MILLERTON — For 34 years, Ron W. Hayes, Doctor of Chiropractic, has been watching as patients have “come in crooked and walked out straight.” The chiropractor said the years in business have fulfilled his main goal, which is “just to make people feel better.”
Hayes, who has seen “many thousands” of patients, began his career with seven years at the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, named after the founder of the practice who first discovered the benefits of the treatment around 1895. In that time, Hayes took “many of the same courses as medical doctors,” which he has followed up with numerous seminars.
He explained that chiropractic is “an adjustment of the spine and/or extremities to improve the nervous system and thus the immune system also. About 95% of adjustments are done to the spine to relieve pain and nerve pressure. We also relieve muscle spasm. We treat sciatica, migraine headaches, pinched nerves in the arms or pinched nerves in the spine, which can cause pain in the arms and legs.”
Initial exams may begin with X-rays or an MRI at the hospital, and if he feels he cannot help, he refers patients to other specialists.
Sessions may include therapies such as “electro-muscular stimulation, hydrocollator therapy, which is a hot pack therapy — moist heat — and a very powerful massage before and after an adjustment that also helps to relax the muscle,” said Hayes.
“I have a lot of patients that can’t afford treatment, but I still will treat them or treat them at a discount. I have stopped taking insurance… but I adjust my fee schedule so it makes it more affordable for patients to come in.”
While COVID-19 issues continue, Hayes has reduced his normal five-day practice to sessions to Tuesdays and Thursdays only, with no referrals necessary.
To contact Dr. Hayes, call 518-789-3355.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
