Cold Laser Therapy
Low-level light applied to irritated tissue to support the body's own recovery process, with no incision and no medication.
Often used for: Inflamed soft tissue, slow-healing strains, localized pain
Chiropractic Care
Personalized Chiropractic Care in Grand Junction
Chiropractic at Peak Performance is built around one idea: understand the person in front of you before deciding what to do.
The basics
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic is a health care discipline which focuses on the inherent restorative power of the body to heal itself without the help of drugs and surgery. It emphasizes the connection between structure, primarily the spine, and function, as organized by the nervous system, and how that relationship affects the recovery of your health.
In practical terms, that means examining how you move, where motion is restricted, and what may be irritating the surrounding tissue, then addressing it with hands-on care.
Approach
A Personalized Approach to Care
Dr. Younker develops a plan that considers the extent and severity of your injury or irritation, your overall health, the condition of your spine including age and previous injuries, and the goals you bring in.
Your history matters
Previous injuries, surgeries, work demands, and sport or hobby loads all shape what is appropriate.
Findings guide technique
The approach used is chosen from the exam, not applied to everyone the same way.
Plans get revisited
As your symptoms and activity change, the plan is adjusted rather than repeated.
Techniques
Techniques & Approaches
The approaches Dr. Younker draws on, chosen according to what your exam and history show.
Cold Laser Therapy
COX
Diversified
Gonstead
SOT
Dr. Younker will explain which approach he is recommending and why before care begins. If you are uncomfortable with a particular technique, say so, alternatives can be discussed.
Conditions
Conditions We Commonly Address
Educational information on the concerns patients most often bring to the office.
Back Pain
Persistent, recurring, or activity-limiting pain across the low back and mid back.
Learn more
Neck Pain
Stiffness, restricted motion, and pain that can travel into the shoulders or head.
Learn more
Sciatica
Radiating leg symptoms that follow the path of the sciatic nerve.
Learn more
Headaches & Migraines
Recurring head pain, including patterns that involve neck tension and posture.
Learn more
Disc Problems
Bulging, herniated, or degenerative disc concerns and the symptoms they can cause.
Learn more
Also commonly seen in the office
Herniated & bulging discs
Sports injuries
Joint pain
Shoulder pain
Arthritis-related stiffness
Auto accident injuries
Numbness & tingling
Work and posture strain
How treatment works
The Methods Used and When
Dr. Younker is trained in several techniques and selects among them based on your exam findings, your history, and your comfort.
COX Flexion-Distraction
A gentle, table-assisted technique that decompresses segments of the spine through controlled motion rather than force.
Often used for: Disc-related pain, sciatica, low back pain
Diversified Adjusting
The precise, hands-on adjustment most people picture when they think of chiropractic, applied to restore joint motion.
Often used for: Restricted joints, general back and neck pain
Gonstead Technique
A detailed analysis of a single spinal segment before adjusting it, using exam findings and, when indicated, imaging.
Often used for: Focal segment problems, recurring complaints
SOT (Sacro Occipital Technique)
A low-force approach that works with the relationship between the pelvis and the base of the skull.
Often used for: Patients who prefer or need gentler care
Massage Therapy
Soft tissue work offered alongside adjustments so muscles are not fighting the changes being made.
Often used for: Muscle tension, recovery, mobility
Benefits
What Patients Are Working Toward
Goals, not guarantees, individual results vary and are discussed after your evaluation.
Less pain day to day
Reducing the pain that interrupts sleep, work, and the activities you have cut back on.
Better movement
Restoring motion in joints that have become restricted or guarded.
Fewer flare-ups
Understanding your own triggers so episodes are shorter and less frequent.
A conservative first option
A non-surgical, drug-free path to try before more invasive options, where appropriate.
In their words
Patient Experiences
Shared by patients of the practice. Individual experiences vary.
“With significant degenerative disk disease in my lower back and neck, I found myself unable to work out, enjoy a walk, and was having difficulty driving. After our consultation, Dr. Younker developed a personalized treatment plan for me. I began to see improvement right away and soon returned to the gym, my workouts, and can drive without pain. I have been able to engage with and enjoy life again.”
Bob B. · 2020
“I started seeing Dr. Younker for chronic and increasing neck pain that I have been experiencing for over 15 years. I tried physical therapy, but that only gave me temporary relief. It took only one treatment from Dr. Younker for me to feel better. Dr. Younker was understanding, and the staff was pleasant.”
S.M. · 2019
“I had been experiencing lower back pain for about three months and really suffered being on my feet, especially when walking. The office staff was very professional, friendly, and treated me with excellence. Since seeing Dr. Younker, my pain has improved, and I am able to be more active.”
Daniel W. · 2018
First visit
What to Expect
You will be greeted by our staff and complete quick, straightforward paperwork. Before any treatment is applied, you will go through a consultation that includes an exam and health history to identify current issues. Should your health history and exam suggest it, x-rays will be recommended to help pinpoint your specific issues.
Meet your chiropractor
Meet Dr. Dean Younker
Dr. Dean Younker took over Peak Performance in 1997 and has cared for patients in Grand Junction ever since. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Northern Colorado and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland University in Kansas City. He is a member of the Colorado Chiropractic Association and the Grand Junction Chiropractor Association.
“Because no two patients are the same, here at Peak Performance, we take the time to listen to each patient. We then develop a personalized treatment plan. Our promise is to help you live your life better.”
FAQ
Common Questions
Is chiropractic care appropriate for everyone?
No. Certain health conditions, injuries, and imaging findings call for a different path. That is one reason the exam and health history come before any treatment.
How many visits will I need?
That depends on your findings and goals, and Dr. Younker will discuss expectations with you after your evaluation. Be cautious of any provider who answers this before examining you.
Do you take x-rays on site?
X-rays are recommended when your health history and exam suggest they would help pinpoint the issue. Ask the office how imaging is handled when you schedule.
Can I keep seeing my medical doctor?
Yes. Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, and you should never stop prescribed treatment without speaking to the prescriber.
Next step
You Don't Have to Keep Planning Your Life Around Pain.
If pain is affecting the way you sleep, work, exercise, travel, or spend time with the people you love, it is worth finding out what is going on. Let's start with a conversation.
Engage With Your Life Again.