Associated Symptoms

  • Headaches: Most headaches are isolated to the head, with little to no accompanying symptoms. However, tension headaches may cause tightness or discomfort in the neck or shoulders.
  • Migraines: Migraines often come with additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, visual disturbances (aura), and even dizziness. These symptoms can significantly impair your ability to function.

4. Triggers

  • Headaches: Common triggers include stress, dehydration, eye strain, poor posture, or lack of sleep. Addressing lifestyle habits can help alleviate or prevent headaches.
  • Migraines: Migraines tend to have more specific triggers, including hormonal fluctuations, certain foods or beverages (like chocolate or caffeine), weather changes, strong smells, or bright lights. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can be an important step in managing migraines.

5. Underlying Causes

  • Headaches: The causes of headaches are often related to muscle tension, sinus issues, or lifestyle factors such as poor posture or stress.
  • Migraines: Migraines are a neurological condition with more complex causes, including genetics, environmental factors, and changes in brain chemistry. The interplay of these factors can make migraines harder to predict and manage.

Seeking Relief

Understanding whether you’re dealing with a headache or a migraine is the first step in finding the right solution. As a chiropractor, I’ve found that chiropractic care can offer significant relief for both conditions by addressing tension in the neck and upper back, improving spinal alignment, and promoting nervous system health. Proper alignment can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines by relieving pressure on the nerves and muscles.

If headaches or migraines are disrupting your life, it’s time to take action. Book an appointment with Miracle Life Chiropractic today, and let our expert team help you find relief and improve your quality of life. We’re here to support your well-being with a tailored approach that targets the root causes of your discomfort.

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What’s Causing Your Lower Back Pain?

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With over 30 years of experience as a chiropractor, I’ve encountered a wide range of causes for lower back pain. Understanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment and long-term relief. Here are some common reasons why you might be experiencing lower back pain:

  • Muscle or Ligament Strain
    • Often caused by overexertion, heavy lifting, or sudden movements.
    • Strains lead to inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort.
    • Chiropractic adjustments help restore spinal alignment and alleviate muscle tension.
  • Poor Posture
    • Prolonged sitting, slouching, or poor ergonomic practices put stress on the spine.
    • Over time, this can cause chronic pain and muscle fatigue in the lower back.
    • Chiropractic care helps correct posture, improve spinal alignment, and prevent further discomfort.
  • Herniated or Bulging Discs
    • Occurs when discs between vertebrae shift or rupture, irritating nearby nerves.
    • Causes sharp, radiating pain or numbness down the legs (sciatica).
    • Chiropractic adjustments help reposition the spine, reduce pressure on nerves, and promote healing.
  • Arthritis or Degenerative Conditions
    • Conditions like osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease cause joint stiffness, inflammation, and pain.
    • Chiropractic care focuses on reducing inflammation, improving mobility, and slowing degeneration.
    • Adjustments help enhance joint function and prevent long-term pain.
  • Sciatica
    • Compression of the sciatic nerve from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis leads to radiating pain down one leg.
    • Chiropractic care helps reduce nerve compression, improve mobility, and alleviate pain.
  • Injuries or Trauma
    • Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can damage the muscles, ligaments, or spinal structures.
    • Chiropractic care is effective in reducing pain, restoring function, and preventing chronic issues after trauma.
  • Lifestyle Factors
    • Lack of exercise, excess weight, and unsupportive footwear contribute to lower back pain.
    • Incorporating regular exercise, strengthening the core, and wearing supportive shoes can help reduce strain on the lower back.

Why Chiropractic Care is Crucial

  • Chiropractic care addresses the root cause of lower back pain, focusing on spinal alignment and function.
  • Through adjustments, pain relief, and improved mobility are achieved naturally, without invasive procedures.
  • Chiropractic treatments support the body’s healing process and help prevent future discomfort.

If you’re experiencing lower back pain, identifying the cause and seeking chiropractic care is the best step toward relief and long-term well-being.

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5 Common Triggers That Start Your Migraine

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Over the past three decades, I’ve worked with countless patients suffering from migraines—some who’ve struggled for years without understanding what’s actually triggering their pain. Migraines are complex and no two people experience them the same way, but there are several common patterns that I’ve seen time and time again in practice.

Understanding your triggers is a crucial first step toward long-term relief. Here are some of the most frequent ones I’ve come across:

1. Stress
Stress is by far one of the most common migraine triggers I see in clinic. It creates tension in the body—particularly in the neck and shoulders—and often overloads the nervous system. That combination can be the perfect storm for a migraine. I regularly encourage patients to incorporate simple stress-reducing tools like deep breathing, gentle movement, stretching, or mindfulness into their day-to-day routine.

2. Food and Drink
Certain foods and drinks can be surprisingly powerful triggers. I’ve had many patients notice migraines after consuming things like processed meats, aged cheeses, chocolate, or anything with MSG. Caffeine and alcohol—especially red wine—are frequent culprits as well. Keeping a food and symptom diary can be incredibly helpful in identifying your personal sensitivities.

3. Sleep Disruption
Whether it’s a lack of sleep or even too much, changes to your sleep pattern can disrupt your nervous system’s balance and trigger migraines. A consistent sleep routine is key. In practice, I’ve found that chiropractic adjustments can support more restful sleep by calming the nervous system and helping the body reset its natural rhythms.

4. Environmental Sensitivities
Bright lights, strong smells, loud noise, or even weather changes—these are all common migraine triggers, particularly for those with a sensitive nervous system. Over time, chiropractic care can help reduce nervous system irritation, making you less reactive to your environment and more resilient overall.

5. Hormonal Fluctuations
Many of the women I work with experience an increase in migraines during hormonal shifts—whether related to their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. While we can’t change your hormones, we can support your body’s ability to adapt through gentle adjustments, improved spinal alignment, and nervous system support.

You’re Not Alone—And There Are Natural Options
At Miracle Life Chiropractic, we take a whole-body approach to migraine care. That means looking beyond the symptoms to understand the underlying stressors affecting your nervous system. With the right support, many patients experience fewer migraines, better sleep, and more control over their health.

If migraines are disrupting your life, let’s work together to find a natural path to relief. Book your appointment today.

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5 Tips for Better Posture

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As a chiropractor, I witness daily the profound impact posture has on both physical and mental well-being. Good posture isn’t just about standing tall—it’s about supporting your spine, enhancing mobility, and helping your body function as it’s designed to.

If you’re ready to improve your posture, here are five practical tips I frequently share with my patients:

1. Tune In to Your Body

Awareness is the first step to better posture. Take a moment to notice how you’re holding yourself throughout the day—whether you’re at your desk, scrolling on your phone, or walking. Regular posture check-ins help you catch and correct bad habits before they take hold.

2. Strengthen Your Core

Your core is the foundation of good posture. A weak core makes maintaining alignment much harder. Incorporate exercises like planks, bird-dogs, or gentle Pilates into your routine to build strength and stability from the inside out.

3. Stretch the Right Areas

Tight muscles, particularly in the chest, shoulders, and hips, can pull your body out of alignment. Stretching these areas regularly helps release tension, making it easier to stand tall with ease. Even just a few focused stretches a day can create noticeable improvements.

4. Optimise Your Workspace

Your work setup significantly affects your posture. Poor screen placement or an unsupportive chair can undo even the best intentions. A few simple adjustments—like elevating your monitor to eye level or using an ergonomic chair—can make a huge difference.

5. Seek Professional Support

Posture challenges often go beyond tight muscles. Issues like spinal misalignments or imbalances require a professional approach. Chiropractic care provides gentle adjustments and posture-focused rehabilitation to help you achieve lasting alignment and ease.

Bonus Tip: Keep Moving

One of the simplest ways to protect your posture is to avoid staying in one position for too long. Stand, stretch, or take a short walk every 30–60 minutes to reset your posture and keep tension at bay.

At Miracle Life Chiropractic, we specialise in posture correction and spinal health, offering personalised care tailored to your needs. Ready to feel more aligned? Let’s work together to help you stand taller and feel your best.

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Lower Back Pain and Disc Issues Explained

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After more than three decades as a chiropractor, one of the most common and frustrating issues I see in clinic is lower back pain. And quite often, the underlying cause is a bulging or herniated disc—something many people don’t even realise they’re dealing with.

Your spine is made up of vertebrae cushioned by discs that act like shock absorbers. When one of those discs bulges or herniates, it can irritate nearby nerves and cause a wide range of symptoms—from persistent back pain to radiating nerve discomfort that affects everyday life.

If you’re wondering whether a disc issue could be the reason behind your lower back pain, here are some telltale signs to keep an eye on:

1. Ongoing Lower Back Pain
This is often the first indicator. Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain, discomfort that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting is a strong sign the disc might be involved. Left untreated, it can become chronic and really take a toll on your energy and mobility.

2. Sciatica (Pain That Radiates Down the Leg)
When a disc presses on the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain that travels from your lower back, through your buttock, and down the leg—sometimes all the way to the foot. This pain may feel sharp, electric, burning, or stabbing, and typically affects one side of the body.

3. Tingling or Numbness
That “pins and needles” sensation, especially in the legs or feet, is often your nervous system signaling that a nerve is under pressure. This symptom can come and go—or become more constant if the issue worsens.

4. Muscle Weakness
When a nerve is compressed for too long, the muscles it controls can start to weaken. You might notice that lifting your foot, climbing stairs, or maintaining balance feels more difficult on one side.

5. Reduced Sensation
A bulging disc can also cause numb patches or dulled sensation in specific areas of the leg or foot, depending on which spinal nerve is affected.

What Can Be Done—Naturally and Effectively
The lumbar spine absorbs a lot of stress daily, and disc problems are more common than many people think. The good news? Surgery isn’t your only option.

At Miracle Life Chiropractic, we take a natural, non-invasive approach to care. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, I’ve helped many patients find relief from disc-related pain through:

  • Gentle spinal adjustments to reduce pressure on nerves
  • Soft tissue techniques to ease surrounding muscle tension
  • Targeted corrective exercises to stabilise and support the spine

If you’re living with these symptoms, don’t ignore them or simply push through. Early, focused care can make a world of difference—and help you avoid more invasive treatments down the track.

Book a visit with us today at Miracle Life Chiropractic. Let’s get your spine supported and your life back on track.

Book Now

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Understanding Neck Pain: Brisbane Chiropractor

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Over the decades, I’ve seen how much neck pain can disrupt everyday life—whether it’s interfering with work, sleep, or something as simple as turning your head. Whether it’s a dull ache or something more intense, pain is your body’s way of saying something isn’t quite right.

Here are five of the most common neck pain symptoms I regularly help patients manage:

1. Stiffness and Limited Mobility
If you’re struggling to turn your head without discomfort or tightness, chances are your neck muscles are inflamed or stiff. This kind of restriction can turn simple tasks—like checking your blind spot or looking over your shoulder—into frustrating challenges.

2. Localised Pain
Sharp or persistent pain in one particular area of the neck is often linked to joint irritation or muscle strain. It may feel worse with certain movements or postures and usually points to a deeper mechanical issue that needs attention.

3. Radiating Pain or Numbness
When pain travels from the neck into the shoulders, arms, or hands, it could be a sign of nerve compression—often due to a spinal misalignment or disc concern. Tingling or numbness in these areas is a definite red flag that shouldn’t be ignored.

4. Headaches
Many people don’t realise their recurring headaches may actually be stemming from the neck. Dysfunction in the upper cervical spine can refer pain up into the head—what we call cervicogenic headaches. In my experience, chiropractic care can be remarkably effective in addressing this type of headache.

5. Muscle Weakness
Weakness in the arms, shoulders or hands can be more than a muscular issue—it might indicate nerve irritation or compression. This is something we take seriously, as nerve function plays a vital role in your body’s overall health and strength.

How Chiropractic Can Help
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, early care is key. At Miracle Life Chiropractic, we look beyond the symptoms to understand the root cause of your neck pain. Through gentle spinal adjustments, soft tissue techniques, and posture correction, we help your body restore balance and heal naturally—without relying on medication.

You don’t have to live with neck pain. Let’s work together to get you moving and feeling better again.

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Stiff Neck: What Does It Mean?

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As a chiropractor with over 30 years of experience, I’ve treated countless patients suffering from stiff necks. While a stiff neck might seem like a minor inconvenience, it can be a sign of deeper issues that need attention. Understanding its causes and how chiropractic care can help is essential for long-term relief. Here’s what you need to know:

What Is a Stiff Neck?

A stiff neck refers to difficulty moving the neck freely, often accompanied by soreness, pain, or tension. It can make simple tasks—like turning your head, looking over your shoulder, or even nodding—uncomfortable or painful. This restriction in range of motion can be more than just annoying; it can interfere with daily activities and even affect your posture.

Common Causes of a Stiff Neck

  1. Poor Posture: Spending long hours looking down at a screen, slouching, or poor ergonomic setups can strain the neck muscles, leading to stiffness. Over time, this can result in muscle imbalances that make movement more difficult.
  2. Sleeping Position: If you sleep in an awkward position or on a pillow that doesn’t properly support your neck, you might wake up with a stiff neck. The wrong sleep posture can put unnecessary pressure on the muscles and joints in your cervical spine.
  3. Sudden Movements: Whiplash or jerky, sudden movements can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck, often causing stiffness. This is common in car accidents or physical trauma.
  4. Stress and Tension: Mental or emotional stress often manifests physically as tension in the neck and shoulders. Chronic stress can lead to muscle tightness, resulting in a stiff neck.
  5. Underlying Conditions: In some cases, a stiff neck can signal more serious issues like a herniated disc, a pinched nerve, or other spinal conditions. It’s important to monitor the severity and duration of the symptoms to address any potential underlying conditions early.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care is highly effective in diagnosing and treating neck stiffness. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve helped countless patients recover from this issue by addressing the root causes and providing tailored treatments:

  1. Spinal Adjustments: Gentle realignment of the cervical spine can reduce tension, restore proper alignment, and improve mobility. This can help ease the discomfort and stiffness that limits your range of motion.
  2. Muscle Relaxation Techniques: Chiropractic care often includes soft tissue therapies like massage, trigger point therapy, or myofascial release to alleviate tightness in the neck and shoulders.
  3. Postural Guidance: I provide guidance on improving posture during daily activities, especially for those who spend long hours at desks or looking at screens. Good posture habits can prevent further strain on the neck.
  4. Personalised Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve neck flexibility and strength, reducing the risk of future stiffness and discomfort.

Preventing a Stiff Neck

To prevent neck stiffness from recurring, it’s important to make adjustments in your daily routine:

  • Maintain good posture while sitting, standing, and using devices like your phone or computer.
  • Use a supportive pillow that keeps your neck aligned with your spine during sleep.
  • Incorporate regular stretching and movement into your day to keep muscles flexible and avoid tightness.
  • Manage stress with techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or mindfulness to reduce muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.

Take Action Now

If a stiff neck is disrupting your daily life, don’t ignore it. Chiropractic care can help identify the cause and provide the relief you need. Book an appointment with Miracle Life Chiropractic today, and let our experienced team help you restore your neck’s natural mobility and comfort. We’re here to help you feel better and move more freely!

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