Patient lying on a spinal decompression table with legs supported on a padded rest and a pelvic traction belt in place.

Spinal Decompression Therapy in Longmont, CO

Gentle, computer-guided decompression designed to reduce pressure, calm irritated nerves, and help you get back to moving confidently.

What Spinal Decompression Is and When It Makes Sense

If back or neck pain has you feeling stuck, spinal decompression may be the next smart step. Spinal decompression is a non-surgical traction-based therapy that applies controlled, gentle pulling and relaxing cycles to the spine. The goal is to reduce pressure in the affected area and create a more comfortable environment for healing and movement.

At Left Hand Chiropractic Center, we use both HillDT and KDT decompression tables as part of our care. We tailor settings to your body and your symptoms, and we only recommend decompression if it fits your exam findings and goals. That first visit includes time to make sure we are a good fit, not a sales pitch. Typical session time: about 20–30 minutes, and many plans involve a series of visits (often 8–12 sessions, depending on the case).

We’re located in Longmont and proudly serve Firestone, Frederick, Niwot, Gunbarrel, Hygiene, Lyons, Mead, and Boulder (plus surrounding communities).

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Benefits patients commonly look for with decompression:

  • Reduced pressure and tension through the spine.
  • Less radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in some cases (depending on the cause).
  • Improved comfort with sitting, standing, walking, and daily movement.
  • A calmer baseline so rehab exercises and chiropractic care can “stick” better.
  • A clear plan and measurable progress (we track how you respond over time.
Our Process

Clear steps. No mystery. No chaos.

From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel welcomed, supported, and confident in your care and understanding of the process.

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Arrive and Get Settled

You’ll walk into a bright, energetic space, get greeted by our front desk team, and we’ll offer sparkling water and a quality snack while you get comfortable.

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Prepare for Your Assessment

At your appointment time, your doctor will meet you in the lobby, introduce themselves and walk you back to an adjusting room. We start by explaining exactly what to expect during your appointment. The first 10 minutes of the conversation are simply to confirm you qualify for our care and that we’re the right clinic for what you need. If we’re not, we’ll give you the contact information for exactly who you need to see.

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Assessment and Exam

You’ll share what’s bringing you in, and we’ll ask thorough questions to get closer to a clear direction. If we’re confident we can help, we’ll move into an exam right there in the same room, and you stay fully dressed.

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Next Steps, Clearly Explained

Based on what we find, we may provide an adjustment that day if it’s safe and appropriate, or refer you out for X-rays if needed. Either way, you’ll leave understanding what’s going on and what we recommend.

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Schedule and Support

Your doctor will walk you back to the front, say goodbye, and our team will help schedule your next visit so you know exactly what happens next.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Meet The Team

Portrait of Dr. Christine Illman, a Left Hand Chiropractic doctor, representing personalized and patient-centered care

Dr. Christine Illman, DC | Chiropractor & Co-Owner

Dr. Christine is known for her focused, supportive care for pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatric chiropractic, with advanced training that helps moms and kids feel more comfortable and more confident in their bodies. She is Webster Technique certified and has completed additional pediatric and prenatal training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr. Christine also specializes in working with neck pain, headaches, and migraines, and brings a calm, capable energy to every visit

Portrait of Dr. Drew Illman, a Left Hand Chiropractic doctor, representing personalized and patient-centered care

Dr. Drew Illman, DC | Chiropractor & Co-Owner

Dr. Drew blends traditional chiropractic with a whole-body approach that supports both performance and long-term health. He works closely with athletes of all levels, including professional cyclists and world champions, and he is widely known for his expertise in Endonasal Balloon Therapy, supported by ongoing learning and collaboration with global practitioners. He also integrates functional medicine thinking when appropriate, aiming to understand root causes and support stronger systems, not just short-term symptom relief.

Portrait of Dr. Pat Larabee , a Left Hand Chiropractic doctor, representing personalized and patient-centered care

Dr. Pat Larabee, DC | Chiropractor

Dr. Patrick Larabee brings over 30 years of experience in chiropractic care and more than two decades as a Professor of Anatomy & Physiology. His career has been deeply rooted in health, fitness, and human performance—first as an athlete and coach, and later as a trusted mentor to patient athletes of all ages and levels. Dr. Larabee has played a key role in helping patients and athletes build strong foundations for pain free movement and life. His approach blends deep anatomical & physiological knowledge with real-world chiropractic & athletic experience. A USA Cycling Level 1 Coach and two-time Masters National Track Cycling Champion, Dr. Larabee has competed across a wide range of sports including volleyball, track and field, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and cycling. He continues to compete at the national and world level in track cycling, bringing current, high-performance insight to every patient & athlete he works with.

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Ann | Patient Care Coordinator

Ann keeps the clinic running smoothly and helps make sure patients feel taken care of from start to finish. You’ll see her supporting the flow of care and helping ensure visits feel organized, welcoming, and efficient.

Portrait of Amy, a Left Hand Chiropractic Practice Success Manager, representing personalized and patient-centered care

Amy | Practice Success Manager

Amy is often the first friendly face you'll meet. She greets patients and helps them feel comfortable as soon as you step through our door. Amy supports scheduling, answering phones and taking care of patients (with a side of humor)!

Portrait of Doza the dog.

Doza | Director of Pawsitive Vibes

Meet our mini Goldendoodle, Doza. Hypoallergenic and endlessly friendly, Doza helps patients feel at ease with her calm presence, happy greetings, and impeccable listening skills.

Areas We Serve

We’re located in Longmont, CO and welcome patients from Firestone, Frederick, Niwot, Gunbarrel, Hygiene, Lyons, Mead, and Boulder.

FAQs

Common Questions We Hear Every Week

Transparency builds trust — we’re here to help you understand your care before, during, and after treatment.

Is spinal decompression the same as surgery?

No. Surgical spinal decompression involves an operation to relieve pressure. What we offer is non-surgical decompression, which is traction-based and designed to apply controlled stretching cycles.

How long is a decompression session?

Most sessions are about 10–20 minutes.

How many sessions will I need?

Many plans involve a series of visits, often 6–24 sessions, but the right number depends on your condition, goals, and how your body responds.

Will it hurt?

Most people describe it as gentle stretching and pressure relief. If anything feels off, we adjust settings or stop. Comfort and safety come first.

Do you accept insurance?

At this time, we do not bill insurance directly, but we can provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.