About

 About Family Chiropractic 

Chiropractic

Dr. Brett Tallents is a native of Fulton and has been a practicing Chiropractor in Fulton since 1987. Dr. Tallents obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from SUNY Binghamton in 1982 and received his Doctor of Chiropractic from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in Minnesota in 1986. He continued post-graduate work in Chiropractic Orthopedics earning a degree from the National College of Chiropractic in Chicago leading to Diplomate status in Chiropractic Orthopedics in 1994.

Dr. Tallents is a long-time member of both the New York State Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association, also serving 3 years as President of the Central NY District of the New York State Chiropractic Association. He serves in the community as current and past President of the Fulton Lions Club and past President of the Fulton YMCA Speed Demon Swim Team Parent Group. Dr. Tallents and his wife Susan live in Fulton and are the proud parents of 7 children and 1 granddaughter.

Dr. Kori Birchenough is a Fulton native and a 1995 G. Ray Bodley HS graduate. She received her undergraduate education at Binghamton University, graduating in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls in December 2002 and is continuing her education working towards becoming a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner. Dr. Birchenough spent 3 years practicing in Boston, MA and in 2006, moved back to Upstate New York. She practiced for several years in the Syracuse area and currently lives in Fulton with her husband and 3 daughters. Dr. Birchenough enjoys camping, hiking, snowshoeing, cooking and reading, but spends most of her time cheering on her three girls at their various athletic events.

Why Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a primary health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects that these disorders have on the nervous system and overall health of an individual. The mainstay of Chiropractic treatment is spinal adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation. Since much of the body’s innate recuperative power is channeled through the nervous system, a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) works to ensure that the neuromusculoskeletal system is functioning properly for maximum performance. Fundamental to chiropractic care is the belief that “good health” is defined not merely as the absence of disease or illness, but rather is achieved when the patient has complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. Chiropractic care is an important piece of the total wellness puzzle.

Chiropractic is the third largest primary contact healing profession in the world, after medicine and dentistry. Upon completion of their undergraduate degrees, Doctors of Chiropractic continue through another four years of post-graduate education. Prior to active practice, they must pass rigorous national board examinations and meet stringent state licensing requirements. They keep up with the latest research by attending seminars, scientific symposia and reading professional journals. Chiropractic education is similar to medical and osteopathic education except that these professions emphasize surgery and pharmacology while chiropractic focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal system disorders along with lifestyle/wellness management.

What Will Happen at My Initial Appointment?

You will be asked to fill out a comprehensive health history followed by a consultation/history with Dr. Tallents or Dr. Birchenough. Subsequent examination will include chiropractic, orthopedic and neurological testing as indicated to determine the extent of your condition. Diagnostic imaging and/or lab work may also be indicated. If this is the case, any necessary testing will be discussed following your examination. Along with chiropractic adjustments the Dr’s may also utilize hot/cold therapy, muscle massage/stretching and other treatment modalities. They will also take time to counsel you about home care measures, exercises, disease prevention and strategies for overall wellness.

How Long Will it Take for Me to Get Better?

Each case is different and recovery is often dependent upon factors such as degree of injury, length of time the condition has been present, complicating factors such as arthritis and your overall level of health. Home therapy and exercise recommendations are also an integral part of any rehabilitation program. You will be asked to be an active participant in your recovery. Chiropractic has an excellent track record for timely results and patient satisfaction. Please be assured that if your condition requires the attention of another health care provider, that recommendation will be discussed with you.

What is an Adjustment?

Chiropractic care is known for its use of the adjustment (spinal manipulation). This is a precise manual procedure in which a trained DC exerts localized corrective pressure at specific places on the spine or other joints. When an examination reveals joint "dysfunction", adjustments are applied to correct alignment and mobility, relieve associated muscle and nerve tension and assist overall healing.

When performed by a trained DC, Chiropractic spinal adjustments are safe, effective and well-researched treatment procedures for a wide range of spinal and related disorders. Adjustments can be done safely and effectively with any age group.

Massage Therapy

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage Therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. The therapist uses her/his hands to perform body massage. This does not include diagnosis or any service or procedure for which a license to practice medicine, chiropractic or podiatry is required by law.

Benefits of Massage Therapy:

• ENHANCES the function of joints and muscles

• IMPROVES circulation and general body tone

• RELIEVES mental and physical stress and fatigue

Our Massage Therapist

Susan Tallents is a native of Staten Island and obtained her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from SUNY Binghamton in 1983. She graduated from the Swedish Institute for Massage Therapy in Manhattan in 1987. She is a past-president of the Friends of the Fulton Public Library, a co-founder of the Marion Pollock Memorial Library and a past Treasurer of the Fulton YMCA Speed Demons Parent Group. (Susan is not currently taking new massage patients at this time.)