Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Care in Holland, MI — McAlpine Chiropractic

Your spine is the structural foundation of your entire body. When it is not functioning properly, the effects reach far beyond your back — into your energy, your mobility, your sleep, and your ability to do the things that matter to you. Chiropractic care is the discipline dedicated to restoring that function and keeping it there.

At McAlpine Chiropractic in Holland, MI, we have provided evidence-based chiropractic care to the West Michigan community for over 30 years. Our team — Dr. Phillip Maletta, Dr. Ben De Young, and Dr. Ann McAlpine — combines hands-on expertise with advanced technology to deliver chiropractic treatment that addresses the structural cause of your pain, not just the symptoms.

Schedule Your Appointment | Call 616-392-7031

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What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a healthcare discipline focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems — with a particular emphasis on the spine. The core of chiropractic treatment is the spinal adjustment: a precise, controlled force applied to a specific vertebra to restore its proper position and movement.

Your spine is more than a stack of bones. It is a complex, interconnected system of 24 movable vertebrae, 23 intervertebral discs, over 30 pairs of spinal nerves, and hundreds of muscles and ligaments — all working together to support your body, protect your spinal cord, and transmit signals between your brain and every organ, limb, and tissue in your body. When any part of this system is compromised — whether by misalignment, injury, repetitive stress, or degeneration — the effects can be widespread and persistent.

Chiropractic care works by identifying and correcting these structural and functional problems. It is non-invasive, drug-free, and supported by decades of peer-reviewed research. A landmark study published in JAMA (Paige et al., 2017) found that spinal manipulative therapy provides a statistically significant improvement in pain and function for patients with acute low back pain. Research published in Annals of Internal Medicine (Bronfort et al., 2012) demonstrated that spinal manipulation was more effective than medication for both acute and subacute neck pain. And a study in Spine (Goertz et al., 2013) showed that patients receiving chiropractic care in addition to standard medical care experienced significantly greater improvements in pain and satisfaction compared to standard care alone.

These are not fringe findings. They are published in the most respected medical journals in the world — and they reflect what our patients in Holland, MI experience every day.

Conditions We Treat With Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic treatment is effective for a broad range of conditions. At McAlpine Chiropractic, the conditions our patients most commonly seek care for include:

• Back pain — the single most common reason patients visit a chiropractor, including acute episodes, chronic pain, and pain caused by disc problems or spinal misalignment
• Neck pain — from stiffness and limited range of motion to cervical radiculopathy and pinched nerves
• Sciatica — shooting pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates from the lower back down through the leg
• Headaches and migraines — cervicogenic headaches originating from the neck, tension headaches, and migraine frequency reduction
• Herniated and bulging discs — disc injuries that compress spinal nerves and cause radiating pain, weakness, or numbness
• Auto accident injuries — whiplash, spinal trauma, soft tissue damage, and delayed-onset pain following car accidents
• Sports injuries — strains, sprains, joint dysfunction, and performance-limiting musculoskeletal problems
• Prenatal care — safe, gentle adjustments to relieve pregnancy-related back pain, pelvic discomfort, and postural strain
• Neuropathy — nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or weakness in the extremities

If you are unsure whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition, call our Holland office at 616-392-7031. We will let you know whether we can help — and if your condition requires a different type of care, we will point you in the right direction.

How We Deliver Chiropractic Treatment at McAlpine Chiropractic

Our approach to chiropractic care goes well beyond a standard adjustment. We combine multiple evidence-based treatment methods to address every layer of your condition — structural, neurological, and soft tissue.

Spinal Adjustments

The chiropractic adjustment is the foundation of our care. When vertebrae lose their normal position or mobility — a condition known as spinal segmental dysfunction (sometimes called a spinal fixation or subluxation) — they create pressure on the surrounding nerves, trigger muscle compensation and inflammation, and disrupt the communication between your brain and body. A targeted spinal adjustment restores alignment and joint mobility, relieves nerve interference, and allows your body’s own healing mechanisms to function as they were designed to.

Our three chiropractors each bring years of clinical experience and continuing education in multiple adjustment techniques. Whether your condition calls for manual diversified technique, instrument-assisted adjusting, or a gentle low-force approach, we match the technique to what your body needs.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (SpineMed Table)

For patients with disc-related conditions — herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica caused by nerve compression — we offer non-surgical spinal decompression using the SpineMed system. This FDA-cleared table gently and precisely stretches the spine at controlled angles between 0 and 25 degrees, creating negative intradiscal pressure. That negative pressure draws herniated or bulging disc material back toward its center, takes pressure off compressed nerves, and promotes the flow of oxygen and nutrients into damaged discs.

The SpineMed table uses a patented pelvic restraint that prevents the muscles from guarding against the stretch — a common limitation of standard traction or inversion therapy. The result is effective decompression with approximately 60% less force applied to the patient. Most patients find the sessions comfortable and relaxing.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Class IV laser therapy delivers concentrated therapeutic light energy deep into inflamed and damaged tissue. At the cellular level, this energy stimulates mitochondrial function, accelerates tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and decreases pain signaling. We use laser therapy for the soft tissue component of spinal conditions — the muscle spasms, ligament inflammation, and tissue damage that accompany structural problems.

When combined with adjustments and decompression, laser therapy accelerates the overall recovery timeline. Each modality reinforces the others: adjustments correct the structural problem, decompression addresses the disc, and laser therapy heals the surrounding tissue.

Extremity Adjusting

Chiropractic care is not limited to the spine. At McAlpine Chiropractic, we also treat joint dysfunction in the extremities — shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. When these joints lose their normal range of motion or alignment, the result is pain, stiffness, weakness, and compensatory movement patterns that often create problems elsewhere in the body.

Extremity adjusting uses the same principle as spinal adjustments: a precise, controlled correction to restore proper joint mechanics. Patients dealing with frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel symptoms, hip restrictions, knee tracking problems, or chronic ankle instability often respond well to extremity adjustments — especially when combined with spinal care that addresses the biomechanical chain connecting the spine to the limb.

This is a skill set that many chiropractic offices do not offer. Dr. Maletta has extensive experience in extremity adjusting and regularly treats patients whose shoulder, knee, or ankle problems have not responded to other conservative treatments.

Diagnostic Imaging

Unlike many chiropractic offices, our doctors can order X-rays and MRI when clinically indicated. This means we can see exactly what is happening inside your spine before we begin treatment — and we can objectively track your structural improvement as care progresses. Diagnostic imaging removes the guesswork and gives us the information we need to build the most effective treatment plan for your specific condition.

Corrective Exercises and Rehabilitation

Chiropractic care at McAlpine includes targeted exercises and stretches designed to support your adjustments and strengthen the muscles that stabilize your spine. Our chiropractors have passed the national board exam for physical therapy and provide corrective exercises, stretching protocols, and rehabilitation guidance in-house. When a patient’s rehabilitation needs go beyond what we offer, we coordinate with trusted local physical therapists — including Ruther Health and Wellness and Rehab for Performance — to ensure the best possible outcome. Chiropractic and physical therapy are complementary: we correct the structural problem so that your exercises and rehab work better.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every patient is different. A college athlete with a sports injury needs a completely different approach than a construction worker with degenerative disc disease or a pregnant woman with pelvic pain. We build every treatment plan around your specific diagnosis, your body, your lifestyle, and your goals — with clear timelines and measurable outcomes.

Your First Visit — What to Expect

We know that visiting a new healthcare provider can feel uncertain, so here is exactly what happens at your first appointment.

Consultation: We start by listening. You will describe your symptoms, your history, what you have already tried, and what you want to achieve. The details matter — and we ask thorough questions to make sure we understand the full picture.

Examination: A comprehensive physical and neurological examination identifies areas of spinal misalignment, nerve involvement, joint dysfunction, and muscular imbalance. If diagnostic imaging is needed, we order it.

Diagnosis and treatment plan: We explain what we found, what is causing your symptoms, and exactly how we plan to treat it — including how many visits we anticipate and what results you should expect. No surprises.

Treatment: In most cases, we begin chiropractic treatment on your first visit. You do not have to wait weeks for care to start.

Book Your First Visit | Call 616-392-7031

Meet Your Chiropractors

Dr. Phillip Maletta — Dr. Maletta leads the clinical team at McAlpine Chiropractic. He specializes in complex spinal conditions, disc injuries, auto accident cases, and extremity adjusting — treating shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles alongside spinal care. Dr. Maletta takes a thorough, diagnostic-first approach to every patient and is known for his proficiency in extremity adjusting, a skill set that many chiropractors do not offer.

Dr. Ben De Young — Dr. De Young brings clinical skill and a patient-centered approach to the team. He treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and is known for his ability to explain complex spinal problems in plain language so patients understand exactly what is happening and why.

Dr. Ann McAlpine — Dr. McAlpine has a gift for identifying subtle structural problems that other providers miss. She is certified in the Webster Technique — a specialized chiropractic analysis and adjustment protocol for pregnant women that focuses on pelvic balance and optimal fetal positioning. Dr. McAlpine treats patients of all ages with precision and compassion, and her expertise in prenatal and pediatric chiropractic makes her a trusted provider for expectant mothers and families throughout Holland and West Michigan.

All three doctors hold Doctor of Chiropractic degrees, maintain active Michigan licenses, and pursue ongoing continuing education to stay current with the latest evidence-based techniques and technologies.

Why Choose McAlpine Chiropractic

Holland, MI has several chiropractic practices to choose from. Here is what sets McAlpine Chiropractic apart:

• Three experienced chiropractors — Dr. Phillip Maletta, Dr. Ben De Young, and Dr. Ann McAlpine bring decades of combined clinical experience. You are treated by doctors who have seen and resolved a wide range of spinal conditions.
• Advanced technology — Our SpineMed spinal decompression table and Class IV laser are tools that most chiropractic offices do not have. They allow us to treat disc conditions, neuropathy, and chronic pain that adjustments alone may not fully resolve.
• Diagnostic imaging capability — We can order X-rays and MRI, giving us a clear structural picture of your spine before treatment begins and objective data to measure your progress.
• Comprehensive massage therapy — Our licensed massage therapists work alongside our chiropractors to address the soft tissue component of your condition, enhancing the effectiveness of your chiropractic care.
• Evidence-based approach — Our treatment protocols are built on peer-reviewed research and clinical outcomes, not trends or guesswork.
• Collaborative care — We coordinate with local physical therapists and medical providers when your condition benefits from a team approach. Our goal is your best outcome, period.
• Over 30 years serving Holland — McAlpine Chiropractic is an established part of the Holland, MI community. We have earned the trust of thousands of patients and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care

Is chiropractic care safe?

Yes. Chiropractic care is one of the safest forms of healthcare available for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractors undergo extensive training — a minimum of four years of graduate-level education focused on the spine, nervous system, and manual therapy — before they are licensed to practice. Serious adverse events from chiropractic adjustments are exceptionally rare. The treatments we provide at McAlpine Chiropractic, including spinal adjustments, decompression, and laser therapy, are non-invasive and drug-free.

What does a chiropractor do?

A chiropractor diagnoses and treats disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, primarily through spinal adjustments and manual therapy. At McAlpine Chiropractic, our chiropractors also utilize non-surgical spinal decompression, Class IV laser therapy, diagnostic imaging, corrective exercises, and lifestyle guidance. The goal is to identify the structural cause of your pain or dysfunction and correct it — not simply manage symptoms.

How long does chiropractic treatment take?

Treatment length depends on the nature and severity of your condition. An acute muscle strain or joint restriction may respond in 4-6 visits over 2-3 weeks. A herniated disc or chronic spinal condition typically requires 8-12 weeks of care. During your first visit, we will provide an honest estimate of the treatment timeline based on your specific diagnosis and goals.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor in Michigan?

No. Michigan law allows direct access to chiropractic care — you do not need a referral from your primary care physician or any other provider. You can schedule your appointment at McAlpine Chiropractic today.

Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?

Most health insurance plans in Michigan include coverage for chiropractic care. The specific details — copays, visit limits, and deductible requirements — vary by plan. Contact our office at 616-392-7031 and our team can help you verify your benefits before your first visit.

What is the difference between a chiropractor and a physical therapist?

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and correcting spinal alignment and joint function — addressing the structural root cause of pain. Physical therapy focuses on rehabilitation exercises, strengthening, and restoring movement patterns. Both are valuable, and they complement each other well. Our chiropractors perform corrective exercises and basic rehabilitation in-house. When a patient’s rehab needs go beyond what we provide, we refer to trusted local physical therapists and coordinate care to ensure the best result.

Can chiropractic care help with more than back pain?

Absolutely. While back pain is the most common reason patients visit a chiropractor, chiropractic care is effective for a wide range of conditions including neck pain, headaches, sciatica, sports injuries, auto accident injuries, prenatal discomfort, and neuropathy. If your condition involves the spine, joints, nerves, or muscles, there is a strong chance chiropractic care can help.

Start Getting the Care Your Body Needs

Your spine supports everything you do. When it is not working properly, everything else suffers — your energy, your sleep, your ability to work, exercise, and enjoy your life. Chiropractic care addresses the root cause of that breakdown and gives your body the foundation it needs to heal and function at its best.

McAlpine Chiropractic has been helping patients in Holland, MI and the surrounding communities move better, feel better, and stay better for over three decades. Whether you are dealing with a specific injury, chronic pain, or simply want to take better care of your spine, we are here to help.

Schedule Your Appointment Now

Call us: 616-392-7031

Visit us: McAlpine Chiropractic, Holland, MI

Hours: Monday-Friday