I came across Dr. Peter Hilgartner while conducting research on chiropractic methods to help with TMJ. I screened a lot of different professionals, techniques and testimonies of patients around the DC metro area and finally, I decided to follow my intuition and go visit Dr. Peter. Although he was the farthest from where I live (Arlington, VA) and did not have anything posted explicitly around TMJ, I realized he had a solid understanding of how the body works and its connectedness. That knowledge was necessary to go beyond just addressing the TMJ pain, jaw lock and all the functional problems that derive from it, but to really get to the physical root of the problem. Instead of acting directly on my jaws, he investigated why this was occurring, in the first place. We looked at me as an interconnected unit and found a number of asymmetries (some of them quite pronounced in the hip area) that turns out were being compensated all the way up in the cranial area, impacting my jaw, mastication, and finally causing TMJ, facial asymmetry, etc. He adjusted me a few times (what an experience that is!), without even touching my face and – as my body unwound – I noticed improvements in my facial structure too. He is also correcting my posture, the way I sit, sleep and carry myself. As a consequence, the TMJ is getting much better and I can tell we are on the right path! I am so glad I found Dr. Peter. I just didn’t want the TMJ pain gone; I wanted the very cause of the problem addressed and solved. He’s doing that perfectly. Besides being incredibly smart, knowledgeable and approachable, he is also a phenomenal source of great educational materials. Check him out on Vimeo, if you are interested. As people we are given a body, so we shall learn how to take the best care of it. Dr. Peter can definitely help you with that. Thanks so much!
Laura H
In 2007, I experienced a full rupture of my 4th lumbar disk, which caused severe pain and restriction of most of my movement and walking abilities. After seeing many doctors and given MRI’s, the only relief I was offered was surgery and steroids. A dear friend recommended Dr. Pete as another option, what did I have to lose at this point! Within 3 months of seeing him on a regular basis, I had my life back.
Mirinda L
My name is Rita. I am 70 years old and have been receiving chiropractic treatment from Dr. Pete Hilgartner for the past six years. In childhood I was plagued with allergies, and constant bronchitis, then life brought on injuries, surgeries, stress, and pregnancies. prior to meeting Dr. Pete, I had been to see 13 different chiropractors, the treatment sometimes resulting in increased pain and decreased physical function in my body, with no longterm progress.
My Experinces in the Beginning
Because I believed in Dr. Pete's philosophy of health and my desire to feel better, I met with him three times a week from April through December during the first year. When I showed up on his doorstep, I was no function well physically, mentally, emotionally, and probably spiritually as well. During this time, I remember a couple of times during an adjustment when I broke down in tears because of the pain I was constantly feeling, or a memory stirred by the changes in my body. I also remember times when I wanted to quit and walk away, feeling that nothing was going to change. But being determined to improve my health, I stuck with the process of unwinding, continued to schedule and show up for appointments, and over time I began to feel better, stand straighter, and have a lighter demeanor.
What I've Learned
There are no overnight cures -- for anyone. Treatment requires patience, commitment, diligence, dedication, trust in the process, and sometimes just continuing to show up even when you don't think it is working or you think there is more harm then good being done. (Believe me -- been there, done that.) At times, there are occasionally "miracles" that occur resulting from unwinding, such as a particular chronic pain disappearing or better balance. Although I don't always understand what is happening in my body, I've come to trust that my body knows, and Dr. Pete's adjustments set the conditions for healing.
The Present
Now I walk two miles most days of the week and go to the gym regularly where I am building muscle mass. My short-term memory has improved, and I have no problem finding the words I am trying to recall. I am truly happy most of the time and it's been reported that I am much easier to be around.
Rita H