Doctor of Chiropractic Thomas B. Wachtmann believes in health care, not sickness care, at Link Chiropractic, using a unique combination of chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, massage therapy, functional diagnostic medicine, neurotransmitter balancing and nutrition counseling for total health optimization. His approach to individualized patient care is focused on finding solutions to health problems beyond pain.

Wachtmann studied chiropractic medicine at the Palmer College of Chiropractic, in Iowa. A practicing chiropractic physician since 1996, in January 2011 he purchased Link Chiropractic, established in 1998, on Link Road, later moved to the current location and renamed it Link Chiropractic Clinic. “I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Fleetwood area, along with the people who reside in this wonderful community,” Wachtmann says.

While some people may associate chiropractic care with simply alleviating back and neck pain, Wachtmann goes further to address whole person health. He uses a variety of adjustments and non-invasive functional approaches to treat pain, but also conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, fibromyalgia, hormonal imbalances, vertigo, digestive disturbances, insomnia and stress. These are all conditions that can be aggravated by spinal misalignments that pinch nerves and restrict blood flow.

While there are several types of chiropractic techniques and protocols, Wachtmann treats patients from newborns to seniors with non-surgical spinal decompression that relieves herniated discs and sciatica, and gentle physical manipulation of the spinal column. “I strive to educate those taking prescription meds for pain about healthier alternatives to receiving pain relief,” Wachtmann advises. “No matter how long one has dealt with neck and back pain, pain relief is possible with the correct treatment.”

Functional medicine, a large component of Wachtmann’s practice, combines targeted nutrition, functional genomic analysis (the study of how genes function and contribute to different biological processes), infrared light therapy and massage therapy in each patient’s customized plan of health maintenance. While each plan is unique, one thing they all have in common is preventing the need for sickness care.

He recommends whole food supplements to maintain good health, and Link Chiropractic maintains a retail component inside the clinic. Wachtmann also uses neurotransmitter balancing, comprising a combination of supplements, auditory stimulation, vibration and visual therapy, and therapeutic exercises for treating vertigo and dizziness.

By means of comprehensive men’s and women’s health programs, his lifestyle medicine treats endocrine issues such as hormonal imbalances, which can affect mood, sexual desire, fertility and immunity. It considers physical, mental and social conditions such as diet, exercise, sleep and stress, and the doctor makes recommendations in those areas for improvement.

Education is a key component of Wachtmann’s approach. “I educate patients about the benefits and expected outcomes first and foremost, to ensure they’re comfortable with every procedure before it’s performed,” he says. He has treated professional athletes that include members of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Phillies, as well as professional musicians and fellow healthcare providers. He was the team physician for his local semi-professional football team, the Lehigh Valley Steelers, for three years.

Wachtmann’s staff includes a front desk secretary, insurance billing specialist, two massage therapists and two independent contractors for website design and marketing strategy. They all strive to maintain an inviting atmosphere and flexible hours, providing every patient with caring treatment to deliver the best results. “It’s amazing how our patients help spread the word about how well chiropractic and functional medicine are able to provide pain relief to our patients and help them enjoy better quality of life,” Wachtmann relates.