An Ode to Wellington's Chiropractic Pioneers

Brian Kelly Senior and Dave Kelly (son)

 

Wellington has a rich history of dedicated chiropractors who have shaped the local healthcare landscape, each leaving a lasting legacy. This article pays homage to these practitioners, celebrating their contributions and the diverse range of techniques they employed.

The Veterans: A Foundation of Knowledge

We honor the 2nd wave of influential chiropractors who developed the profession in Wellington. Among them are Brian Kelly, a stalwart of the Wellington chiropractic scene, who worked at the Johnsonville Chiropractic Clinic, which became Kelly Chiropractic, then eventually The Chiro Johnsonville; Richard Cheyne who worked at Cheyne and Sisson’s; Brent Lindsay, who worked at Capital Chiropractic; and Garth Cheyne who is still practicing at Dixon Street Chiropractic. These practitioners were known for their deep expertise and passion educating their patients on natural health. Their methods often included traditional manual adjustments, such as Diversified and Gonstead techniques, which focus on hands-on spinal manipulation to restore proper joint motion and function, as well as many other techniques, such as Activator methods, SOT (Sacro-Occipital Technique) and Thompson Technique.

The Next Wave: Expanding the Horizon

More recently, Wellington has seen the departure of other respected chiropractors who continued to build upon this foundation. Brett Buckley, formerly of Wellington Chiropractic, and Ben O'Donnell, who practiced in Karori, represented the next generation of practitioners. They embraced a broader spectrum of techniques, often integrating newer, evidence-based methods with traditional ones. Their work highlighted the evolving nature of chiropractic care, moving toward a more integrated and versatile approach to patient treatment.

The Chiro: Continuing the Legacy

Today, the spirit of these pioneering chiropractors lives on at The Chiro. With practices in Johnsonville, Lower Hutt, and Upper Hutt, The Chiro continues the tradition of providing high-quality, personalized chiropractic care, led by Brian Kelly’s son, Dave Kelly. The team of chiropractors at The Chiro collectively offers a wide array of techniques, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.

Our chiropractors utilize a vast repertoire of methods, including:

  • Diversified Technique: The most common and widely taught chiropractic technique, involving a specific, low-amplitude, high-velocity thrust to the joints.

  • Gonstead Technique: A detailed system of analysis and adjustment that is very specific to the individual's spinal dysfunction.

  • Activator Method: A gentle, low-force technique that uses a handheld instrument to deliver a quick, precise impulse to the spinal segments.

  • SOT (Sacro-Occipital Technique): Focuses on restoring the relationship between the skull and the pelvis to correct imbalances throughout the spine and nervous system.

  • Dry Needling: A technique used to treat muscular pain by inserting fine needles into trigger points.

  • Rehabilitative Exercises: Prescribing specific exercises to strengthen muscles and improve posture, helping to prevent future issues.

By bringing together several skilled practitioners, The Chiro ensures that the legacy of those who came before them—like Brian Kelly, Richard Cheyne, Brent Lindsay, Brett Buckley, and Ben O'Donnell—continues to thrive. We honor their contributions by maintaining a commitment to excellence, innovation, and, most importantly, patient well-being, providing the Wellington community with comprehensive care for years to come.