Meet Dr. Ivana Vargas: Founder of Hudson Chiropractic and Wellness
Have you heard about the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy and the postpartum period? With all of the changes in the body, chiropractic care can help to balance the pelvis, surrounding ligaments, and release soft tissue, which can help with a faster labor, relieve tension, provide, pain relief, and a smooth recovery.
To learn more, we spoke with Dr. Ivana Vargas, Westchester mom and founder of Hudson Chiropractic and Wellness in Dobbs Ferry. Her practice focuses on an holistic and personal approach that includes a variety of methods such as the myofascial release technique, the Webster technique, adjustments, cupping, and more. Read on to learn more about Dr. Vargas, chiropractic care, and the services at Hudson Chiropractic + Wellness.
Westchester Family: How did you get into chiropractic care? Was holistic care and wellness always part of your work?
Dr. Ivana Vargas: I first got into chiropractic care from being an athlete in college. As a D1 volleyball player I suffered a lot of injuries that were treatable by my family chiropractor. Seeing that conservative care was able to treat my issues without the use of medication was highly appealing to me. When first starting in the field I focused only on athletes and treating sports related injuries. Through the years of practicing I began to open my scope and work with families who experience similar issues with just the everyday activities.
Westchester Family: Tell us more about Hudson Chiropractic + Wellness and what services you offer?
Dr. Ivana Vargas: I started Hudson Chiropractic + Wellness in 2021 after having my first baby. I wanted to start a practice that was family centered and teach people how to help their body heal naturally. We offer an array of services but each appointment is individualized to each patient. We do spinal adjustments, myofascial release/Active Release Technique, cupping, spinal decompression/traction, rehabilitative exercises, internal soft tissue release for TMJ syndrome, Chiropractic for newborns and I am certified in Webster Technique for pregnancy.
Westchester Family: What can someone expect during a visit?
Dr. Ivana Vargas: Whether you are pregnant, an athlete, a baby or any other, an Initial Evaluation is done during the first visit. We will go over your history, reason for seeking care and do some manual testing to see what is going on. After that, I begin treating the areas of complaint by releasing the muscle tightness and mobilizing the joints. If necessary I will add in additional tools such as cupping, traction, electric stimulation, etc. After the treatment we will discuss a plan to help you continue towards recovery.
Westchester Family: Why do you think people have so many back/neck issues?
Dr. Ivana Vargas: There are many reasons that can cause back and neck issues. Some of the most common that I see in my office are from breastfeeding, working from home on a computer all day and poor sleep positions. These activities cause a poor posture of rounding the shoulders forward leading to muscular strain, joint restriction and nerve compressions.
Westchester Family: Tell us more about chiropractic care for pregnant and postpartum mothers and children.
Dr. Ivana Vargas: Chiropractic care during pregnancy and postpartum has become more and more popular. The main focus is to gently balance the pelvis through adjustments and soft tissue release which can allow for faster labors, pain relief, reposition a baby in the uterus and a smooth recovery. During the postpartum period the mother is doing a lot of new activities while trying to heal at the same time. This puts strain on the body causing tension and stiffness that Chiropractic care can help with.
Lastly, we see a lot of children in the office beginning at the newborn stage. With newborns everything is very gentle touches and stretches. I work on newborns for digestive issues, tongue/lip tie, latching issues, Torticollis, flat heads, ear infections, colic and many more reasons. A lot of parents can be nervous when they hear about getting Chiropractic care for their children, but it is a different approach than adult Chiropractic. Babies are crammed into a small space for months before birth so we need to make sure they are lengthening and growing without restrictions. I have treated both of my children immediately after birth.
Westchester Family: What’s next for you and Hudson Chiropractic + Wellness?
Dr. Ivana Vargas: I am hoping to expand the practice this year to include additional body work services and providers while continuing to treat families with a specific focus on the prenatal, postnatal and pediatrics.
Westchester Family: What are some of your favorite things to do in Westchester?
Dr. Ivana Vargas: I have so many favorite things to do in Westchester! Growing up and currently living here, I luckily have been able to explore and experience a lot in the area. Some of my favorite things to do are going on a walk on the Aqueduct Trail, eating at any of the restaurants in Tarrytown, and visiting the farmers markets in the summer, especially the one in Hastings on Hudson.
Westchester Family: Anything else you’d like to add?
Dr. Ivana Vargas: Chiropractic care is not only about “cracking” joints. It is a conservative and holistic approach to helping the body heal naturally from any injuries without the use of medications. It also looks for the root cause of the issue to prevent re-injuries. Lastly, Chiropractic care is also great for just maintenance care and mobilizing the spine to prevent any potential issues.
