Randy Boivin’s life changed after receiving his first chiropractic adjustment at 22 years old.
“That was when I got my calling,” the Baldwinsville resident said, adding he was going to be a dentist.
After spending 10 years working with Dr. Eric Croucher at Upstate Chiropractic, Boivin decided it was time to open his own place with an emphasis on chiropractic care for the entire family.
On Sept. 7, he opened Boivin Family Chiropractic at 43 Oswego St. in the business district of Baldwinsville (former location of the Baldwinsville Library).
“I grew up here and I always wanted to practice here,” he said. “Some of my patients can now walk here because it is so close.”
The majority of the facility is open featuring a reception area, seating area with fireplace, fountain and children’s area, as well as four adjusting tables behind partial walls. One of the tables is a fire truck bed designed for newborns to children ages 5 to 6. “The bed helps eliminate a child’s fear of getting adjusted,” Boivin said, adding that the open layout allows the doctor to address a question while simultaneously answering it should other patients have similar concerns.
There are also two private rooms: one for the patient and Boivin to meet in and the other is an X-ray room.
All new patients undergo a two-day introduction to the facility. On day one, patients receive an office tour, fill out a comprehensive case history form then have a full spinal physical exam and X-rays done. The comprehensive case history form inquires not only about pain, but also about health and integrity of a patient’s spine and nervous system. Boivin said he wants to know how a patient’s birth was, any possible spinal trauma from childhood and other injuries that may not have healed correctly.
“Total body health is the primary thing,” he said, adding that health problems can begin from birth trauma to the spine causing ear infections, colds and colic in a child because the body is not functioning properly.
Because of this, Boivin said he adjusted his own children the day they were born.
“They rarely get sick,” he said.
On day two, Boivin reviews the X-rays and recommendations with the patient.
“X-rays really allow us a blue print to see what’s going on with the spine,” Boivin said. “We show the patient the visual and it provides tons of information; when you’re more empowered, it will allow you to make better choices.”
Boivin then gives the patient his or her first chiropractic adjustment, which, he said, studies have shown that within 15 minutes of adjustment, blood pressure is down, white blood cell count is up and blood sugar levels off.
“People think chiropractic is all about neck and back pain – it’s not,” he said, noting it can help address issues such as asthma, allergies, constipation, acid reflux and diabetes. “Chiropractic helps the body to function at its best.”
He also said he hates the term “cracked.”
“It’s not about getting your back popped. People don’t know what we do – they just hear about it or assume. I really want to educate patients,” he said. “Chiropractors are always looking for the root of the problem. People who are under the care of a chiropractor are thriving better, functioning better.”
Boivin said chiropractic care is just like taking care of your teeth – ongoing checkups and care to maintain health. He also said pain has nothing to do with your health; it just makes you realize something is wrong.
“Only 10 percent of your body perceives pain – if you let pain be your barometer for health then you are in trouble,” he said.
“Chiropractic has made me a better parent and it carries over to the kids here – I want people to think of chiropractic as well as their pediatrician,” Boivin said.
Boivin Family Chiropractic is always welcoming new patients and accepts most insurance including Medicare. The office also offers massage therapy through Jessica Stockham who schedules her own appointments. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (closed from noon to 2 p.m.); 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays; and 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturdays. The office is closed Thursdays and Sundays. Call 635-3100 or visit boivinfamilychiro.com for more information.
