Dr. Elise Rigney

Why Stretching Isn’t Always Enough

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We’ve all been there.

You stretch your neck.

Roll your shoulders.

Maybe even book a massage.

It feels better…for a little while.

Then a day or two later, the tension is right back where it started.

While tight muscles certainly play a role, they’re not always the root cause.

Our muscles often respond to what’s happening underneath them—including how we’re moving, our posture throughout the day, and how our nervous system is responding to stress.

That’s why many people find temporary relief but struggle to experience lasting change.

At Impact Chiropractic, we take a deeper look at how your spine, joints, and nervous system are functioning to better understand what’s contributing to recurring tension and discomfort.

For some patients, SoftWave Therapy can also be a helpful tool to support healing, improve circulation, and encourage recovery in stubborn areas of pain.

The goal isn’t simply to chase symptoms—it’s to better understand why they keep returning.

If neck tension has become part of your normal, it may be worth looking a little deeper.

Supporting Local Just Got Even Easier 💙

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One of our favorite things about being part of the Northern Colorado community is supporting other amazing local businesses.

If you’ve ever tried BFF Bitez, you already know why we love them. Their protein-packed energy bites are made with wholesome ingredients, taste incredible, and are perfect for busy mornings, post-workout snacks, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

We’re excited to share that Impact Chiropractic is now an official pickup location for BFF Bitez orders!

That means when you place your order through BFF Bitez, you can simply select Impact Chiropractic as your pickup location and grab your order while you’re in the clinic for your adjustment—or whenever it’s convenient for you.

It’s just one more way we’re proud to support another incredible local business while making healthy choices a little more accessible for our community.

To place an order or learn more about BFF Bitez, visit:

Check out BFF Bitez! 

We can’t wait for you to try them (if you haven’t already)!

Why School Mornings Feel So Hard (And How to Make Them Easier)

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Does it feel like your mornings turn into a race against the clock before anyone has even left the house?

One child can’t find their shoes. Another doesn’t want breakfast. Someone forgot their homework, and suddenly everyone is feeling rushed, frustrated, and overwhelmed.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Transitions—especially from sleep to a busy school day—can be challenging for children. Their brains and bodies are shifting from a restful state into one that requires attention, focus, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Add in time pressure, new routines, and the excitement (or anxiety) of school, and mornings can quickly become stressful.

A Calm Morning Starts the Night Before

One of the best ways to create calmer mornings actually begins the evening before.

Simple habits like laying out clothes, packing backpacks, preparing lunches, and maintaining a consistent bedtime can reduce decision fatigue and create a smoother start to the day. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics also highlights the importance of consistent sleep routines in supporting children’s mood, learning, and behavior.¹

Focus on Connection Before Correction

When mornings feel chaotic, it’s easy to jump straight into reminders and corrections.

Instead, try slowing down for even a minute or two.

A hug.
 A silly joke.
 A few deep breaths together.
 A simple “I’m so excited for you today.”

These small moments of connection can help children feel safe and supported before heading into a busy day.

Supporting a Healthy Nervous System

Healthy routines, quality sleep, movement, balanced nutrition, and emotional connection all play an important role in helping children regulate stress and adapt to daily challenges.

Every child is different, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. But creating predictable routines and supporting your child’s overall well-being can go a long way toward making school mornings feel less overwhelming—for everyone.

As the school year begins, remember that perfection isn’t the goal. Small, consistent habits often make the biggest difference.

References

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need? HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org

Why Do Kids Melt Down After School?

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If you’ve ever picked your child up from school only to be greeted by tears, frustration, or a complete meltdown, you’re not alone.

Many parents tell us the same thing:

“They held it together all day… then completely fell apart the second they got home.”

While it can feel confusing (or even frustrating), it’s actually a common response to a full day of learning, socializing, following directions, and adapting to new environments.

Throughout the school day, children are constantly processing information, navigating social situations, and responding to expectations. By the time they get home, they’re often mentally and emotionally drained. Home is their safe place, so it’s where those big feelings finally come out. Research has shown that children experience mental fatigue after sustained cognitive effort, making emotional regulation more challenging by the end of the day.¹

How Can You Help?

While every child is different, a few simple habits can make the transition from school to home a little smoother:

  • Give them time to decompress. Not every child wants to talk about their day the moment they walk through the door.
  • Offer a healthy snack and water. Fuel can make a big difference after a long day.
  • Encourage movement. A walk, bike ride, or time outside can help children reset before homework or evening activities.
  • Keep routines predictable. Consistent after-school routines help children feel safe, reduce stress, and provide a sense of security.²

Supporting the Whole Child

At Impact Chiropractic, we believe a child’s ability to learn, adapt, and thrive is influenced by many factors—including sleep, movement, nutrition, emotional well-being, and a healthy nervous system.

Our goal isn’t just to help kids feel better—it’s to help them function at their best so they can confidently navigate the challenges of growing up.

If school afternoons have become the hardest part of your day, know that you’re not alone. Sometimes, a few small changes can make a big difference.

If you’d like to learn more, we’d love to have you join us for our upcoming Helping Your Child Thrive This School Year workshop with Dr. Lauren and Dr. Jesse, where we’ll share practical strategies to support your child’s focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being this school year.

References

  1. Diamond, A. (2013). Executive Functions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 135–168. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-113011-143750
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics. The Importance of Family Routines. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/The-Importance-of-Family-Routines.aspx

Back to School Starts with a Healthy Nervous System

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Back-to-school season is almost here! While you’re checking off school supply lists, buying new shoes, and preparing for busy schedules, don’t forget about one of the most important tools your child has—their nervous system.

As kids head back into the classroom, they’re also returning to earlier mornings, homework, sports, extracurricular activities, and new routines. All of these changes place added stress on their growing bodies.

Your nervous system is responsible for helping your body adapt to those daily stresses. It plays a role in everything from movement and coordination to sleep, focus, and overall well-being.

That’s why so many families choose to include chiropractic care as part of their back-to-school routine. Regular adjustments help support proper nervous system function so kids can better adapt to the demands of the school year.

Whether your child is starting kindergarten, middle school, college, or anywhere in between, a healthy nervous system helps lay the foundation for a successful year ahead.

Here’s to a school year full of learning, growth, and feeling your very best!

Ready to Get the School Year Started?

Our team loves caring for kids and families of all ages. Schedule your family’s next adjustment and start the school year feeling your best.

👉 Book your appointment here: https://impact-chiropractic.com/ 

Sources

What to Expect at Your First SoftWave Therapy Appointment

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Trying something new can feel intimidating—especially when it comes to your health. One of the most common questions we hear is, “What actually happens during my first SoftWave appointment?”

At Impact Chiropractic, our goal is to make the experience simple, informative, and personalized from the moment you walk through our doors.

Your first visit begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Hannah. She’ll take time to learn about your concerns, your health history, and what you’re hoping to accomplish. Whether you’re dealing with chronic knee pain, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, shoulder discomfort, or another condition, understanding your goals is the first step in creating the right treatment plan.

Next, you’ll receive a personalized evaluation to better understand what’s contributing to your symptoms. If clinically necessary, digital X-rays may also be taken to help provide a more complete picture of your condition.

One of the best parts? Most patients receive their first SoftWave treatment during that same visit.

SoftWave Therapy is a non-invasive regenerative treatment designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. During treatment, a handheld device is used to deliver acoustic waves to the affected area. Patients often describe the sensation as a series of quick pulses or taps. Depending on the condition being treated, some areas may feel more sensitive than others, but treatments are typically well tolerated and require little to no downtime.

Before you leave, Dr. Hannah will review her findings, answer any questions, and provide personalized recommendations based on your condition and goals. Every patient is different, so your care plan will always be tailored to your individual needs.

If you’ve been looking for a natural, non-invasive approach to pain relief and recovery, your first appointment is a great opportunity to learn whether SoftWave Therapy is the right fit for you.

We’re proud to offer SoftWave Therapy at our Fort Collins, Loveland, and Golden locations, and we’d love to help you take the next step toward feeling your best.

👉 Schedule your consultation today and discover how SoftWave Therapy can help you get back to doing what you love: https://impact-chiropractic.com/softwave/