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Dr. Petrie founded this practice in 1979 and has cared for the same community ever since — using the Gonstead technique, the Activator method, and spinal decompression to help you move with less pain.
440+ five-star Google reviews · The founding doctor of Spine & Joint Center, in practice since 1979
Dr. Michael F. Petrie, DC is the founder of Spine & Joint Center and a Fort Lauderdale chiropractor who uses the Gonstead technique, the Activator method, and spinal decompression to help you relieve back pain, sciatica, and disc-related discomfort. He has practiced chiropractic for 47 years and opened the clinic in 1979.
Dr. Petrie's care begins with finding the source of the problem, not just the spot that hurts. The Gonstead technique he uses is a detailed, full-spine method of analysis — combining hands-on palpation, instrument readings, and X-ray review to pinpoint the exact vertebral segment where nerve interference begins. Once that segment is identified, he restores its motion with a specific, controlled adjustment. For patients who prefer a gentler option, the Activator method delivers a low-force impulse through a handheld instrument instead of a manual thrust. When a disc is involved, spinal decompression gently stretches the spine to ease pressure on the disc and surrounding nerves. Research summarized by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health indicates that spinal manipulation can help relieve low-back pain and improve day-to-day function for many people.
Dr. Petrie has practiced from the same address for more than four decades — a rare kind of continuity for any medical practice. Spine & Joint Center is located at 410 NE 44th St in Oakland Park, just minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale, serving patients across Broward County. To meet with Dr. Petrie and discuss your symptoms, call (954) 561-4700 or schedule your appointment online.
Dr. Petrie earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life Chiropractic College, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1979. That same year, he founded the practice that became Spine & Joint Center — you can explore the clinic's history and how it has grown across four decades.
He is a Florida-licensed Doctor of Chiropractic, holding License No. CH3310. His commitment to the profession reaches beyond the treatment room. Dr. Petrie has served as Past President of the Life College Alumni Association and is a member of the Florida Chiropractic Physician Association. Across 47 years of practice, he has continued to refine his methods while keeping the same careful, straightforward approach that opened the doors in 1979.
Dr. Petrie's clinical work is built on the Gonstead technique, a precise full-spine system he has used and refined for decades. Rather than treating only the area that hurts, he analyzes the whole spine to find the segment driving the problem. For most patients, the result is a targeted, specific chiropractic adjustment rather than a general one.
Not every spine — or every patient — calls for the same approach. For those who prefer a lighter touch, Dr. Petrie uses the Activator method, a handheld instrument that delivers a gentle, controlled impulse. Older patients, nervous first-timers, and anyone sensitive to manual adjustments often find this option more comfortable. He selects the method based on your findings and your preferences.
When a disc is part of the picture, Dr. Petrie turns to spinal decompression. This non-surgical therapy gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves, which can ease herniated disc symptoms and related conditions. He may also incorporate acupuncture to help manage pain and support recovery. The American Chiropractic Association notes that conservative, non-drug care of this kind is an effective first step for many spine-related complaints.
From firm Gonstead adjustments to the gentle Activator method, Dr. Petrie matches care to you. Book a visit to get started — or call if you have questions first.
Over 47 years, Dr. Petrie has helped people of all ages move more comfortably and return to the activities they value. His range of techniques lets him adapt care to both recent injuries and stubborn, long-term conditions. No two spines respond the same way, so each plan starts with a full evaluation. People commonly see Dr. Petrie for:
If you have lived with discomfort for months or years, Dr. Petrie's experience with complex, long-standing cases — including persistent sciatica and nerve pain — is a good reason to start a conversation.
Ask Dr. Petrie what has kept him at the same practice for more than four decades, and the answer comes back to two things: results, and continuity of care. Seeing the same doctor over many years means your history is known and your plan stays consistent — something a long-tenured practice can offer that a revolving door cannot.
His approach has stayed steady since 1979. Listen first. Explain clearly. Choose the most conservative option that fits the problem, and never rush a plan. Dr. Petrie wants you to understand what is happening in your spine and why a particular method makes sense for you.
Today, Dr. Petrie continues to practice alongside Dr. Douglas Kellerman, DC, who joined the clinic in 1996 and is now its owner. Together, the two doctors bring 77 years of combined chiropractic experience to the South Florida community.
Dr. Petrie primarily uses the Gonstead technique, a precise full-spine adjustment method. For patients who prefer a gentler option, he uses the Activator method, a low-force handheld instrument. He also offers non-surgical spinal decompression for disc-related problems and may add acupuncture to support pain relief.
Dr. Petrie has practiced chiropractic for 47 years and founded Spine & Joint Center in 1979. He has treated patients from the same Oakland Park location ever since — more than four decades of continuous care, just minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Yes. The Activator method is a low-force technique that uses a small handheld instrument instead of a manual thrust. Dr. Petrie often recommends it for older patients, children, or anyone who feels anxious about traditional adjustments. Call (954) 561-4700 to ask which approach suits you.
Get Directions → to Spine & Joint Center, 410 NE 44th St, Oakland Park, FL 33334.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment program.
Feel Better. Move Better. Live Better — starting today. Schedule a visit with the doctor who founded Spine & Joint Center in 1979 and still practices there today.
