Focusing on Where the Lifeline Exists

Dr. Jeffrey Kennis, a Chiropractic Physician, has always had an interest in medicine.

“My father and uncle were both pharmacists,” he said. “After I received my BS in pre-med at SUNY at New Paltz, I worked as a medical technician for several hospitals in the Hudson River Valley for a few years.”

How it began

Dr. Kennis was figuring out his next step when a friend of his was going for chiropractic treatment.

“I went with him to his appointment and the doctor who was treating my friend and, ultimately me, strongly encouraged me to apply to chiropractic school,” he said.

It was an intense four-year program at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, where Dr. Kennis graduated Summa Cum Laude.

“Instead of focusing on drugs and surgery, we focus on the spine where a person’s lifeline exists,” he said. “We study all aspects of health such as nutrition, anatomy, physiology, how one’s lifestyle affects their health and other related causes of disease or painful conditions.”

Dr. Kennis established his office at 205 Commercial Street over 30 years ago and has been in the same location ever since.

“A friend of mine from Palmer College of Chiropractic had set up a practice in Lexington while I was still in Iowa. He cut out the Globe classified section which had an advertisement for 205 Commercial Street that I liked.”

Dr. Kennis went back to school two years ago and received a certification from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians as a certified Chiropractic Sports Physician.

For the entire month of January 2013, Dr. Kennis will offer readers of North End Patch a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss their particular health concerns.

The process

Dr. Kennis starts with a thorough examination as well as X-rays or other diagnostic tests as needed.

“Once the evaluation is complete, various methods of treatment may be employed such as spinal adjustment, laser therapy, traction, exercise prescriptions as well as several types of analysis for the body,” he said.

His services include help with Osteoporosis, Whiplash, Sleep Apnea, Neck and arm pain, Work related injuries, Disc herniation, Arthritis/Degenerative joint and disc disease, Personal injuries, Auto accidents, Headaches, and Sports medicine.

The office Dr. Kennis has is clean, cozy with plenty of room for treatment. In the reception area when you walk through the door, Dr. Kennis has a bust of a back as well as quotes from various well-know writers about the spine. The chairs are extremely comfortable with special pillows that allow one to sit up straight and feel relaxed.

Why should you see Dr. Kennis?

“I am very thorough, appointments are not rushed and individuals receive as much attention as they need,” Dr. Kennis said.

“I have over 30 years of clinical experience in spinal care with an emphasis on conservative treatment.”

Dr. Kennis sees patients daily from Monday-Friday on their lunch hour, before work and after work.

“I try to accommodate individual’s busy schedules,” he said.

Interestingly enough, Dr. Kennis explained that multi-tasking, sitting and distraction have been shown to cause a lack of focus and inability to perform necessary tasks well.

His services are designed to help people with any problems they may have from sitting in front of computers for long periods of time or doing more activity (as well as the wrong activity) than is good for the body. 

Tips for the winter

In a recent newsletter, Dr. Kennis detailed how to keep your back healthy this winter season.

He lists various ways such as preventing winter sports injuries.

Dr. Kennis advises that outdoor activities can be good for fresh air and exercise during the winter months but cold temperatures and icy surfaces might lead to injuries.

Therefore, Dr. Kennis said one should warm-up before performing any sports like skiing, skating and shoveling snow. Do some light exercise and follow with gentle stretches and hold each for at least 30 seconds.

If you will be shoveling a lot of snow this winter, watch out for stress on your lower back.

Bend at the hips and push your chest out pointing forward. Bend your knees and lift with your leg muscles while keeping your back straight.

About Dr. Kennis

“I was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and raised on Long Island and have called Boston my home since 1980,”he said.

Although Dr. Kennis does not live in the city, he considers the North End his home-away-from-home where he loves the friendliness of the neighborhood, the Italian culture and this historic part of Boston.

Waterfront Chiropractic is handicapped accessible.

For additional information, visit www.chiroboston.com or call 617-720-2329 for an appointment.

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