Tag Archives: joint pain

Straighten Up UK!

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Consumer research by the British Chiropractic Association has shown that people of all ages are experiencing higher levels of back pain and discomfort and much of this is related to poor movement or posture. In the Midlands particularly, incidences of back pain have increased and we are the most likely to develop back pain before the age of 30!

Modern life keeps us constantly on the go, yet most of us spend hours sitting—whether we’re commuting, working, gaming, or unwinding in front of the TV. This combination of high stress and inactive sitting often leads to stiffness, fatigue, and nagging back pain. In fact, back pain costs the UK billions each year in lost workdays and medical benefits, but the personal toll on daily well-being is even greater.

The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) wants to help you take back control of your spinal health with Straighten Up UK—a quick, accessible routine designed to boost posture, flexibility, and core strength:

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What You Need to Know About Straighten Up UK

  • Just 3 Minutes a Day: Simple, low-impact exercises designed to fit seamlessly into your morning or evening routine—just like brushing your teeth.
  • Made for Everyone: Tailored versions are available for both adults and kids, making it an easy healthy habit for the whole family.
  • Adaptable: Movements can be adjusted to fit your current fitness level (check with your chiropractor or GP before starting if you have existing health concerns).

Taking a few minutes each day to move intentionally can make a massive difference in preventing stiffness and keeping you mobile. If you’re currently dealing with back pain that hasn’t cleared up after a few days, don’t wait for it to get worse. Reach out to a qualified chiropractor to get a personalized assessment and treatment plan tailored to your body.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett

Is your sacro-iliac joint causing pain?

Is your Sacro-Iliac joint causing your back, hip or leg pain?

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What on earth is the Sacro-Iliac Joint?

Sitting right where the base of your spine meets your hip bone, the sacroiliac (SI) joint acts as the main bridge between your upper and lower body.

  • Strength Through Stability – When working properly, the SI joint is built like a fortress. Strong surrounding muscles and ligaments lock the joint in place—a process called “joint closure”—allowing it to handle massive amounts of weight and force whenever you lift, run, or move.
  • When Problems Start – Pain occurs when the muscle control around the SI joint breaks down. Without proper stability, the joint undergoes improper stress, leading to irritated tissues, damaged cartilage, and severe acute or recurring lower back pain.

Because of how the nerves branch out, the joint can send pain signals far beyond the pelvis, frequently mimicking other common conditions:

  • Sciatica or Disc Issues: Direct pain down the buttocks and back of the leg.
  • Hip Arthritis: Radiating discomfort into the groin and front of the thigh.
  • Facet Joint Problems: Localized aches spreading up into the lower spine.

The Root Cause: Hypermobility vs. Hypomobility

When SI joint pain becomes a recurring issue, it usually stems from a breakdown in how the joint moves:

  • Too Little Movement (Hypomobility): The joint locks up, forcing adjacent areas to overcompensate.
  • Too Much Movement (Hypermobility): Surrounding muscles fail to stabilize the joint, leading to strain.

In both scenarios, faulty muscle activation around the pelvis is often to blame. Corrective rehab combined with targeted chiropractic adjustments helps restore proper motion and muscular control.

In all cases, it is vital to get checked out by a qualified and experienced spinal professional such as a chiropractor. We will assess and treat not only the painful symptoms, but also look to address the underlying causes.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett

Chiropractic assessment

Why should you see a chiropractor?

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With the likes of Google and social media readily available to most people, it’s fairly easy to find news and information about what chiropractors do nowadays. Despite this, I still see a surprising number of people who are unsure of the conditions we can help with and our level of skill, qualification, and competency. So what do we do?

According to the World Health Organization, chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system. When I began my training in 2005, I assumed it would be fairly easy since it wasn’t considered “mainstream” medicine. I was very wrong!

Becoming a chiropractor is a highly rigorous journey. Here is a glimpse into what it actually takes:

  • A Four-Year Masters Degree: This full-time program demands high-level knowledge in complex subjects like anatomy, neurology, physiology, and radiology.
  • Intensive Hands-On Training: We spend countless hours mastering specialized joint manipulation, soft tissue techniques, and exercise rehab.
  • A Demanding Clinical Year: After passing a strict entrance exam, the final year is spent in a public training clinic. We are required to treat at least 40 new patients, perform 400 treatments, write a dissertation, and pass a tough exit exam just to graduate.

The hard work doesn’t end once we get our degree, either. Like all healthcare professionals, chiropractors are lifelong learners!

Every year, the General Chiropractic Council ensures we complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD), pass competency and criminal record checks, and maintain professional indemnity insurance. All of this rigorous training and ongoing education serves one main purpose: to ensure that patients are protected and receive the best care possible.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Chiropractic can help your back pain

Suffering back or neck pain? Here are some helpful tips

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New research released to mark Chiropractic Awareness Week (13-19 April), has found that more than two fifths (41%) of people in the Midlands are currently experiencing back or neck pain and up to 65% will face lingering neck pain in their lives.

The research, which was carried out by the British Chiropractic Association, found that for sufferers in the Midlands, the top triggers for this pain were;

  • Lifting or carrying heavy objects (53%)
  • Sitting for long periods of time (43%), and;
  • Poor posture (35%)

Notably, incidences of neck and back pain among younger people are also on the rise, with 40% of people in the Midlands experiencing neck or back pain by age 20.

 

GB mapped back pain

Local chiropractor, Chris Mallett from Pure Health Chiropractic in Stafford and Newport, comments on these findings:

“The BCA’s findings reflect what we regularly see in clinic, especially the impact lifting and carrying can have on neck and back pain. It highlights the importance of staying strong, active, and mobile so your body can better cope with everyday demands.”

“For those affected by long periods of sitting and sedentary lifestyles, movement is key. Holding your body in one position for too long can often lead to stiffness and pain.“

“Simple daily habits and exercises can help reduce the effects of inactivity and prevent neck and back pain. Small changes such as shoulder rolls, regular stretching, and taking the stairs can make a real difference to your back health.”

Top Tips to Help Neck & Back Pain

  • Improve Your Workspace – Make sure your chair, desk, and screen are set up to support a comfortable posture throughout the day. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
  • Keep Moving – Sitting for long periods can increase stiffness and discomfort. Try to stand up, stretch, and move around every 30 minutes.
  • Stay Active – Regular movement and exercise can help reduce neck and back pain. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are great ways to stay mobile without putting too much strain on your body.
  • Lift Carefully – When lifting or carrying items, bend from your knees instead of your waist, keep objects close to your body, and avoid rushing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with heavier loads.
  • Prioritise Good Sleep Support – Your mattress and pillow play a key role in supporting your spine. If your mattress is old or no longer supportive, it may be time for a replacement.
  • Stretch & Strengthen Daily – Gentle daily exercises can improve flexibility, balance, and strength, helping to prevent future neck and back pain.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Gardening and Chiropractic

Stiff and achy back pain after gardening? We can help!

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It’s that time of year when (hopefully) things start to dry out a bit and warm up. Unfortunately, that can often mean that we get more aches and pains, back pain and injuries when out in the garden looking to tidy things up. It’s easily done after a winter off, and frustrating as you want to get back out there as soon as possible.

BOOK IN NOW if you are struggling. We can help get you back in the garden if you have muscle, joint or nerve problems affecting your quality of life.

Gardening should be a workout for your green thumb, not a literal pain in the neck (or back). Most gardening injuries are avoidable with a bit of strategy. If you struggle with stiffness in your spine, hips, or ankles, use these pro tips to keep your back happy while you work:

1. Warm Up First

Don’t dive straight into heavy lifting. Start with “low-impact” tasks like mowing, light sweeping, or raking. Think of it as a pre-game stretch to get your blood flowing before the real work begins.

2. The 30-Minute Shuffle

Repetition is the enemy of a healthy spine. To prevent joints from stiffening, switch tasks every 30 minutes. By varying your movement, you ensure no single muscle group takes the brunt of the load.

3. Lift Smarter, Not Harder

Whether you’re moving mulch or laying a patio, keep the weight close to your body.

  • The Power Squat: Bend at the hips and knees, never the waist.
  • The “Golfer’s Lift”: For lighter items, try bending one knee while keeping the other leg extended for balance and strength.

4. Listen to your body!

Your garden isn’t going anywhere, but a back injury will definitely side-line you. If you feel tightness or a “twinge,” stop and take a walk – your garden isn’t going anywhere, but if you give yourself a back injury then neither are you! If you are feeling tight and stiff in those muscles after a buy gardening session, Liesa our massage therapist can help! BOOK IN NOW.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Chiropractic can help your back pain

“I’ve got Sciatica!”

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As experienced chiropractors and massage therapists in Stafford and Newport, we are often presented with ‘I’ve got sciatica’ when seeing patients for the first time. But did you know that ‘sciatica’ isn’t really a true diagnosis?

‘Sciatica’ is just a term that describes any injury in the low back that causes pain down the legs or buttocks. It is derived from the name of the largest and longest nerve in that region: the sciatic nerve.

Need expert advice?– BOOK NOW

Stop guessing and start healing.

“Sciatica” is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Whether it’s a pinched nerve or a simple muscle strain, our Stafford and Newport teams are here to find the root cause and get you back on your feet.

There are also different types of sciatica.

MRI broken

1. True Sciatica (The Nerve Issue) – Think of this as direct nerve irritation, usually caused by a “slipped” or bulging disc pressing on the spinal nerves.

  • The Rule: Your leg usually hurts significantly more than your back.
  • The Path: Sharp pain that travels deep into the leg, often shooting past the knee and into the foot.
  • The Feel: Often includes “electrical” sensations—pins and needles, numbness, or actual muscle weakness.

2. Referred Pain (The Muscle/Joint Issue) – This is much more common. It isn’t a pinched nerve; it’s your brain “misinterpreting” pain from injured muscles, joints, or ligaments in your back.

  • The Path: Dull or aching pain that radiates into the buttock or thigh but typically stops above the knee.
  • The Feel: No tingling or numbness. While it hurts to move, your muscles aren’t actually “weak” in a neurological sense.
  • The Rule: Your back usually hurts more than your leg.

It’s important to get it checked

In all cases it is essential to get a diagnosis with suitable treatment and advice as soon as possible. Nerve symptoms can become chronic or even permanent if serious and left too long.

We are experts in assessing and treating back pain with sciatica

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Back Pain – don’t let the fear stop you!

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For anyone who has experienced true back pain, we salute you. It can be agonizing, excruciating, and debilitating. Often, the fear of that next sharp, shooting spasm is just as bad as the pain itself.

The good news? Almost all injuries will heal.

Your pain will subside, and you will get back to normal activity. The key to recovery isn’t just treatment—it’s understanding your problem and losing the fear of it.

Need expert advice? – BOOK NOW

Beware of “Scaremongering” Language

We’ve lost count of the number of clients afraid to move because they’ve been told they have a “crumbling spine” or “crumbling discs.” This language is poor, misleading, and fear-inducing. It causes apprehension and a loss of control over your own health. If a clinician tells you your back is “crumbling,” it’s time to seek a second opinion. Most back injuries are manageable and capable of healing.

Case Study: From Surgery to Strength

Our chiropractor, Chris, is a perfect example of why you shouldn’t let a scan dictate your life. At age 23 (prior to being a chiropractor), he had a disc prolapse and surgery. By age 27 his MRI showed:

MRI broken
  • Multiple disc bulges.
  • Vertebral inflammation.
  • A narrow spinal canal.
  • Degenerative changes.

A doctor told him he had the “spine of a 65-year-old.” He was terrified. How would he cope? Would it ever stop?

The Results Today: Now nearly 50, Chris is stronger than ever. Thanks to his chiropractic training and neuro-mechanical nutrition, he can:

  • Ride mountain bikes down technical trails.
  • Squat his own body weight.
  • Deadlift twice his own body weight.

The degeneration on the scan hasn’t changed, but his function has. He still gets the occasional flare-up, but he knows exactly how to manage it – and he can help you do the same.

How to Take Back Control

There are no shortcuts to managing persistent back problems. It requires building stability, strength, and mobility. We recommend a multi-faceted approach:

  1. Appropriate Exercise: Tailored to your current level.
  2. Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on diet and nutrition.
  3. Movement Techniques: Incorporate Yoga, Pilates, or Massage.
  4. Professional Care: Chiropractic adjustments to maintain quality movement.

Don’t let fear control your life. Getting good advice and maintaining quality movement is essential to your recovery.

[ BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW ].

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Christmas opening

2025 Chiropractic & Massage Christmas opening hours :-)

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It’s that time of year again when we can have a well earned break over the festive period and spend some quality time with friends and family. Wishing all of our loyal and trusted clients a Happy Christmas and New Year, and thank you for loyalty during what has been a tough time for small businesses like ours.

If you’d like a Christmas chiropractic or massage appointment before we break up, please book now as our final day is Monday 22nd December for Chiropractic, and Tuesday 23rd December for massage. We will then be closed until Monday 5th January. For our full hours, please see below.

Our online store will also be closing over the holiday break to allow for postage and relaxation time. If you’d like some gift ideas, please see our Gift Idea page before it closes on the 20th December. Our gift vouchers and pillows make ideal Christmas presents 😉

We can help you to achieve better health. Why not come and see what our chiropractors and massage therapists in Stafford and Newport can do for you. We look forward to seeing you.

From all of us at Pure Health Chiropractic & Wellness, we hope you enjoy your Christmas and New Year break. See you in 2026!

Chris & Liesa
Principal Chiropractor & Senior Massage Therapist
Pure Health Chiropractic & Wellness (Stafford and Newport)

Gift Vouchers

Looking for gift ideas? Show that you care with our gift vouchers.

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If you would like some Christmas gift ideas AND would like to support a small local business this year, we have some great suggestions for you in our online store. Our vouchers and pillow, available to order for email or postal delivery (before 20th December), are a great way to show someone that you care and make a fabulous alternative present.

Give the Christmas gift of health with our vouchers…

If you’d like to show a loved one that you care and are looking for a unique and thoughtful gift, then we offer massage therapy, chiropractic, scar therapy or shockwave gift vouchers, along with our favourite pillow. If you can’t decide which treatment may be best to give, then you can choose your gift voucher amount to be used for any of our services.

Gift Vouchers

They can be customised with your message and emailed or posted (before 20th December) and last for up to 12 months. We will always do our very best to help your loved ones with their health and wellbeing, and I’m sure they would appreciate it! For more information, please see our Gift Vouchers product page.

Looking for something different? A pillow as a present

Our recommended pillow, The Complete Sleeprrr is a great gift, and has always been popular ever since we started selling it around 15 years ago. People love how adjustable and comfortable it is, and compared to other orthopaedic pillows is very good value. For more information, please see our Complete Sleeprrr product page.

Memory Foam pillow

Unsure whether to go ahead?

Over the years, we’ve built a strong reputation for offering professional, high-quality, and good-value Chiropractic, Massage, Scar Therapy and Shockwave treatments. With over 20 years of experience handling neuro-musculoskeletal issues, you can trust us to know what we’re doing. You only have to read some of our happy customers reviews to see that we care about our clients.

Chiropractor and patient

Our Promise to You

It’s not always easy choosing who to see when you or your loved one are in pain. We pledge to be honest, ethical, and professional. Our goal is to help not just with short-term relief, but with long-term solutions that let you take charge of your own health.

We can help you to achieve better health. Why not come and see what our chiropractors, scar therapists and massage therapists in Stafford and Newport can do for you. We look forward to seeing you.

From all of us at Pure Health Chiropractic & Wellness, we hope you enjoy your Christmas and New Year break.

Curcumin

Are you taking Turmeric? You should read this…

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Turmeric (curcumin) is the wonder compound everyone raves about. It’s been shown to help with a number of inflammatory ailments including: arthritis; joint pain; digestive issues; and even migraines. BUT, is all turmeric the same? NO, and we explain why below…

Only 1-2% of curcumin gets absorbed into the blood

The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is poorly absorbed by the body. In its natural form, less than 2% is bioavailable. To enhance absorption, many supplements combine curcumin with piperine – a compound found in black pepper – that can increase bioavailability by up to 20-fold. However, high doses of curcumin supplements have, in rare cases, been linked to liver toxicity.

There’s a better way — the Phytosome!

The supplement we recommend – TURMERIC PLUS – uses phytosomal technology (Meriva®) to deliver our 330 mg of curcumin, which provides the same bioavailability as about 2,250 mg of standard curcumin!

This advanced formulation binds curcumin to phospholipids, dramatically improving absorption into the bloodstream. 

Still not convinced? Look at the research

Studies comparing phytosomal curcumin (Meriva®) to standard turmeric found that overall curcuminoid absorption was about 29 times higher—that’s a 2,900% increase in bioavailability 🤯.

And best of all, this boost comes without using high-dose piperine, which has been linked to potential liver stress at large amounts. 

Clinical evidence supports our Curcumin Phytosome formula

In an 8-month study of 100 patients with knee osteoarthritis, daily administration of 1,000 mg Meriva® (≈200 mg curcumin) produced significant improvements in pain, stiffness and function (WOMAC score) and markedly better treadmill walking performance versus a control group — with reductions in inflammatory markers and good tolerability.

This extended study confirms that the phytosome formulation delivers sustained, clinically meaningful benefits without requiring high-dose piperine. They used the WOMAC score for pain and disability for the knee OA and after 8 months the curcumin group had a total of over 50% reduction in pain and disability. 

Of course with less pain, comes less medication along with less side effects.

But TURMERIC PLUS is not a one-man band.

It’s a dynamic duo, combining phytosomal curcumin with phytosomal Boswellia (Casperome®) for a double whammy against inflammation. Clinical evidence shows this combination can accelerate recovery from ankle sprains, with over 50% improvement in pain and function compared with controls.

Or how about knee injuries, again over 50% improvement:

In short: TURMERIC PLUS delivers clinically supported, highly absorbable curcumin, enhanced by Boswellia, for sustained, powerful anti-inflammatory support — naturally, safely, and effectively.

You could be paying up to double the amount for the same doses in two separate products! You can get Turmeric Plus from us for only £34 (existing clients only – contact us for details).

Meet Our Expert In Chiropractic Nutrition

Did you know that our chiropractor, Chris, is certified in neuro-mechanical nutrition?

After completing the Core Concepts in Chiropractic Nutrition program at the Academy of Chiropractic Nutrition, Chris can support clients not only with back, neck, or joint pain but also with nutrition-related issues such as low-grade inflammation or energy problems. Tailored dietary advice can improve healing, energy, and overall wellbeing—enhancing the results of your chiropractic care.

We often recommend inHealth supplements to complement chiropractic care if nutrition is a limiting factor in your recovery.

Take the Next Step

If you’re struggling with muscle, joint, or nerve problems that affect your quality of life, chiropractic care could help—either for short-term relief or long-term maintenance.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing through chiropractic care and nutrition.

We can help you to achieve better health. Why not come and see what our chiropractors and massage therapists in Stafford and Newport can do for you. We look forward to seeing you.

Chris Mallett
Principal Chiropractor
Pure Health Chiropractic & Wellness (Stafford and Newport)

Featured image by Simon A. Eugster, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons