Sports Chiropractic
Next Level's comprehensive treatment approach is very straightforward. By removing soft tissue adhesions, stretching tight or shortened muscles, strengthening weak muscles, and adjusting fixated/immobile joints, we can effectively identify and treat the underlying cause of your symptom(s).
Appointments
Performance Mobility Assessment and Selective Functional Movement Assessment
The Performance Mobility Assesment (PMA) takes the whole body into account to assess mobility and find the underlying cause of pain and overuse injuries. The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is a series of 7 full-body movement tests designed to assess fundamental patterns of movement such as bending and squatting in those with known musculoskeletal pain.
Active Release Technique and Soft Tissue Modalities
Active Release Technique (A.R.T) is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.
PiezoWave
The PiezoWave 2 is a noninvasive treatment that produces soundwave pulses into body tissue. The technology is called Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). This type of treatment is similar to lithotripsy, which is the procedure urologist use to break up kidney stones.
Piezo utilizes the soundwaves to break up the scar tissue and calcifications. Breaking up scar tissue is beneficial in achieving more range of motion and decreasing one’s pain threshold. Each time the treatment is performed, the tissue is broken up initiating the healing process. To obtain full benefits from this type of treatment, it will be conducted multiple times over the course of a couple weeks.
Meet Our Providers
Justin D. Scott DC, CCEP, CGFI, ART Full Body Certified
Dr. Scott founded Next Level in 2010 hoping to bring a personalized, modern, research-based approach to chiropractic care and physical therapy to the Pittsburgh area. In private practice since that time, he enjoys working with pain and injury of all types assisting his patients in getting back to doing what they love. Next Level is constantly growing and evolving. The future vision for the company is to create a truly patient-centered, integrated pain solution system in Western Pennsylvania through technology and strategic partnerships with the best local physicians.
Certifications include:
-Adjunct Professor Palmer College of Chiropractic
-Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner (CCEP)
-Full-body certified in ART (Active Release Technique)
-Member of the ART Ironman Provider Network
-Member of the ART Elite Provider Network
-Certified SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) Provider
-Titleist Certified Level II Medical Professional
-USA Rugby ICIR (Immediate Care in Rugby) Certified
Dr. Scott received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006 where he majored in Chemistry. He then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa where he graduated with his Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2010.
Aaron Palmieri DC, ART Full Body Certified
Dr. Palmieri is passionate about improving the lives of his patients through sports rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance enhancement. He has worked with all levels of athletes ranging from weekend warriors to those in Major League Baseball and the NFL.
Certifications include:
- Full-body certified in ART (Active Release Technique)
- Member of the ART Elite Provider Network
- SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment)
- FAKTR (Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab)
- Rocktape FMT 1&2 Certified
- CF-L1 Trainer
- ClinicalAthlete Weightlifting Certified Coach
- Training Think Tank Movement
Dr. Palmieri received his Bachelors of Science degree from Grove City College in Grove City, PA where he majored in Biology and played on the Varsity Football Team. He then attended Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC where he graduated with his Doctorate of Chiropractic.
Bren Bergquist DC, ART Full Body Certified
Dr. Bergquist has had the opportunity to work with current and former athletes of all ages and skill levels. He understands that the basic biomechanical forces that govern motion in the body of an elite level athlete, also create the basic movements of every day life such as sitting, standing, and walking. Dr. Bergquist's goal is to implement care that acts as a catalyst to speed the process towards recovery and optimal performance, while also providing patients with education and tools that promote self-reliance.
Certifications Include:
- Full-body certified in ART (Active Release Technique)
- Certified IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)
- FMS (Functional Movement Screening)
- Certified SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment)
- Certified FMT (Fascial Movement Taping) Level 1&2
Dr. Bren Bergquist received his Baccalaureate of Science in Biology from Hillsdale College in Michigan, where he was also a 4-year letter winner on the football team. He then attended Life University in Marietta, GA where he graduated with his Doctorate of Chiropractic.
Angelo Minella DC, NASM, NIMMO Full-Body Certified
Dr. Minella is passionate about improving his patients’ quality of life through integrated care. Functional rehab and soft tissue modalities continue to provide his patients with sustained and long-lasting results. Dr. Minella has treated a variety of athletes ranging from high school competitors to NFL, MLB, and NHL athletes.
Certifications include:
- Full-body certified in Nimmo (Trigger Point Therapy)
- Certified in Functional Taping for Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Member of National Academy of Sports Medicine
- Certified in Custom Stabilizing Orthotics
- NASM Certified Weight Loss Specialist
- Whole Foods Nutrition Certified
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Dr. Minella received his Bachelor of Science from Washington & Jefferson College in 2008 where he majored in Psychology. He completed his post baccalaureate at LECOM (Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine) in 2009. He then attended New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, New York where he graduated with his Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2014.
Ryan Eggert, DC, CSCS
Dr Eggert joined the Next Level team to fulfill his passion of guiding patients on their journey to their fitness and athletic goals. As a sports chiropractor, he uses evidence-based injury rehabilitation and prevention to bridge the gap between rehab and performance. Dr. Eggert works with individuals of all skill levels to bring them back from injury and break through plateaus. He utilizes chiropractic care, sport specific soft tissue techniques, and individualized rehab exercises to maximize recovery and enhance performance.
Certifications Include:
-Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) - Member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association
As a south-hills native, Dr. Eggert earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh where he studied human biology, psychology, and chemistry. He went on to attend Palmer College of Chiropractic in Florida, where he graduated second in his class with his Doctorate of Chiropractic. While there, he specialized in performance mobility assessment and athletic injury management in the Palmer Clinical Rehabilitation Department.
Julia Saccucci, DC
Dr. Julia Saccucci brings a wealth of compassion and expertise to Next Level Spine and Sport’s Chiropractic team. She is very proud to add a female Chiropractor to this highly competent clinical sports staff and expand the clinic experience. With an in-depth knowledge of exercise demands, recovery, and personalized rehabilitation, Dr. Saccucci is the ideal practitioner for patients working through injuries as they aspire to their health and fitness goals. Dr. Saccucci emphasizes patient education during treatment as she knows the importance of equipping patients with the knowledge and tools to be stronger and healthier than ever.
Certifications include:
- Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)
- Representative of the Motion Palpation Institute
Dr. Saccucci received her Bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg University, where she studied Exercise Science and Biology. She then went on to attend Palmer College of Chiropractic, Florida campus, where she was promoted to a leadership position for the Motion Palpation Institute. In this position she gained experience teaching in depth biomechanics and utilizing multiple evidence- based treatment approaches for muscle and joint injuries. Dr. Saccucci also specialized in functional movement evaluations and rehabilitative exercise prescription in the Palmer Rehabilitation Clinic.