Chiropractor: Dr. Maddalo Voted Best in Cambridge, MA

Chiropractic is not only one of the fastest growing, non-invasive therapies available, it is now becoming welcomed by insurances and western medicine as an effect method for treating complaints such as back pain, neck pain and headaches.

But, just like finding a 'good medical doctor,' finding a good chiropractor has been a secret passed on from friend to friend, one patient at a time. Until now.

The community newspaper company, conducts an annual readers poll, allowing readers from all around Massachusetts to vote for their favorite service providers; everything from restaurants to doctor's offices. This year, they have Voted, Candace M. Maddalo, D.C. and Maddalo Chiropractic "BEST IN CAMBRIDGE, MA"!

This is important as it is the readers and patients saying "Hey, this is the one to go to."

I sat down with Dr. Maddalo the day she found out that she was selected. "I really had no idea," she blushes, "I just do what I love and I guess it comes full circle."

Nestled amongst a collection of small businesses near the intersection of Cambridge and Third Streets, in Cambridge, MA, Maddalo Chiropractic sits atop a barbershop-formerly owned by Dr. Maddalo's father, and an accounting firm. This office is as unassuming as the doctor herself, offering a sense of comfort with its shades of muted maroon and cream. It is easy to see why her patients feel at home here.

"Everyone here is family." Dr. Maddalo boasts and she isn't kidding. This is a family run office, small and intimate. It reminds me of the old-fashioned idea of a family doctor. The one that knows everyone by name, has treated several generations of each family, is invited to patients' weddings and family events, and is seen as part of the family.

There is no stuffy office to meet in. So, we settle ourselves on the sofa of the long reception area which opens onto three treatment rooms and is anchored by the reception area, jovially nicknamed "The cage" by the staff. Looking at her, it's hard to believe this energetic woman has been in practice for 25 years; that is until she starts talking about growing up in Cambridge, juggling career and family and of course chiropractic. "Oh I love it! I've been hooked since I was a kid! Thirteen to be exact, I went in with knee pain, but it wasn't my knee at all." She admits being oblivious about her potential career path at that time and that it wasn't until she was in high school and working for this doctor that she realized she was enamored with the profession.

"When I started out we had one table and a lot of dreams. So much has changed, but it's so exciting. Chiropractic is moving into the mainstream with more and more medical doctors and hospitals realizing the benefits it has to offer." Dr. Maddalo beams as she talks about the advances in chiropractic and it's long, colorful history. "It's taken nearly 100 years for people to understand that Chiropractic is not hocus pocus." In fact, Chiropractic roots can be traced back to the ancient Greek and Chinese, but it wasn't until 1895 that it was 'discovered" and offered to the public to help treat a host of ailments. Now Chiropractic is becoming one of the most popular non-invasive treatments for low back pain in the country. With more and more insurances offering comprehensive coverage for this treatment, chiropractic is now being accessed in greater numbers than before and many more people are discovering how it helps to reduce pain, decrease the need for medication, rapidly advance physical therapy, and requires very few additional passive forms of treatment, such as bed rest.

When asked what does chiropractic cure, Dr. Maddalo is quick to point out that chiropractic doesn't "cure" anything; it helps the body return to its natural function and heal itself. She believes that chiropractic should be used in conjunction with other medical providers to offer patients a well-rounded care plan. This includes a primary medical doctor, physical therapist, and imaging specialists, as well as, holistic practitioners such as acupuncturists and massage therapists. "By combining our specialties we offer patients care that is much more complete than any one practitioner and we can custom tailor a plan to meet each patient's unique needs. That's why I focus on working with a patients' other doctor's and practitioners; for the best interest of my patients."

At Maddalo Chiropractic you will not only receive a comprehensive exam and consultation, but treatment focused on your individual needs. When asked to give an average length of time to heal a back problem, she hesitates: "I could no more tell you that than I can tell you how long it will take you to heal from surgery without knowing your underlying causes and complicating factors. I don't like to make blanket statements. One patient may have the same general diagnosis as another, but I guarantee you that no two patients are exactly alike or will respond in exactly the same way." Dr. Maddalo explains that her office offers not only chiropractic manipulation, but a variety of therapies including ultrasound therapy, electrical muscular therapy and massage. But that is not what keeps patients coming back; what keeps them is the doctor, herself. She cares about their problems and listens to them intently. The patients I've spoken with say they love her approach. "You never have to wait long in the reception area and unlike some other doctors I've been to throughout the years, I get more than 3 minutes of her time," volunteered a patient who arrived ½ an hour early for her appointment just to sit in peace and quiet for a bit. Dr. Maddalo brought her into the conversation as if introducing me to an old friend. "That's the way it is around here. It's a business yes, but its family. Hey, I come from a big, friendly Italian family, we were raised to look out for everyone; I can't help it." She grins and gives me a genuine smile.

If you are looking for a chiropractor that is not focused on the "assembly-line" approach and will take the time to get to know you and your unique needs, look no further than Maddalo Chiropractic.

Maddalo chiropractic accepts most insurances and treats spinal injuries, headaches and sports/accident related cases.

For more information on Maddalo Chiropractic, its hours of operation, and treatments provided, visit their website at www.mcccambridge.com.

To read the full listing of readers choice awards pick up the Special Edition being released the week of June 24, 2007. go to www.townonline.com for a listing of participating papers.