Dr. Elise Rigney

Pelvic and Hip Pain: How the Nervous System Fits In

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Pelvic and hip pain can have a lot of causes, including conditions like endometriosis. If you have ongoing or severe pelvic pain, please see your doctor first so you get a clear diagnosis.

Where chiropractic may fit

Once you have medical guidance, some women look for ways to support their body’s movement and comfort. Chiropractic care looks at how your spine, pelvis and nervous system are working together. For some people, that may help with tension in the low back and hips.

What we don’t do

We do not treat or cure endometriosis or any other medical condition. We work alongside your healthcare team.

What to expect

  • A conversation about your history
  • A gentle exam of your posture and movement
  • A plan that feels right for you, and a referral if we think you need something we don’t offer

This article is for education only and is not medical advice.

 Women’s Health Deserves More Than One Month

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Pink ribbons are a great reminder. But women’s health is a year-round thing, and a lot of women have been told that what they’re feeling is “just part of being a woman.”

Common doesn’t mean normal

Painful periods, pelvic pain, constant fatigue, back pain that won’t quit, and trouble sleeping are all really common. That doesn’t mean you have to just live with them. They’re worth asking questions about.

What women’s health includes

  • Hormones and cycles
  • Pregnancy, prenatal and postpartum recovery
  • Pelvic and hip pain
  • Back, neck and posture changes
  • Stress, sleep and energy
  • Screenings and preventive care

The nervous system connection

Your nervous system connects almost everything in your body, including your spine, hips, and pelvis. When your body is under stress, you may hold tension in those areas without realizing it. Chiropractic care focuses on how your spine and nervous system are working together, which may help you move and feel better.

Three things to try this week

  1. Book the appointment you’ve been putting off. A check-up, a screening, or an adjustment.
  2. Write down your symptoms for a week. Patterns help your provider help you.
  3. Move for 10 minutes a day. A walk counts.

Join us: Women’s Health Social (Fort Collins)

Friday, October 23 · 4–6 PM 3720 S College Ave, Fort Collins Free to attend. 15+ local vendors. Hosted by Dr. Hannah. Come meet local women’s health providers, ask questions, and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Alt text for other locations (Golden, Loveland, Cherry Hills): “Our Fort Collins team is hosting a free Women’s Health Social on Friday, October 23. Follow us on social for details!”

This article is for education only and is not medical advice.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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Every October, the world turns pink. But awareness only helps if it leads to action. So here’s a plain-language guide to what’s worth knowing, and one small thing you can do this month.

The numbers, simply

About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. That number can feel scary. The good news is that when breast cancer is found early, treatment options are often better. That’s why screening matters.

What do the guidelines say about screening?

Guidelines vary a little by organization, so this is a good conversation to have with your doctor.

  • Many major medical groups recommend women start mammograms at age 40.
  • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years from ages 40 to 74.
  • The American Cancer Society says women 40 to 44 can choose to start yearly screening, and recommends regular screening starting at 45.
  • If you have a family history or other risk factors, your doctor may suggest starting earlier or adding other tests.

Know your normal

You know your body best. Get familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel, so you notice changes. Things worth mentioning to your doctor include:

  • A new lump or thickening
  • Changes in size or shape
  • Skin changes like dimpling or redness
  • Nipple changes or discharge
  • Ongoing pain in one spot

Most changes turn out not to be cancer. But it’s always okay to get something checked.

What Impact does and doesn’t do

We want to be clear and honest. Chiropractic care does not screen for, diagnose, or treat breast cancer. Your primary care provider, OB-GYN, and imaging center are the right team for that.

What we can do is support you as a whole person. If you’re going through treatment or recovery, we’re happy to coordinate with your oncology team and make sure any care we provide is safe and appropriate for where you are.

One small step this month

  • Book your mammogram if you’re due
  • Do a quick self-check and learn your normal
  • Ask a family member about your family health history
  • Text a friend and encourage her to schedule hers

You don’t have to do all four. Pick one.

This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about the screening plan that’s right for you.

A Colorado Fall Reset: 5 Ways to Feel Good as Life Gets Busy

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September has a way of changing everything at once.

School is back. Sports are in full swing. Work schedules pick up. Weekends fill quickly.

And suddenly, the routines that made you feel good all summer can start slipping away.

But a healthy fall doesn’t require completely overhauling your schedule.

Sometimes the best reset is simply returning to the basics.

☀️ 1. Take Advantage of Colorado Sunshine

Before the days get shorter, make getting outside part of your routine.

Take a walk after dinner. Meet a friend outside instead of sitting indoors. Head to a park with the kids. Eat lunch outside when you can.

Even a short break from your normal environment can create a natural pause in a busy day.

🚶 2. Make Movement Convenient

You don’t need an hour-long workout for movement to matter.

Walk while your child is at practice.

Take the stairs.

Stretch between meetings.

Park farther away.

Take the dog around the block.

Small opportunities to move add up—and they’re often much easier to maintain than an “all or nothing” routine.

😴 3. Protect Your Sleep

When schedules get busy, bedtime is often the first thing to shift.

Try creating a more predictable evening rhythm: dim the lights, put the phone away a little earlier, prep tomorrow’s necessities ahead of time, and give yourself a chance to wind down.

🏈 4. Don’t Forget About Recovery

Fall sports aren’t just demanding for kids.

Parents are driving to practices, squeezing in their own workouts, working full days, and trying to keep everyone fed and organized.

Recovery isn’t something you earn after you’ve done enough.

It’s part of taking care of yourself.

💙 5. Make Room for Connection

A healthy life isn’t just about exercise and nutrition.

It’s also about the people we experience it with.

Family dinner. A Saturday morning walk. Calling a friend. Watching your child’s game without checking your email.

Those little moments matter.

Your Fall Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

At Impact Chiropractic Cherry Hills, we believe wellness should help you experience more of the life happening around you.

You don’t need a perfect morning routine, a perfect workout schedule, or a perfectly organized calendar.

Start small.

Choose one habit that helps you feel more grounded and build from there.

Here’s to a healthy, active, connected Colorado fall. 💙

Golden in the Fall: Our Favorite Ways to Get Outside & Move

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If there’s one Colorado town that was made for fall, Golden might just be it.

Cooler mornings, changing leaves, foothill views, and plenty of opportunities to get outside make this one of our favorite seasons.

And you don’t need an all-day mountain adventure to take advantage of it.

🍂 Take a Walk Along Clear Creek

Sometimes simple is best.

Clear Creek Trail offers an easy way to walk, run, or bike while staying close to downtown Golden. As fall progresses, the cottonwoods along the creek begin changing color, making an ordinary walk feel a little more special.

Grab a coffee, bring the family, and make an afternoon of it.

🥾 Head for the Hills

Want something a little more adventurous?

Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers miles of hiking and opportunities to see Colorado’s changing aspens. Visit Golden highlights trails including Beaver Trail and Panorama Point via Mule Deer and Raccoon Trail for fall scenery.

Closer to town, North Table Mountain provides a completely different experience with wide-open views over Golden and the surrounding foothills.

🔍 Try Golden’s September Scavenger Hunt

Here’s one that’s especially fun for families.

Throughout September 2026, Golden’s Shiny Sphere Search hides hand-blown glass orbs around the city, with clues released for the community to find them. The event was created to encourage outdoor exploration, connection, and discovering more of Golden.

It’s basically an excuse to get outside and explore—and we’re here for it.

💧 Don’t Forget the Basics

Colorado fall weather can change quickly.

Bring water, wear appropriate shoes, pack layers, and check trail and weather conditions before heading out—especially if you’re venturing into the foothills.

And remember: your outdoor adventure doesn’t have to be intense to be worthwhile.

Movement is movement.

💙 Here’s to an Active Fall, Golden

At Impact Chiropractic Golden, we love being part of a community where getting outside is practically part of the culture.

Whether you’re hiking a mountain, biking along Clear Creek, chasing kids around a park, or simply taking a walk after dinner, keep finding ways to move that you genuinely enjoy.

Because taking care of your health should help you experience more of your life—not less of it.

Happy fall, Golden!

References

Visit Golden. Experience the Best of Golden in the Fall
https://www.visitgolden.com/things-to-do/fall/

Visit Golden. Fall Foliage Hikes
https://www.visitgolden.com/outdoors/hiking/fall-foliage-hikes/

Visit Golden. Clear Creek Trail
https://www.visitgolden.com/outdoors/hiking/clear-creek-trail/

Get Outside, Loveland! Simple Ways to Keep Your Family Moving This Fall

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There’s something special about September in Northern Colorado.

The mornings get cooler, routines settle back in, and weekends start feeling perfect for getting outside as a family.

And here in Loveland, we don’t have to go far to find something to do.

Instead of thinking of movement as another item on the family’s wellness checklist, fall is a great reminder that movement can simply be part of having fun together.

🚶 Explore Loveland on Foot

Pick a new trail, head to a local park, or take a walk somewhere you haven’t explored before.

It doesn’t have to be a strenuous workout to count.

Walking gives everyone a chance to move, talk, unplug, and spend time together without another screen competing for attention.

🎨 Turn Downtown Into an Adventure

Loveland’s art scene makes a simple walk much more fun—especially with kids.

Challenge everyone to find their favorite sculpture or mural, explore somewhere new downtown, or turn your outing into your own family photo scavenger hunt.

🍎 Make a Morning of the Farmers Market

The City of Loveland Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park continues on Sundays through September 27 this year, making it an easy way to spend a fall morning together.

Grab some Colorado produce, walk the market, let the kids explore, and choose something new to bring home for dinner.

Healthy habits don’t always need to feel like healthy habits.

🏈 Let the Kids Choose

Ask your kids one simple question:

“What do you want to do outside today?”

Maybe it’s throwing a football, riding bikes, kicking a soccer ball, heading to the playground, or walking the dog.

Giving kids some ownership can make getting outside feel less like something they have to do and more like something the whole family gets to enjoy.

💙 Build a Fall That Feels Good

At Impact Chiropractic Loveland, we love seeing families live active, connected lives.

Our version of wellness isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about the small things you do consistently—moving your body, getting outside, prioritizing rest, connecting with the people you love, and taking care of yourself along the way.

So before Colorado winter arrives, get outside and enjoy our beautiful Loveland community.

We’ll see you out there!

References

Visit Loveland. Family Fun in Loveland: Your Guide to August and September
https://visitloveland.com/family-fun-in-loveland-your-guide-to-august-and-september/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical Activity Basics
https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/