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 Natural Awakenings Lancaster-Berks

A Therapeutic Effect: One-Stop Shop for Natural Health

Sep 30, 2013 10:39PM ● By Nancy Somera

Dr. Andrew Ashton, a chiropractic doctor, is not one to take credit for the success of A Therapeutic Effect natural health and wellness center, in Mountville. Instead, he insists, “It takes a great team with a common goal and focus.” That team includes Ashton and a dedicated staff comprising seven licensed massage therapists, a colon hydrotherapist, an esthetician, a licensed mental health counselor and an office staff working together to serve clients’ needs, address their concerns and build a real connection with those seeking treatment.

Over a period of six years, the center has grown from what Ashton describes as, “a two-room, mom-and-pop shop,” to a 3,500-square-foot, complete natural health and wellness center that exposes clients to many different modalities and therapies in the natural health field. “The idea of a multifunctional office took hold while I was an undergrad studying exercise sports science. I wanted to create a one-stop shopping experience for people looking for natural health,” says Ashton.

Ashton graduated from Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 2005 and received his certification in the Torque Release Technique a year later. With the Torque Release Technique, he uses a handheld instrument, rather than his hands, to manipulate and treat the area of spinal dysfunction that is causing nerve interference or spinal subluxation. The rubber-tipped instrument introduces force to a specific area of the body and according to Ashton, enables him to be more accurate and precise. “I can place the instrument directly on specific vertebrae and apply exactly the right amount of pressure,” he says. “It involves lower force and impact and truly honors the body, making it ideal for any age.”

His wife, Sue, is one of the center’s licensed massage therapists, and together they focus on creating a community within their community, a place with a family atmosphere that is inviting, calming and relaxing. Massage therapist Kate Waldron attributes the family atmosphere to the cohesiveness of the staff, stating, “We call it the Dr. Andrew effect. Those that work with him feel appreciated and listened to. He tells everyone to ‘Check your ego at the door, because there is no room for it here.’ This lets us work really well as a team to better serve our clients.”

Regarding the center’s treatment philosophy, Ashton notes, “Healthcare is going in a direction of less reactive to more proactive. Instead of waiting for the body to break down and then trying to regain health, we are guided by the principle of helping our clients maintain their health.” He estimates 50 percent of their clients receive wellness-based maintenance care, while the other 50 percent seek help for chronic or acute injuries. “We try to help people understand that alternative therapies to mainstream medicine are not just pampering; it’s healthcare,” he says.

Therapies offered at the center include chiropractic care; colon hydrotherapy; a far-infrared sauna; and numerous massage techniques and spa services that include facials, microdermabrasion, customized skincare, waxing and body and sinus treatments. A licensed counselor is available for clients that are struggling with stress, addictions, depression, anxiety or relationship issues.

The practice recently started using a therapeutic vibration plate that produces whole-body vibration to retrain and strengthen muscles, increase circulation, instill proper posture and improve lymphatic drainage. It enables patients to rehabilitate injuries slowly and progressively with little or no discomfort.

Regardless of the therapy sought at A Therapeutic Effect, clients are met by a professional doctor or therapist that finds satisfaction in helping people. “I’m a problem solver. I want to fix things,” Ashton says. “When people are in need or are having trouble, I want to make their life better.”

Location: 313 D Primrose Ln., Mountville. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 717-285-9955, email Info@ATherapeuticEffect or visit ATherapeuticEffect.com.

Nancy Somera is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings who lives in Barrington, Rhode Island. Connect with her at [email protected].