Comprehensive Chiropractic Services in Norfolk, VA
At Ghent Chiropractic, we offer a full spectrum of chiropractic and rehabilitative services designed to address pain, restore function, enhance athletic performance, and support whole-body wellness for patients of all ages. Dr. John Clayton’s advanced certifications and 25+ years of clinical experience allow Ghent Chiropractic to deliver a level of integrated, specialized care that is rarely found in a single practice in the Norfolk, VA area.
Request an AppointmentOur Chiropractic Services
Every service at Ghent Chiropractic is delivered with a focus on identifying and correcting the root cause of your condition — not just managing symptoms. Below is an overview of the comprehensive care available at our Norfolk, VA office.
Chiropractic Adjustments
The foundation of everything we do, chiropractic adjustments correct spinal and extremity misalignments — called subluxations — that interfere with normal nerve function and movement. Dr. Clayton performs precise spinal and extremity manipulations that relieve nerve pressure, restore joint mobility, and allow the body to heal from the inside out. Chiropractic adjustments are effective for a wide range of conditions including low back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, disc disorders, and joint pain throughout the body.
Active Release Techniques (ART)
Dr. Clayton is a full-body certified ART provider — one of the most comprehensive soft tissue certifications available. ART is a patented, movement-based technique used to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, shoulder pain, sciatica, shin splints, and tennis elbow frequently resolve quickly and permanently with ART. Every session is simultaneously an examination and a treatment, with over 500 specific protocols available to address each patient’s unique soft tissue dysfunction.
FAKTR (Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab)
FAKTR uses instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) to address fascial and soft tissue disorders while the patient is actively moving through functional ranges of motion. By treating during movement — in the positions and patterns where symptoms occur — FAKTR targets kinetic chain dysfunction with a level of specificity that passive treatments cannot match. FAKTR is exceptionally effective for athletes and active patients dealing with overuse injuries, scar tissue, tendinopathies, and fascial restrictions.
Sports Chiropractic
As a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP), Dr. Clayton brings specialized expertise to the evaluation and treatment of sports-related injuries and performance limitations. He has treated athletes from every discipline and competition level, including recreational athletes, competitive runners, triathletes, intercollegiate athletes, and former Olympians. Sports chiropractic at Ghent Chiropractic goes beyond injury treatment to encompass biomechanical analysis, sport-specific rehabilitation, and performance optimization strategies.
Pregnancy and Pediatric Chiropractic
Dr. Clayton is a fellow of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), giving him specialized training in the safe, gentle care of expectant mothers, infants, and children. Chiropractic during pregnancy helps relieve back pain, manage pelvic alignment, and support optimal fetal positioning. Pediatric chiropractic uses extremely low-force techniques appropriate for developing spines and nervous systems, helping infants and children thrive from the earliest stages of development.
Rehabilitative Exercises
Lasting recovery requires more than adjustments and soft tissue treatment — it requires rebuilding the muscular strength, stability, and movement patterns that protect your body from re-injury. Dr. Clayton designs individualized rehabilitative exercise programs for each patient, incorporating stretching, foam roller therapy, resistance training, bodyweight exercises, functional movement training, and corrective exercises tailored to your specific findings and goals.
NormaTec Compression Therapy
NormaTec uses patented dynamic air compression technology to accelerate muscle recovery, reduce soreness and inflammation, and improve circulation. Used by 97% of professional sports teams and elite athletes worldwide, NormaTec is now available at Ghent Chiropractic in 30 or 60 minute sessions. Whether you are an athlete recovering from training, a patient healing from injury, or anyone dealing with chronic muscle fatigue or circulatory issues, NormaTec delivers measurable recovery benefits.
Auto Accident Chiropractic Care
Car accidents often cause injuries — including whiplash, soft tissue damage, and spinal misalignments — that may not produce immediate symptoms. Dr. Clayton is trained to identify and treat these hidden injuries before they become chronic problems. Ghent Chiropractic offers comprehensive post-accident evaluation and treatment, injury documentation for insurance and legal purposes, and a multi-modal approach to recovery that gets you back to full health as quickly as possible.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you are dealing with acute pain, recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to optimize your health and performance, Ghent Chiropractic in Norfolk, VA has the expertise and the tools to help. Call us today at (757) 622-1222 or schedule your new patient appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Chiropractic Services
What chiropractic services does Ghent Chiropractic offer?
Ghent Chiropractic offers a comprehensive range of services including chiropractic spinal and extremity adjustments, Active Release Techniques (ART), FAKTR soft tissue mobilization, sports chiropractic care, pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic, individualized rehabilitative exercise programming, NormaTec compression therapy, and auto accident injury evaluation and treatment — all under one roof in Norfolk, VA.
Which service is right for me?
The right approach depends on your condition, goals, and the findings of your clinical evaluation. Many patients benefit from a combination of services — for example, chiropractic adjustments to address joint alignment alongside ART and FAKTR for soft tissue issues, followed by rehabilitative exercises to build lasting strength and stability. Dr. Clayton will determine the most effective combination during your initial consultation and examination.
Do you treat both acute and chronic conditions?
Yes. Ghent Chiropractic effectively treats both acute injuries — such as sports injuries, car accident trauma, and sudden onset back or neck pain — and chronic conditions including long-standing musculoskeletal pain, repetitive stress injuries, and ongoing postural dysfunction. The earlier you seek care, the faster and more complete your recovery is likely to be.
Can I receive multiple services in one visit?
Yes. In fact, Dr. Clayton commonly combines multiple treatments in a single visit — for example, performing a chiropractic adjustment followed by ART and FAKTR therapy, then prescribing rehabilitative exercises as part of the same appointment. This integrated approach maximizes the benefit of each visit and produces faster overall results.
Are your chiropractic services covered by insurance?
Many of our services, including chiropractic adjustments, are covered by a wide range of insurance plans. Coverage for specialized services like ART and NormaTec therapy varies by plan. We encourage you to call our office at (757) 622-1222 before your visit so our team can verify your benefits and provide clear information about any out-of-pocket costs.
Do you offer nutritional consultation?
Yes. Dr. Clayton offers nutritional guidance for both athletes and non-athletes as part of his holistic approach to health. Proper nutrition is one of the five pillars of health that Ghent Chiropractic incorporates into comprehensive patient wellness care.
How do I know which service to ask for when I schedule?
You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what you need — that is Dr. Clayton’s job. Simply call us at (757) 622-1222 or request a new patient appointment online, and Dr. Clayton will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine which combination of services will most effectively address your condition and goals.