meet the team

For diplomate status the requirements are 360 hours of classroom and workshops, 100 hours on the field at sporting events, a passing grade on three examinations – two written and one practical, and acceptance of a paper for publication in a peer reviewed journal or text. He also has over one hundred and fifty hours in spinal and extremity rehabilitation course work. Other postgraduate course work has been completed in the areas of radiology, orthopedics, risk management, and technique.

Dr. Criscuolo first met Dr. Leahy in 1991 and was treated for a chronic shoulder problem. The success of that treatment, when many other treatment approaches had failed to resolve his problem, prompted Dr. Criscuolo to learn as much as he could about Dr. Leahy’s new treatment protocols. It was through Dr. Criscuolo’s urging that Dr. Leahy began to teach ART®, and he became one of the first instructors to assist in teaching Dr. Leahy. He has 36 years of chiropractic experience and has been a post graduate instructor of ART® for 28 years.

Dr. Criscuolo’s approach to treatment is based on the principles that optimal joint function is dependent on normal soft tissue function and optimal soft tissue function is dependent on normal joint function. To separate these two and treat them independently would not be efficient or as successful. By incorporating the principles of chiropractic for joint and nerve function and ART® for soft tissue function, we now have a synergistic approach to treatment. Emphasis is also placed on rehabilitative exercises to increase strength and/or endurance in a particular area. Dr. Criscuolo prefers to use exercises that utilize low tech, low cost equipment so that patient compliance and follow through is easier.

Dr. Culici attended Sacred Heart University and received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. From there he went on to receive his Doctorate of Chiropractic from the University of Bridgeport where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian. Dr. Culici has trained extensively in Active Release Techniques. Many of the seminars attended by Dr. Culici were instructed by Dr. Criscuolo. Dr. Culici uses his knowledge in both Chiropractic care and exercise physiology to benefit his patients by creating treatment plans involving a combination of manipulative therapies, manual therapies, and exercise. Dr. Culici is certified in Active Release Techniques and Graston Technique.

Active Release Techniques (A.R.T.) is a hands on treatment modality that is currently incorporated in the treatment of most elite athletes. Due to its effectiveness most professional sports teams rely on practitioners trained in this soft tissue technique. Movement assessment of a patient is used to determine which muscles, ligaments, fascia and tendons have lost their normal elasticity, and therefore have scarred or adhered to other surrounding tissues. The goal of A.R.T. is to reduce the restricted tissue and return pliability to the injured or overused soft tissues. This restoration of tissue and joint mobility can result in a decrease in symptoms and a return of motion.

Dr. Culici’s clinical interests include conservative methods of pain management and sports medicine. Outside of the clinic Dr. Culici enjoys spending time with his family, swimming, hiking and being outdoors.