Age-Appropriate Adjustments
Central Health utilizes highly specialized tools for expecting mothers, infants and locals from all walks of life
At Central Health in Eau Claire, Dr. Lucas Emmerich tailors chiropractic care for every stage of family life. Since opening the practice in 2024, he offers age-appropriate treatments from infants to adults, including prenatal care to assist caregivers through the physical changes of pregnancy.
A structural chiropractic approach guides these services, Dr. Emmerich said. While traditional chiropractic care can be symptom-driven, the structural approach works to identify the root cause of pain using state-of-the-art technology and continuing education.
Through these efforts, Dr. Emmerich establishes targeted care plans to help locals thrive – from expectant mothers to growing children.
“We want people in our community to know that they have access to modern, non-invasive treatment options close to home,” Dr. Emmerich said.
“Our investment in new technology and continuing education comes down to one thing: giving our patients more opportunities to improve their quality of life,” he continued.
Prenatal Care
Pregnancy subjects a caregiver’s body to many physical demands and rapid changes – including postural changes and hormonal fluctuations – which can loosen ligaments and joints, Dr. Emmerich said.
At the same time, expecting mothers may face strict limitations on the medications and traditional pain-relief methods they can safely use. For these musculoskeletal challenges, Central Health’s chiropractic care becomes a highly effective, medication-free tool.
“One of the most rewarding parts of practicing in the Chippewa Valley is helping people return to the activities they enjoy, whether that’s walking comfortably, gardening … or simply getting through the day with less discomfort,” Dr. Emmerich said.
Expecting mothers shouldn’t need to set aside these daily pursuits throughout pregnancy, Dr. Emmerich added. Trained in the Webster technique, Dr. Emmerich utilizes this prenatal technique to deliver gentle adjustments to the pelvis, lower back and surrounding ligaments.
This modified technique is fully aided by his involvement in the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), which provides education in pediatric and prenatal chiropractic care.
Especially in the later trimester of pregnancy, adjustments like these allow for expecting caregivers to move through the world with comfort and confidence.
Pediatric Care
There is a common misconception, Dr. Emmerich said, that chiropractic care can appear to be strenuous to children because people associate the practice with adult-specific adjustments.
However, children are not treated like “miniature adults” at Central Health, he said. Because a child’s bones are softer and their tissues are less stiff, they require far less force to achieve proper alignment.
“It’s important to identify and catch and address any sort of spinal or musculoskeletal condition at an early age so they can properly grow,” Dr. Emmerich said.
“You are working with these patients as they are growing up; as we age our activities and behaviors change and with that our physical vulnerabilities change as well,” he continued.
At the core of every new change in a kid’s growth, Central Health prioritizes open dialogue and educating parents on every step of the chiropractic process.
That focus extends beyond the clinic walls, too, whether it be through supportive exercises when kids begin playing sports or addressing everyday posture concerns affected by screen time.
“Continuing education plays a major role in how we approach patient care,” Dr. Emmerich said of solutions for patients at Central Health. “Healthcare is constantly changing, and I believe it's my responsibility as a doctor to stay informed about new research, treatment advancements and emerging technologies.”
You are working with these patients as they are growing up; as we age our activities and behaviors change and with that our physical vulnerabilities change as well. –Dr. Lucas Emmerich
Shockwave Therapy
Beyond the regular musculoskeletal services Central Health provides for caregivers and children, this August the practice introduced a new way to treat chronic conditions.
Shockwave therapy is an emerging technology that uses acoustic or sound waves sent directly into affected tissues, Dr. Emmerich said. These waves stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, improve circulation and promote tissue repair.
Particularly for chronic knee pain, rotator cuff or shoulder issues and plantar fasciitis, this new service remains highly effective for patients who have begun this treatment approach.
By combining adjustments that restore mobility with shockwave treatments that rapidly heal, Central Health provides a comprehensive recovery path that gets patients moving better, faster.
“People get really surprised with how quickly (shockwave therapy) works too,” Dr. Emmerich said. “It’s fairly common for somebody to notice within a few sessions, less pain and (better movement).”
Together, each of these offerings are designed to serve as complementary pieces of a patient or family’s healthcare and support systems.
Central Health
Phone:(715) 514-1666
Address:1451 Bluestem Blvd Suite C, Altoona
Website: centralhealthec.com
