Meet Us

Brad D. Welker, D.C. - Shad A. McLagan, D.C. - Massage Therapists

Brad D. Welker, D.C.

Dr. Brad Welker Dr. Welker specializes in the examination and treatment of whiplash and disc related spinal injuries. He believes it is important to work with other health care providers to ensure the best communication and care for each patient.

Spinal injuries are specifically treated with massage therapy, gentle manipulation, electromuscular stimulation, traction, and rehabilitation exercises to increase blood flow, speed recovery and restore joint and muscular function.

Dr. Welker was born and raised in Bend and moved back in 2000 to start his practice. Shortly after starting his practice he has continued his studies and has focused on whiplash and disc related spinal injury. This has now become his area of expertise and training. He works closely with local neurosurgeons and orthopedists and regularly attends symposiums through the Orthopedic and Neurological Center in Bend.

Education
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oregon State University in 1994.
• Doctor of Chiropractic from Western States Chiropractic College in 2000.

Experience
• Instructed Kinesiology I, II, and III (the study of the anatomy, physiology, and mechanics of body movement) at Central Oregon Community College 2002-2006.
• Member of the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists from 2002-2006.
• Edits medical textbooks for McGraw-Hill.
• Instructs Ki-Aikido at Central Oregon Community College 2000- present.
• Instructed Ki-Aikido at Reed College 1998-2000.
• Adjunct Faculty 2003- present Western States Chiropractic College

Shad A. McLagan, D.C.

Dr. Shad McLagan Dr. McLagan specializes in the examination and treatment of whiplash and disc related spinal injuries. He believes it is important to work with other health care providers to ensure the best communication and care for each patient.

Dr. McLagan was born in Bend and raised in Central Oregon. He moved back in 2004 to perform his residency with Dr. Welker, where he began to specialize in whiplash and disc related spinal injuries. Since his residency he has been working with Dr. Welker, at Chiropractic Family Health Care. He has continued his education and focus on whiplash and disc related spinal injuries and their specific conservative treatment options. He works closely with local neurosurgeons and orthopedists and regularly attends symposiums through the Orthopedic and Neurological Center in Bend.

Education
• Bachelor of Science in Health from Western Oregon University in 2002.
• Doctor of Chiropractic from Western States Chiropractic College in 2005.

Experience
• Instructed and assisted with Kinesiology I, II, and III (the study of the anatomy, physiology, and mechanics of body movement) at Central Oregon Community College 2005-2006.

Massage Therapists

Alissa D. Locke, LMT
Sara A. Gardner, LMT
Gabrielle L. Benson, LMT
Patricia Alvarez, LMT

What we are thinking

We believe that chiropractic and massage therapy work well together to treat whiplash and other spinal injuries. Most chiropractors treat whiplash injuries with spinal manipulation only. Without massage these spinal injuries may take longer to heal and possibly leave patients with lasting injuries.

Initially, massage is used to decrease inflammation and increase blood flow, thereby facilitating scar tissue formation and decreasing pain. Secondly, massage works to reform scar tissue through its healing phase. Lastly, massage facilitates normal muscular and joint function as rehabilitation is added to the patient’s treatment regime.

Communication with the massage therapists before and after each massage allows the Doctors to direct and modify specific treatment to ensure the best care for each patient.

What our Patients are thinking

“I feel so much better since I have been getting massage therapy.”

“These massage therapists know what they are doing!”

“Massage hurts so good!”

“I am glad I am being treated with chiropractic and massage, this treats my whole problem.”