Chiropractor back to roots

For seven years, Dr. Marc Anton Cancio practiced his profession in San Francisco, treating patients of all ages with his specialized method of chiropractic – a health care discipline that makes no use of drugs.

Dr. Cancio took care of kids suffering from scoliosis, adults stiffened by arthritis, athletes complaining of chronic pain and victims of automobile accidents and work-related injuries. He had no preference as to age, gender or affliction. If chiropractic was the answer to their problems, Dr. Cancio offered a solution.

It was in 1999 when Dr. Cancio obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech University. By the way, Virginia Tech was once in the Guinness Book of World Records as the school for whom 6-6 forward Les Henson (no relation) threw a full-court overhead shot, measuring 89 feet and three inches, to lift the varsity to victory over Florida State in 1980. It was then the longest basket converted in US college basketball history. The record was reset three years later by Bruce Morris who hit an 89-foot, 10-inch shot for Marshall University.

From Virginia Tech, Dr. Cancio went to Palmer College of Chiropractic West in California where he graduated cum laude and earned his doctorate in 2002. He holds an active license from the National and California State Board of Examiners and is accredited by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. In 2006, Dr. Cancio became a certified chiropractic sports physician after completing a one-year post-graduate course.

Now, Dr. Cancio has returned home, back to his roots. He recently opened a clinic on Missouri corner Connecticut in Greenhills and is determined to make a difference in the lives of Filipinos suffering from pain attributable to the structure of the human body which is the spinal column as it relates to the function of the body, namely the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

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“A doctor of chiropractic specializes in spinal hygiene by ensuring proper spinal alignment,” said Dr. Cancio who is Talk ‘N’ Text coach Chot Reyes’ first cousin (Dr. Cancio’s mother Brenda is the sister of Reyes’ late father Gilbert). “Your chiropractor can help prevent early spine decay or arthritis, achieve proper posture in children and young adults and increase mobility and comfort in older adults. Overall, a chiropractor helps patients achieve their health goals by promoting a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise along with their spinal hygiene.”

Because of Dr. Cancio’s love for sports, it was inevitable that athletes became a major focus of his attention. Among the athletes who are Dr. Cancio’s satisfied customers are three-time Southeast Asian Games wrestling gold medalist and mixed martial arts practitioner Marcus Valda, Ateneo guard Jai Reyes (his nephew) and Talk ‘N’ Text cagers Ali Peek and Nic Belasco.

“In athletes, a good spinal alignment is not only essential for maintaining joint flexibility and for the prevention of injuries but also in helping them recover faster from injuries,” explained Dr. Cancio. “Chiropractic care enables athletes to compete at an optimum level.”

Since a chiropractor does not prescribe medicine for treatment, he is often perceived to be a “non-doctor” and some would-be patients veer away as a result. But there is really no reason to be wary. In Dr. Cancio’s case, for example, it is clear that he in fact is a doctor of chiropractic and he certainly knows how to deal with problems like golfer and tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, postural correction, wellness care prevention of chronic pain syndromes and early spinal degeneration, arthritis pain and stiffness, scoliosis, slipped disc, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle pain, headache, neck pain and spine injuries.

If the pain is traced to a cause that is beyond the scope of chiropractic treatment, then Dr. Cancio will refer the patient to the proper health care professional.

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Chiropractors are widely known to be masters of back-cracking, a relieving method to alleviate discomfort stemming from a misaligned spine.

“The cracking sound from an adjustment is caused by the release of gases inside the joints,” said Dr. Cancio. “It is not a rubbing or cracking of bones. When applied correctly by a chiropractor, it does not hurt and the risk of injury is very rare. It provides an immediate increase in range of motion and relief from aches and pains.”

Dr. Cancio said the forms of chiropractic treatment are spinal adjustment, electrical muscle stimulation therapy, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, moist heat therapy, ice therapy, passive stretching and myofascial therapy.

In Dr. Cancio’s introductory flyer, he quoted five high-profile stars who swear by their chiropractors. They were Tiger Woods, Evander Holyfield, Joe Montana, Mel Gibson and Lance Armstrong.

“Being a chiropractor patient has really helped me immensely, lifting weights and seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis has made me a better golfer,” said Woods. “It’s as important to my training as practicing my swing.”

Holyfield said: “I have to have an adjustment before I go into the ring. I found that going to a chiropractor three times a week helps my performance.”

“I’ve been seeing a chiropractor and he’s really been helping me out a lot,” said Montana. “Chiropractic’s been a big part of my game.”

“You get hurt all the time,” said Gibson. “All you gotta do is just like eight takes of running down a hill and you twist an ankle. I got a chiropractor to come along to the shoot (of the movie ‘Patriot’) because they can actually stick you back together within 15 minutes.”

“I could not have won without my chiropractor’s help,” said Armstrong, the greatest cyclist in US history.

If you’ve got aches and pains, check out Dr. Cancio. His clinic is open Monday to Saturday. He may be contacted at Tel. No. 722-7530.

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