MEET AMANDA SKEEN
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." ~ Thomas A. Edison ~
Dr. Amanda Skeen offers full spinal care with extra training in Upper Cervical Knee Chest adjustments. She is also Webster certified and a member the International Chiropractors Pediatric Association. She graduated from Life Chiropractic College West in California in 2010 Magna Cum Laude as the class Salutatorian.
Prior to graduate school, Dr. Skeen studied Pre-Med majoring in biology and chemistry at Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho. She received numerous awards for academic excellence including the honour of making the Dean's List, while playing NCAA basketball for the women's team, The Crusaders.
Initially, Dr. Skeen wanted to pursue a traditional medical doctor career but switched to alternative medicine after she spent a summer in Mongolia working at a SOS clinic. It was there that she truly recognized the power that alternative and natural approaches have on the body, while shadowing doctors first hand within traditional western practices and eastern holistic models.
After 5 years of practicing as one of the three Upper Cervical chiropractors in Idaho's Treasure Valley, Dr. Skeen relocated with her husband and two children to the Okanagan Valley to be close to family. She practiced at Health First Chiropractic in Lake Country for 7 years and is now excited to be serving the Vernon community at Cedar & Soak Infrared Sauna & Cold Plunge.
DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
TECHNIQUES
KNEE CHEST UPPER CERVICAL
This is a specific chiropractic adjustment method that focuses on the upper cervical spine (neck), particularly the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae and was developed by Dr. B.J Palmer in the 1930s. As the name suggests, this technique involves a unique patient positioning of kneeling on a padded cushion and resting your chest and face on a raised platform. The chiropractor uses their hands to apply a precise and gentle adjustment to the neck and is known for being low-force and gentle, making it suitable for patients who may prefer or require a less forceful adjustment. Chiropractors who practice this technique are highly skilled and trained in this unique adjustment required for upper cervical care. Before performing this adjustment, the chiropractor does a thorough assessment, which may include the need for imaging.
WEBSTER
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic method that is primarily associated with the care of pregnant women. It was developed by Dr. Larry Webster who is the founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). The goal of this technique is to optimize the biomechanical function of the pelvis to help facilitate a more comfortable pregnancy and birth. In addition to spinal and pelvic adjustments, the chiropractor may perform specific techniques to relax the round ligaments of the uterus to help reduce tension within the pelvis. One of the primary uses of Webster is for women whose babies are in the breech presentation in the late stages of pregnancy. While it doesn't guarantee a change in the baby’s position, many expectant mothers have reported success in helping the baby turn head down following Webster Technique adjustments. This is done by promoting proper alignment in the lower back and pelvic bowl that allows room for the baby to engage in the best position in the uterus. Dr. Skeen is Webster certified and a member of the ICPA.
DIVERSIFIED
The Diversified Technique is one of the most commonly used chiropractic adjustment methods, as this is the primary technique taught in chiropractic schools. It involves a high velocity, low amplitude thrust (adjustment) delivered by the chiropractor’s hands to restore proper alignment of the joint. These adjustments are typically accompanied by a popping or cracking sound, which is the release of gas within the joint. Patients may be positioned lying face down, on their side or sitting up depending on the location of the misalignment. This can be applied to various areas of the spine, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar and pelvic (lower back) regions. It can also be used to address joint misalignments in the extremities such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankle and feet.
ACTIVATOR/TORQUE RELEASE
The Activator Technique is a specific method that uses a handheld, spring-loaded instrument known as the “Activator” to deliver precise and controlled adjustments to the spine and other joints. The instrument delivers a quick, focused impulse to the targeted joint with consistency. The Torque Release Technique is a specific method that uses a handheld, spring- loaded instrument known as the “Integrator” to deliver precise and controlled adjustments to the spine and neurological integrations. It uses torque and gentle percussion to create a controlled force to affect specific vertebrae and neurological components. These spring-loaded techniques are often chosen by patients who prefer a low-force, gentle and non-manual approach to chiropractic care. Some patients find this to be less intimidating and less physically demanding compared to traditional manual adjustments.
THOMPSON DROP
Also known as the Thompson Terminal Point Technique, it was developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson in the 1950s to address misalignments (subluxations) in the spine primarily in the lower back and pelvic region using leg length checks. This technique uses a specialized chiropractic table with segmented drop sections. These sections are equipped with drop mechanisms that allow them to move a short distance when the chiropractor applies a specific thrust during an adjustment while the patient is lying face down on the table. The drop enhances the precision and speed of the adjustment making it very effective.
GONSTEAD
The Gonstead Technique is a specific chiropractic method that was developed by Dr. Clarence S. Gonstead in the early 20th century. It is known for its thorough assessment of the spine and specific adjustments aimed at correcting misalignments, or subluxations, in the spine. Practitioners using the Gonstead Technique perform comprehensive assessments of the patient's spine. This involves a thorough case history, physical examination, and often specialized X-rays to identify the specific areas of concern. Gonstead chiropractors observe the patient's posture and movement to detect any abnormalities or asymmetries that may indicate spinal issues. They may also use specialized instruments to further analyze the spine and make specific adjustments. Unlike some other chiropractic techniques, the Gonstead Technique often avoids rotational adjustments of the spine. Adjustments are typically made with a specific vector to minimize unnecessary rotation and isolate the affected joint.
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