FAQ

Yes! Babies and children can safely visit a chiropractor starting shortly after birth. At our clinic in Saint Augustine, FL, we offer gentle and effective pediatric chiropractic care to help ensure your child’s spine and nervous system are developing properly from day one.

Birth is one of the most physically demanding experiences for both mother and baby. Even in smooth deliveries, a newborn’s body endures significant pressure that can cause subtle spinal misalignments (subluxations). A recent study found that up to 90% of newborns experience some degree of birth-related strain, particularly in the neck and cranial areas. Gentle infant chiropractic adjustments can help relieve this tension and support better comfort, feeding, and sleep.

Not every chiropractor specializes in pediatric care, so it’s important to choose one who is experienced and comfortable working with children.
Dr. Ryan, a trusted pediatric chiropractor in Saint Augustine, FL, has nearly two decades of experience providing safe, gentle adjustments for infants, toddlers, and children of all ages.

Each birth is unique, but all involve physical forces that can impact your baby’s spine and nervous system. That’s why many local families choose to have their newborn checked by a baby chiropractor to promote proper alignment, comfort, and healthy growth.

If you’re searching for a family or pediatric chiropractor in Saint Augustine, FL, contact our office today to schedule a gentle and caring evaluation with Dr. Ryan. We love helping children start life aligned, healthy, and happy!

Many parents choose to visit a pediatric chiropractor when they notice their baby struggling with tension, movement, or comfort. These challenges can sometimes be related to gentle misalignments in the spine or nervous system, which may occur during birth or early development.

Common Signs Your Baby May Benefit from Gentle Chiropractic Care

• Favoring turning their head to one side (which may look like torticollis)

• Difficulty latching or nursing comfortably

• Colic, gas, or excessive fussiness

• Constipation or irregular bowel movements

• Reflux or frequent spitting up

• Arching their back during feeding or crying

• Tight fists, stiffness, or appearing “tense”

• General irritability or trouble relaxing and sleeping

These signs may indicate that your baby’s body is experiencing mild tension or imbalance that could benefit from gentle care.

How Gentle Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractors who work with infants use very light pressure—about the same as testing the ripeness of a tomato. Adjustments are safe, soothing, and specifically tailored for your baby’s delicate body.

Many parents report noticing positive changes after a few gentle adjustments, including:

• Easier nursing and feeding sessions

• A more relaxed posture and open hands

• More regular bowel movements

• Less reflux or spitting up

• Better sleep and overall mood

Because kids are kids! They love to run, jump, and explore — and with all that activity come bumps, falls, and tumbles. These little adventures can sometimes cause misalignments in the spine and joints. Regular visits to a kids chiropractor help ensure your child’s body stays properly aligned as they grow.

Pediatric chiropractic care supports healthy development by keeping the spine, hips, knees, shoulders, and neck in balance. During growth spurts, children often experience clumsiness, awkward posture, and even “growing pains.” Gentle chiropractic adjustments for kids can help relieve tension, improve posture, and support overall comfort and mobility.

When a child’s body is in proper alignment, their muscles, tendons, and ligaments can grow and stretch correctly — helping them stay active, coordinated, and healthy. Regular chiropractic checkups during childhood encourage better posture, flexibility, and long-term spinal health.

Help your kids grow strong, straight, and full of life with natural, safe pediatric chiropractic care! 🌟

Yes, absolutely! Dr. Ryan is Webster Certified and Perinatal Certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), giving him advanced training in providing safe, gentle chiropractic care for women during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum.

Regular chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can help support your body’s natural changes, relieve common pregnancy discomforts, and create the best possible environment for your baby’s growth and development. By using the Webster Technique to balance the pelvic bones, muscles, and ligaments, Dr. Ryan helps improve nervous system function and optimize pelvic alignment—setting the stage for a smoother, more comfortable pregnancy and birth experience.

Experience the benefits of prenatal chiropractic care and support your journey to a healthy, balanced pregnancy with Dr. Ryan.

The Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique in Chiropractic care is a gentle, research-based approach to spinal adjustment that uses a handheld instrument called the Activator Adjusting Instrument. This precise tool delivers a quick, controlled, and low-force impulse to specific areas of the spine to restore proper alignment and improve nervous system function—without the twisting, cracking, or popping associated with traditional chiropractic adjustments.

A Gentle and Effective Chiropractic Technique

The Activator Method is ideal for patients seeking a more comfortable, non-manual form of chiropractic care. Because the instrument delivers such a fast adjustment, surrounding muscles don’t have time to tense up—allowing for a more effective and relaxing treatment. This gentle technique allows patients to stay in a neutral position throughout the entire process, even when adjusting the neck.

Why Dr. Ryan Uses the Activator Method

Dr. Ryan has been an Advanced Proficiency Rated Activator Chiropractor since 2006 and completes continuing education in this technique every year to stay current with the latest research and protocols. His primary adjusting technique is the Activator Method because it offers several key benefits:

• Precision: Each adjustment is highly targeted for consistent and reliable results.

• Comfort: Perfect for patients who prefer a gentle, low-force approach.

• Effectiveness: Research shows the Activator can move vertebrae more effectively than manual adjustments due to its speed.

• Safety: No twisting or turning of the neck is required—just a gentle click to realign the vertebrae.

• Comprehensive Care: The technique allows Dr. Ryan to incorporate muscle work during adjustments, helping prevent misalignments from returning.

Experience Gentle, Precise Chiropractic Care

If you prefer a chiropractic technique that’s gentle, accurate, and backed by science, the Activator Methods Technique may be the perfect fit for you. Dr. Ryan’s advanced training and years of experience ensure that each adjustment is performed with precision, care, and your comfort in mind.

Dr. Ryan uses the Thompson Drop Technique, a gentle and precise form of chiropractic adjustment that relies on a specialized drop table. As the name suggests, sections of this table slightly drop during the adjustment process. This motion helps correct spinal misalignments without the twisting, cracking, or popping that some patients prefer to avoid.

When Dr. Ryan locates areas of the spine that are out of alignment, he applies a light, targeted pressure. As he does, that section of the table drops away, allowing for a more comfortable adjustment with less force. The Thompson Drop Technique offers effective results while enhancing patient comfort—making it an excellent option for those seeking a gentle chiropractic experience that still delivers precise, lasting alignment.

We owned and operated a successful chiropractic practice in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for 18 years, where we were honored to be voted the best chiropractic office in our city for the past five years in two different publications. After nearly two decades in the desert, we were ready for a new chapter surrounded by greenery, fresh ocean air, and a vibrant community.

In the spring of 2025, we relocated to the beautiful World Golf Village area and opened Full Bloom Chiropractic in St. Augustine, Florida. We fell in love with the local community and saw a growing need for experienced, family-focused chiropractors in the area. Our goal is to help the people of St. Augustine and the surrounding communities feel their best through gentle, effective, and personalized chiropractic care.

At our chiropractic office in Saint Augustine, FL, we care for patients with a wide variety of health concerns. Some of the most common conditions we treat include neck pain, low back pain, sciatica, headaches, and mid-back pain. These are typical issues that bring people to see a chiropractor, but chiropractic care offers much more than just pain relief.

Many of our patients visit us even when they aren’t experiencing pain. They may be dealing with digestive or stomach issues, GI discomfort, anxiety, insomnia or other sleep problems, poor posture, knee or foot pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, or simply notice they can’t move as comfortably as they once did.

Chiropractic Care in Saint Augustine Is About More Than Just Back Pain

Chiropractic adjustments focus on restoring proper spinal alignment and improving nervous system function. Your spine protects the nervous system, which controls every organ, muscle, and function in your body. When the spine becomes misaligned — what chiropractors call a subluxation — it can interfere with your body’s natural communication pathways.

You might not always feel pain, but your body may show other signs that it’s not functioning at its best. By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractic care helps remove nerve interference, allowing your body to function, move, and heal more efficiently.

A Simple Way to Understand Chiropractic

Imagine your nervous system as a garden hose. When water flows freely, everything works perfectly. But if a car parks on the hose, the flow slows to a trickle. That car represents a subluxation, and the water represents your body’s internal communication. When the interference (the car) is removed through a chiropractic adjustment, communication is restored and your body can perform at its best again.

Experience the Benefits of Chiropractic in Saint Augustine, FL

Whether you’re seeking natural relief from chronic pain or looking to improve your overall health and mobility, our chiropractic team in Saint Augustine is here to help. Chiropractic care supports total-body wellness by restoring balance, improving posture, and enhancing your body’s natural healing ability.

If you’re searching for a trusted chiropractor near you in Saint Augustine, FL, we invite you to schedule an appointment today and discover how chiropractic care can help you feel and function your best.

At Full Bloom Chiropractic, chiropractic care is about so much more than the spine! While spinal adjustments are what most people think of first, experienced chiropractor Dr. Ryan knows that virtually any joint in the body can be adjusted to improve mobility, relieve pain, and restore balance.

With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Ryan specializes in extremity adjustments — including ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and ribs. These gentle, targeted adjustments help your entire body move and function at its best, supporting your natural ability to heal and thrive.

Do you struggle with TMJ pain, jaw clicking, or tightness in your jaw? Using the Activator Method, Dr. Ryan can gently and precisely realign your jaw to its correct position — often relieving tension, improving jaw movement, and reducing discomfort. Even frequent cheek biting can be a sign your jaw is out of alignment.

At Full Bloom Chiropractic, we focus on whole-body wellness, not just spinal health. From your neck to your knees, we’re here to help you move freely, feel your best, and live in full bloom.

👉 Book your appointment today at Full Bloom Chiropractic and discover how chiropractic care can bring your body back into balance — naturally.

The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic adjustment for pregnancy that helps balance the pelvis, reduce tension in the ligaments supporting the uterus, and promote optimal fetal positioning. Developed by Dr. Larry Webster and taught through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), this gentle prenatal chiropractic method supports both the mother’s comfort and the baby’s healthy development throughout pregnancy.

If you’re looking for a Webster Technique chiropractor in Saint Augustine, Florida, our experienced team provides gentle, effective care to help you enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy and a smoother birth.

🤰 Benefits of the Webster Technique During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, proper pelvic alignment is essential for comfort, mobility, and baby positioning. When the pelvis becomes misaligned, it can create uterine constraint, a tightening of the ligaments that limits your baby’s ability to move freely—like trying to stretch under tight bedsheets.

By gently restoring balance and alignment to the pelvis, the Webster Technique may help:

• ✅ Reduce tension in pelvic muscles and ligaments

• ✅ Improve pelvic balance and nerve communication

• ✅ Create more space for the baby to move naturally

• ✅ Encourage optimal fetal positioning (head-down)

• ✅ Support a safer, more comfortable birth experience

Many expectant mothers report less back pain, improved mobility, and an overall sense of ease after Webster Technique adjustments.

If your child is active in sports, you may be wondering if chiropractic care for youth athletes is necessary — even when they aren’t injured. The answer is yes! Regular chiropractic care can play a key role in helping young athletes stay healthy, balanced, and performing at their best.

Why Chiropractic Care Helps Youth Athletes

Dr. Ryan has nearly two decades of experience working with hundreds of athletes, including youth and teen athletes across a variety of sports. His focus is on preventing injuries, improving mobility, and helping young athletes reach peak performance.

As kids grow, their muscles, tendons, and ligaments are constantly stretching and adapting to changes in height and body structure. This can sometimes lead to imbalances or misalignments, increasing the risk of overuse injuries or reduced performance. Chiropractic adjustments help the body grow and adapt in proper alignment, promoting balance, flexibility, and confidence.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Young Athletes

• Improves posture and movement patterns

• Reduces the risk of sports-related injuries

• Enhances recovery after practices and games

• Supports better flexibility and coordination

• Promotes healthy growth and development

Keep Your Young Athlete in Top Shape

Whether your child plays football, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, swimming, track, dance, or cycling, chiropractic care can help them stay strong, healthy, and active in the sport they love.

Dr. Ryan is FMT 1 & 2 Certified through RockTape, specializing in athletic performance, recovery, and injury prevention for youth athletes.

Full Bloom Chiropractic Approach to Care: At Full Bloom Chiropractic, we don’t use pre-set care plans. Instead, Dr. Ryan tailors his recommendations for the frequency of care based on the findings from your examination and initial adjustment.

During your second visit, you’ll receive a Report of Findings, where Dr. Ryan will explain what he believes it will take to help you reach your health goals. While he provides his professional recommendations—based on results seen in other patients with similar conditions—you always have the final say in how often you receive care.

Typically, patients are seen more frequently in the first few weeks to establish a strong foundation for their adjustments. As healing and progress occur, appointments are gradually spaced further apart.

For long-term wellness, we recommend periodic adjustments to help maintain optimal spinal health and overall well-being.

It might! But here’s the thing — we believe your care decisions should be between you and your chiropractor, not dictated by an insurance company. That’s why our office is self-pay.

We like to keep things simple and transparent. You can find all of our pricing details under the New Patients → Financials tab.

If you’d like to try getting reimbursed, we’re happy to provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company. Some patients do receive partial reimbursement, but it depends on your plan.

A few important notes:

• We’re out-of-network and non-participating with all insurance companies.

• We don’t bill insurance or third-party payers directly.

• Payment is due at the time of your visit.

• We’re not contracted with Medicare or Medicare supplement plans, so unfortunately we can’t accept Medicare-eligible patients.

At Full Bloom Chiropractic in St. Augustine, FL, Dr. Ryan’s passion for chiropractic care comes from a genuine desire to help people live healthier, happier, pain-free lives. Every day, he’s inspired by the opportunity to help his patients achieve their health and wellness goals—whether that means relieving chronic back pain, improving mobility, or simply helping someone feel like themselves again.

Many patients come to our St. Augustine chiropractic office feeling like they’ve tried everything and have lost hope. They’ve accepted constant pain, stiffness, or fatigue as a part of life. But Dr. Ryan believes no one should have to live that way. From the very first visit, his goal is to restore not only your health, but also your sense of hope through natural, effective chiropractic healing.

What truly sets Dr. Ryan apart is how deeply he listens. He takes the time to understand each person’s unique story—their challenges, their goals, and the activities they miss most. During each consultation, Dr. Ryan asks meaningful questions and listens with genuine care. His thorough chiropractic examination helps uncover the root cause of pain and imbalance, not just the symptoms.

During adjustments, Dr. Ryan explains what areas are out of alignment, how those misalignments can cause certain symptoms, and how specific chiropractic techniques can help restore balance to the body. He believes education is key—helping patients understand why they’re in pain and how chiropractic adjustments can help them heal naturally from the inside out.

At Full Bloom Chiropractic, Dr. Ryan’s mission is simple: to give people hope, help them feel better, and empower them to live the life they deserve—active, healthy, and pain-free. Whether you’re new to chiropractic care or seeking a trusted chiropractor in St. Augustine, FL, Dr. Ryan is here to help you bloom into your best self.

Full Bloom Chiropractic provides quality care for the entire family. Dr. Ryan is Webster and Perinatal Certified with extensive training on adjusting women during pregnancy and postpartum, in addition to infants. We see infants, children and adults. We work with a lot of athletes, including youth athletes. The Activator Methods adjusting technique uses a handheld instrument to facilitate the adjustment. This allows Dr. Ryan to perform an adjustment without any twisting, pushing or popping. It also allows him to give a very gentle and precise adjustment. He has nearly 2 decades of experience working on extremity adjusting, including ankles, knees, elbows, shoulders, wrists, ribs, jaws, etc.