About Dr. Cariann Perretta

Dr. Cariann Perretta received her Bachelor's Degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1991 and her Doctorate from Life Chiropractic College in 1995. She was an active member of the Sacral Occipital Research Society International while attending school and earned certification in Sacral Occipital Technique. Soon after establishing Lighthouse Wellness Center, she obtained her Master's Degree in Acupuncture from the New York College of Health Professionals in Syosset, New York.

Mastering the art and science of Chiropractic, Massage, Physiotherapy and Acupuncture gives Dr. Perretta the advantage to help patients through a variety of approaches. She treats muscle, joint and back pain as well as visceral disharmony; incorporating the skills she has acquired in Eastern as well as Western perspectives on health care. Dr. Perretta realizes the importance of patient education and places an emphasis on teaching self-management skills and home care. These skills empower the patient to gain personal control over their conditions and maintain healthy lifestyles through diet, exercise and positive mental attitude. Her life experiences in health care have made her a caring, compassionate and understanding practitioner. She prides herself on giving individual care and attention to each patient, spending the ti me that is needed to achieve results, no matter what the condition. Her ultimate goal is to help each patient reach their wellness potential.

Dr. Perretta also enjoys teaching Anatomy & Physiology as well as Public Health at the New York College of Health Care Professionals, in Syosset, New York. Always striving to help better herself and her patients, Dr. Perretta is currently seeking a degree in Oriental/Herbal Medicine. She also enjoys doing Yoga and Crossfit to stay in shape and maintain a well balanced life style.

Read more about Dr. Cariann Perretta and her practice at http://www.lighthousewellnessli.com.

What is Chiropractic?

Modern chiropractic began in the late 1800s when Daniel David Palmer, a self-educated teacher and healer, performed the first spinal manipulation on a patient. Today, chiropractic is the third largest area of medicine, next only to dentistry, and is the largest Complementary and Alternative Medicine (or CAM) health profession.

The word chiropractic comes from Greek words meaning "treatment by hand", which is exactly what chiropractors do—they use their hands to manipulate the body and promote healing and wellness.

The chiropractic philosophy is based on the following belief statements:

- All bodily functions are connected and the healing process involves the entire body.
- A healthy nervous system, particularly the spine, is the key to a healthy body.
- The spinal cord carries information throughout the body and is responsible for all bodily functions including voluntary movements (such as walking) and involuntary functions (such as breathing). When the systems of the body are in balance, it is called homeostasis. Disorders of the bones, muscles, and nerves can disrupt homeostasis and increase the risk of disease and other health problems.
- When body systems are in harmony, the human body has the remarkable ability to maintain health and heal itself.

CHIROPRACTORS

Chiropractors are medical professionals who diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They use traditional diagnostic testing methods (such as x-rays, MRI, and lab work) along with specific chiropractic techniques that involve hands-on manipulation of the articulations (joints) of the body. Chiropractors also offer nutrition and healthy lifestyle counseling. Chiropractors elect not to prescribe medications, and they do not perform surgery; however, many chiropractors work closely with medical doctors and will refer a patient when necessary.

Chiropractors believe one of the main causes of pain and disease is the misalignment of the vertebrae in the spinal column (this is called a chiropractic subluxation). Through the use of manual detection (or palpation), carefully applied pressure, massage, and manual manipulation of the vertebrae and joints (called adjustments), chiropractors are able to relieve pressure and irritation on the nerves, restore joint mobility, and help return the body's homeostasis.

We trained in the following modalities:

- Physiotherapy
- Heat/cold therapy
- Ultrasound
- Electric muscle stimulation
- Acupuncture
- Manual Traction
- Massage
- Exercise programs and instruction
- Lifestyle and nutrition counseling
- Flexion/Distraction

IN SUMMARY

Chiropractic has come a long way since its beginnings. Today, there are over 50,000 licensed chiropractors practicing in the United States. Because of its success in treating back and neck problems and as a result of recent research and changing attitudes, chiropractic has become more accepted and is now considered by many to be a part of mainstream Western medicine. In fact, many hospitals now have chiropractors on staff, and they are a part of the Medicare/Medicaid systems. Chiropractors are currently being incorporated into the U.S. military health system. Chiropractors are also recognized by the court system as expert witnesses in their field.

Visit our website at http://www.lighthousewellnessli.com/