Chiropractic First in Winooski, VT

Proudly serving the Winooski community with professional, reliable service. Pain Is Not a Lifestyle

Trusted Chiropractor Serving Winooski, Vermont

Winooski is one of the most distinctive communities in Chittenden County — a compact, walkable city with deep roots in Vermont’s industrial heritage. Once powered by the woolen mills along the Winooski River, today’s Winooski has reinvented itself as a vibrant, diverse community with a revitalized downtown circle, locally owned restaurants, and a strong sense of neighborhood identity. Winooski’s population represents one of the most culturally diverse communities in all of New England, with residents from many backgrounds who share a common need for affordable, effective healthcare. Chiropractic First, located at 1480 Williston Road in South Burlington, is just a short drive from Winooski’s downtown rotary. Dr. Michael Townsend, DC, has served Winooski residents for over 24 years, providing evidence-based chiropractic care that helps this hardworking community stay healthy and active.

Chiropractic Services Available to Winooski Residents

Whether you are dealing with chronic back pain, a recent injury, or simply want to maintain your spinal health, Chiropractic First offers a full range of evidence-based chiropractic services:

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Common Conditions We Treat for Winooski Patients

Winooski’s workforce reflects the city’s practical, hands-on character. Many residents work in healthcare settings at nearby UVM Medical Center and the VA Medical Center, performing physically demanding tasks like patient lifting, long shifts on their feet, and repetitive motions that lead to chronic back pain and shoulder injuries. Service industry workers from Winooski’s thriving restaurant scene along Main Street deal with the cumulative effects of standing, bending, and carrying — conditions that respond well to chiropractic care. Factory and warehouse workers in the greater Winooski area frequently develop repetitive strain injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome. Winooski residents who commute to jobs across Chittenden County spend significant time in their vehicles, and that daily driving contributes to sciatica and disc compression. We also help many Winooski families with children who experience headaches and postural problems from heavy school backpacks and screen time.

Why Winooski Residents Choose Chiropractic First

Winooski residents value straightforward, effective healthcare — and that is exactly what Dr. Townsend provides. With more than 8,000 patients treated over his 24-year career, Dr. Townsend has earned a reputation for honest assessments and personalized treatment plans that get results without unnecessary visits or upselling. Many Winooski patients come to us after being told their only options are surgery or long-term medication, and they discover that chiropractic care combined with spinal decompression and soft tissue therapies can provide genuine relief. Our Active Release Technique certification makes us one of the few practices in the area qualified to treat complex soft tissue conditions — adhesions, scar tissue, and nerve entrapments that standard adjustments alone cannot address. We also offer Erchonia cold laser therapy, an FDA-cleared technology that accelerates healing at the cellular level. For Winooski’s diverse community, we provide clear communication about your condition and treatment options so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Getting to Our South Burlington Clinic from Winooski

From downtown Winooski (the rotary), head south on East Allen Street, which merges into Williston Road as you enter South Burlington. Our clinic at 1480 Williston Road is approximately 3 miles from the Winooski rotary. The drive takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can take Route 15 south to I-89 South and exit at Route 2 East (Exit 14W), then follow Williston Road east for about one mile. Located between Burlington International Airport and Patchen Road. Look for the brown building with the green and gold sign. Free parking is available in front of the office, and the building is fully accessible at ground level.

Frequently Asked Questions — Winooski Patients

How far is Chiropractic First from Winooski?

We are approximately 3 miles south of the Winooski rotary, about an 8 to 10 minute drive. You can reach us easily via Williston Road without getting on the highway.

Do you accept insurance from Winooski residents?

We accept most major insurance plans. Call (802) 474-4258 to verify your coverage before your first visit.

What are your office hours?

Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Closed weekends.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Winooski residents — don’t wait to get the care you need. Call (802) 474-4258 or request an appointment to schedule your visit at Chiropractic First in South Burlington, VT.

Our Services in Winooski

Chiropractic Adjustments in South Burlington

Gentle, precise spinal corrections that restore alignment, improve mobility, and reduce chronic or recurring pain.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Non-surgical SpineMED spinal decompression therapy for herniated discs, sciatica, and chronic back pain — over 17 years of clinical experience.

Active Release Technique (ART)

Hands-on soft tissue therapy that releases adhesions, reduces tension, and restores muscle function.

Graston Therapy

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that breaks down scar tissue, reduces tightness, and accelerates healing.

Erchonia Violet & Red Laser Therapy

FDA-cleared low-level laser therapy that reduces inflammation, stimulates tissue repair, and accelerates recovery.

Extremity Adjusting

Targeted joint adjustments for shoulders, knees, wrists, ankles, and other extremities to restore mobility and reduce pain.

Exercise Therapy

Corrective exercises prescribed to improve strength, flexibility, and spinal stability between chiropractic visits.

Kinesiotaping

Therapeutic taping that supports muscles and joints, enhances movement, and reduces strain during recovery.

Neuropathy Treatment

Targeted nerve-focused therapies to reduce numbness, tingling, burning, and pain caused by peripheral neuropathy.

Custom Foot Levelers Orthotics

Custom-manufactured orthotics designed from precise foot scans to correct posture, reduce pain, and support spinal alignment.

Personal Injury Chiropractic Care

Comprehensive recovery care for car accidents, slips and falls, and other personal injuries with documentation for legal cases.

Nutrition Services

Personalized nutrition guidance to reduce inflammation, support tissue healing, and complement your chiropractic treatment plan.

Sports Injury Treatment

Performance-driven chiropractic care that speeds recovery from sports injuries and helps prevent future problems.

Chiropractic Wellness Care

Ongoing proactive chiropractic maintenance to keep your spine healthy, prevent injuries, and maintain optimal function.

Workers Compensation Chiropractic

Expert chiropractic care for workplace injuries with full documentation support for workers compensation claims.

Corporate Wellness Programs

Workplace wellness programs designed to improve employee health, reduce absenteeism, and boost productivity.

What Clients in Winooski Say

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Caitlin

South Burlington, VT

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PJ P.

Vermont

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Ron C.

Vermont

FAQ — Chiropractic First in Winooski

Common questions from Winooski clients.

Chiropractic First treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and pain-related issues. Our most common cases include low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, herniated and bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, neuropathy, headaches, and migraines.

We also treat sports injuries, auto accident injuries, work-related injuries, shoulder pain, knee pain, hip pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and other extremity conditions. Dr. Townsend’s diverse training allows him to address conditions that many other providers refer out.

Whether your pain started from a specific injury or has developed gradually over time, we focus on identifying the root cause rather than just masking symptoms. Visit our conditions treated page for a complete list, or call (802) 474-4258 to discuss your specific situation.

Dr. Townsend uses a thorough, multi-step diagnostic process to identify exactly what is causing your pain. Your evaluation begins with a detailed conversation about your health history, when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and any prior treatments you have tried.

Next, he performs a comprehensive physical examination that includes orthopedic testing, neurological assessment, range of motion evaluation, and palpation of the spine and affected areas. If clinically indicated, digital X-rays are taken on-site to visualize spinal alignment, disc spacing, and any structural abnormalities.

All of this information is combined to build a clear picture of your condition. Dr. Townsend then sits down with you to explain his findings in plain language, discusses your diagnosis, and outlines a recommended treatment plan with realistic expectations for recovery. This thorough approach is what allows him to develop truly personalized care rather than applying a generic protocol.

Yes, Chiropractic First accepts most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and many others. We also work with auto insurance and workers’ compensation carriers for injury-related cases.

Before your first visit, our office will verify your insurance benefits so you know exactly what is covered and what your out-of-pocket costs will be. We handle the paperwork and billing directly with your insurance company to make the process as simple as possible.

If you have questions about your specific plan or would like us to check your benefits before scheduling, call us at (802) 474-4258 and we will be happy to help.

Your first visit to Chiropractic First is designed to be thorough and informative. Plan for approximately 45 to 60 minutes so Dr. Townsend can take the time needed to properly evaluate your condition.

When you arrive, you will complete a brief intake form covering your health history and current symptoms. Dr. Townsend will then sit down with you for a one-on-one consultation to discuss your pain, how it affects your daily life, and what your goals are for treatment.

Following the consultation, he performs a comprehensive examination including orthopedic and neurological testing. If X-rays are needed, they are taken on-site during the same visit. Once all the information is gathered, Dr. Townsend reviews his findings with you, explains your diagnosis, and presents a recommended treatment plan. In many cases, you will receive your first treatment on the same day.

Ready to get started? Schedule your first visit or call (802) 474-4258.

Yes, spinal decompression therapy is a safe, FDA-cleared, non-surgical treatment for disc injuries. At Chiropractic First, we use the SpineMED system, which is one of the most advanced and well-researched decompression platforms available.

The treatment works by gently stretching the spine using precise, computer-controlled traction. This creates negative pressure within the disc, which helps retract herniated or bulging disc material and promotes the flow of nutrients and oxygen into the damaged disc. Most patients find the treatment comfortable and relaxing — many even fall asleep during sessions.

Dr. Townsend has over 17 years of experience performing spinal decompression therapy and carefully screens every patient to ensure they are a good candidate before beginning treatment. Conditions that respond well to decompression include herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.

To learn more, visit our spinal decompression page or call (802) 474-4258 to find out if decompression is right for you.

Ready to Get Started in Winooski?

Contact Chiropractic First today. We proudly serve Winooski and surrounding areas.