Who Are You?
My name is Dr. Gary Smart, and this is my Chiropractic Practice. In addition to being a doctor, I am also a husband, and have been married to my beautiful wife Diane since 1979. We are the proud parents of three great boys, Christopher, Matthew and Nathaniel.
I played sports (baseball, basketball, and soccer) throughout high school and college; I was All State Soccer in high school and I pitched for the University of Maine-Orono, and in 1976 I went to the College World Series of baseball in Omaha. It was probably my experiences as an athlete, more than anything else that led me to pursue a career as a chiropractor. In sports, an injury can sideline a player, or in worse cases, end a career, so it is imperative to treat injuries quickly and correctly to get people back in the game.
It is no less important when your “sport” of choice is being a desk-jockey, or running a daily mom-athon. These athletes also need to maintain their gold-medal level of activity, day in and day out, and I am honored that they have chosen me to be a part of their team.
How long have you worked here?
I opened my practice in South Portland in 1982.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
That’s easy, the patients and my team. It is very satisfying to know that you have been instrumental in reducing people’s pain and coordinating their ongoing rehabilitation. I take great pride in knowing we have helped people regain function and movement and am humbled that they entrust us with their care. Seeing people regain mobility is just one piece of the chiropractic process. I also enjoy the amount of patient education that I am able to provide. Supporting patients with information and resources as they reach all of their healthcare and lifestyle goals, whether they are exercise, posture redesign or diet and nutrition goals, is very fulfilling.
What are some of your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
I have had the privilege and great pleasure of coaching baseball for over 20 twenty years (maybe more of a passion than a hobby, but still …). I have also enjoyed coaching soccer, basketball, and hockey.
In addition to spending time with my family, I also try to make time for gardening, photography, collecting sports memorabilia, and travel. My favorite trip locations are Jamaica and Mexico, with my wife and friends – and sometimes a son or two.
What is your background?
I am a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and have been providing exceptional chiropractic care to South Portland for over 38 years.
What kind of symptoms/injuries do you enjoy working with most?
Probably musculo-skeletal symptoms. These are the kinds of problems that can sideline a person, but also generally respond very well and fairly rapidly to chiropractic treatments. I also have an affinity for sports-related complaints, especially those involving shoulders, elbows, knees, and feet. Being able to get someone “back in the game” is very rewarding work.
Why do you think people should come here for treatment? What makes this place special?
Those are good questions. People who come here know that we think each patient is special, and that they will be treated that way. We will always take the time necessary at each appointment. You would never feel as though you were “just a number” or “just an injury.” If you have an acute problem, you know that our goal is to treat you for as short a period of time as possible. We also recommend periodic check-ups to help people maintain their good health: some of our patients refer to this as coming in for a “tune-up.” But whatever the case we give our patients education and information and then let them decide on a treatment plan that best meets their needs.
We are fortunate to be able to offer patients a variety of therapy options such as ultrasound, electric stimulation, heat, cold, and massage therapy. Because we really always want to emphasize the importance of overall health, we carry a line of supplements, braces and orthopedic pillows. We can even scan and evaluate a patient’s feet right in the office in order to determine the best type of orthotics for them.
Anything Else?
I think people who give us a try find that they really like coming here, and that’s a good feeling.