Matthew C. Johns, BS

Overview

Matthew C. Johns, BS operates a chiropractic practice located at 30 Mifflin Boulevard in Shillington, Pennsylvania. The practice serves residents of Shillington and the surrounding Berks County area, providing chiropractic care services to patients seeking musculoskeletal treatment and spinal health management. The designation "BS" following the practitioner's name indicates completion of a Bachelor of Science degree, which typically serves as prerequisite education for doctoral-level chiropractic training.

Location and Setting

The practice is situated in Shillington, a borough in Berks County, Pennsylvania, approximately three miles southwest of Reading. Shillington is a residential community with a population of roughly 5,000 residents, characterized by its small-town atmosphere while maintaining proximity to the larger Reading metropolitan area. The borough is accessible via major roadways including Route 724 and is positioned within reasonable driving distance for patients from neighboring communities such as Wyomissing, Mohnton, Kenhorst, and West Reading.

Mifflin Boulevard, where the practice is located, runs through a mixed-use area of Shillington that includes both residential properties and professional services. This positioning places the practice within reach of patients from various parts of southern Berks County, making it accessible to a regional patient base rather than serving only immediate neighbors.

Chiropractic Services

Chiropractic care, as a healthcare discipline, focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, with particular emphasis on the spine. Chiropractors employ manual adjustment techniques and manipulation of the spine and other joints to address conditions that affect nerve function and overall physical well-being. While specific treatment protocols vary by practitioner and patient need, chiropractic practices generally address a range of conditions including back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint dysfunction, and various soft tissue injuries.

Common reasons patients seek chiropractic care include chronic lower back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, whiplash injuries from automobile accidents, sports-related injuries, repetitive strain conditions, and general postural problems that develop from occupational activities or lifestyle factors. Many patients also pursue chiropractic treatment as part of a broader wellness approach, using regular adjustments as preventive care to maintain spinal alignment and joint mobility.

Chiropractic treatment typically begins with an initial consultation and examination, during which the practitioner assesses the patient's condition through physical examination, health history review, and potentially diagnostic imaging. Based on this assessment, a treatment plan is developed that may include spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, lifestyle recommendations, and follow-up care schedules tailored to the individual patient's needs and treatment goals.

Accessibility Features

The practice has implemented accessibility accommodations to serve patients with mobility limitations. The facility includes a wheelchair accessible entrance, allowing patients who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices to enter the building without encountering barriers. Additionally, the practice maintains wheelchair accessible restroom facilities and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, creating a comprehensive accessibility infrastructure that enables patients with physical disabilities to receive care without significant logistical obstacles.

These accessibility features reflect compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and demonstrate consideration for patients who may be seeking chiropractic care specifically because of conditions that affect their mobility. Patients recovering from injuries, those with chronic conditions affecting movement, and elderly patients who may have difficulty navigating stairs or narrow doorways can access the facility with greater ease due to these accommodations.

Appointment Information

The practice operates on an appointment-recommended basis, meaning that while walk-in visits may be possible under certain circumstances, patients are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance. This scheduling approach allows for appropriate time allocation for each patient's needs, reduces wait times, and ensures that the practitioner can adequately prepare for each consultation or treatment session.

Patients wishing to schedule appointments can contact the practice by telephone at 610-775-9729. When calling to schedule an initial appointment, new patients should be prepared to discuss their primary concerns, relevant medical history, and any specific symptoms they are experiencing. This preliminary information helps the practice prepare for the initial consultation and may influence the amount of time scheduled for the first visit.

The Chiropractic Profession in Pennsylvania

Chiropractors in Pennsylvania are licensed by the State Board of Chiropractic, which operates under the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. To obtain licensure in Pennsylvania, practitioners must complete a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited chiropractic college, pass national board examinations administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and meet additional state-specific requirements. Licensed chiropractors in Pennsylvania must also complete continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses, ensuring ongoing professional development and familiarity with current practices and research.

The scope of practice for chiropractors in Pennsylvania includes spinal adjustment and manipulation, physical examination, diagnostic procedures including X-ray interpretation, and various adjunctive therapies. Chiropractors may also provide nutritional counseling and lifestyle recommendations as part of comprehensive patient care. Pennsylvania law requires chiropractors to refer patients to other healthcare providers when conditions fall outside the chiropractic scope of practice or when additional medical evaluation is warranted.

Patient Considerations

Individuals considering chiropractic care should understand that treatment approaches and outcomes vary based on individual conditions, overall health status, and specific treatment goals. Initial consultations typically involve discussion of the patient's health history, current symptoms, and expectations for treatment. Patients are encouraged to communicate openly with their chiropractor about their symptoms, any changes in their condition, and their response to treatment.

For patients with health insurance, coverage for chiropractic services varies by plan. Some insurance policies include chiropractic benefits with limitations on the number of covered visits per year, while others may require referrals from primary care physicians or have specific network requirements. Patients should verify their insurance coverage and any applicable copayments or deductibles before beginning treatment. Those without insurance coverage should inquire about fee structures and payment options during their initial contact with the practice.

Berks County Healthcare Context

Berks County maintains a diverse healthcare landscape that includes hospital systems, specialty practices, primary care providers, and various complementary health services including chiropractic care. The county's healthcare infrastructure serves a population of approximately 420,000 residents across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Chiropractic practices throughout the county provide patients with options for musculoskeletal care that complement traditional medical services.

The presence of chiropractic services in smaller communities like Shillington provides local residents with healthcare options that do not require travel to larger population centers. This accessibility can be particularly valuable for patients requiring ongoing treatment, as regular appointments are more manageable when the practice is located within the patient's immediate community.