Dr. Martin Blankenship

Chiropractor

5/5(2)

3862 Central Ave St Petersburg FL, 33711 Show map

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5/5

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About

Family Chiropractic Plus, St Petersburg Fl.

Dr. Martin Blankenship is a Chiropractor practicing in St Petersburg, FL. Dr. Blankenship specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system, while improving each patient’s functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck pain, and arthritis pain, among many others. Dr. Blankenship seeks to reduce pain and discomfort through manipulation and adjustment of the spine.

Dr. Martin Blankenship DC - Chiropractor, St Petersburg

Dr. Martin was first inspired to become a chiropractor when a snowboarding injury during college rendered him unable to run without pain. This was devastating as Dr. Martin was, and is a very active, healthy individual. After having an MRI and being told that there was nothing wrong with the tissues, the given prognosis was to give it time and it would get better. Nine months of not being able to run without pain was taking its toll on him. It was at this time that his sister dragged him down to the chiropractor where he learned that the problem was not an anatomical problem but a functional problem. It was very clear to the chiropractor what was wrong and after one chiropractic adjustment, he was able to run across the parking lot without pain. That was the inspiration for him to become a chiropractor over 20 years ago. He has been adjusting and educating patients on the benefits of chiropractic care ever since.

Dr. Martin attended both Life Chiropractic College and Life Chiropractic College West, graduating from the latter in 1995. It was then that he commenced practice in Florida and several countries across the world. From Florida to England to Northern Ireland to Australia and finally back home to stay in beautiful Saint Petersburg. In the over 20 years that Dr. Martin has been a Chiropractic Physician, he has dedicated his life and work to adjusting as many families as possible toward optimal health and improving their lives through the process. Dr. Martin also speaks some Spanish in an attempt to better communicate with his patients.

Dr. Martin Blankenship is the best-rated Chiropractor in St Petersburg and is here to provide you with the highest level of healthcare available, without the need for drugs or surgery!

Education and Training

life chiropractic college Chiropractic Doctorate 1995

Provider Details

Male English, Spanish

Dr. Martin Blankenship

Dr. Martin Blankenship's Expert Contributions

My Latest Posts
My Answers

Facts On 5 Common Chiropractic Myths
Originally posted on www.familychiroplus.com/facts-on-5-common-chiropractic-myths/"As successful as chiropractic has become, there are still a lot of myths circulating among the general public. The fact is that many people still do not understand what chiropractors do.As a patient, when you are...
4 Ways Chiropractic Care Can Help During Pregnancy
Originally posted on Family Chiropractic Plus. "There is no doubt a woman experiences a plethora of changes during pregnancy. The physical and emotional changes that occur are impressive. In fact, the physical changes seem to include every system in the body.For many pregnant women, aches and...
Cluster Headaches and Chiropractic
Originally posted on Family Chiro Plus"Nine out of 10 Americans suffer from headaches, so if you have headaches, you’re not alone. Some patients do get occasional headaches, some that are frequent, dull and throbbing, and some that cause debilitating pain and nausea. Unfortunately, cluster...
Techniques of a Chiropractor
Although their main method of treatment is spinal manipulation, many chiropractors also use other therapies to treat their patients. Some of the most common treatments chiropractic doctors recommend includes therapeutic exercise and stretching, spinal traction, manual soft tissue therapy,...
What Is Piriformis Syndrome?
The piriformis muscle is a muscle located in the buttocks. This muscle extends from the base of the spine to the thigh. The piriformis muscle can become tight and in turn place pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can cause buttocks pain, spasms, pins and needles and a shooting pain sensation into...
Vertigo: Causes and Treatment
Vertigo is a feeling of dizziness that can present itself without warning, giving you a feeling of dizziness and/or nausea that can be extremely disabling.This condition gets more common, particularly as we age. There are several reasons for this condition and the most common is Benign Paroxysmal...
Chiropractic and the Fight Against Cold and Flu Season
The joy of the holiday’s and cold weather are quickly approaching. However, so is cold and flu season. Unfortunately, the symptoms that come along with flu season can put a damper on your holiday celebrations.While there are many medications that can help ease the symptoms of the flu, they often...
The Positive Benefits of Massage Therapy on Your Skin
"A survey of individuals that had received a massage within the last 12 months was completed. When surveyed, 67% of recipients identified the main reasons they scheduled a massage was either medical or stress-related (American Massage Therapy Association). While the benefits are numerous and...
Tips for Optimum Health
Dr. Martin Blankenship, an expert in wellness, shares his tips to achieve optimum overall health (physically and mentally). To look and feel your best for life, take the doc’s advice and start putting these tips into action today....
Chiropractic for Persistent Anger
You can take control of anger! It’s not easy, but the best things often aren’t (e.g. Climbing a mountain. Not easy but rewarding, right?)Talk to someone:...
Back Related Leg Pain
A recent study has shown sustained chiropractic care and home exercise produced better outcomes for back related leg pain than exercise alone. The study published in the highly respected Annals of Internal Medicine showed that patients who had combined chiropractic care – referred to as spinal...
The Importance of Magnesium and Heart Health
It should be no surprise that magnesium is extremely important for your body. After all, every cell in the body needs magnesium. Not only does magnesium helps keep muscles strong, but it also helps keep nerves alert.Additionally, magnesium plays an important role in your body’s biochemical...
Get Your Flu Adjustment Today!
The joy of the holidays and cold weather are quickly approaching. However, so is cold and flu season. Unfortunately, the symptoms that come along with flu season can put a damper on your holiday celebrations.While there are many medications that can help ease the symptoms of the flu, they often have...
The Effects of Stress On Your Health
I’m sure most of us experience some sort of stress on a daily basis. Whether it's traffic, running late, taking care of your family, etc., stress is simply a part of life. And while this day-to-day stress is completely normal, it becomes a problem when it happens frequently.In fact, chronic stress...

What is the ideal treatment for sciatica?
If you’re living with adult scoliosis, you may be surprised to learn that treatments such as chiropractic adjustments and Physical therapy, as well as use of a supportive brace, can help reduce pain, thwart further degradation and increase your quality of life. Like all other treatments for scoliosis, aside from the corrective brace prescribed to adolescents with scoliosis, chiropractic does not correct, cure or reverse scoliosis. Chiropractic adjustments and therapies help to improve form (therefore, improving function), and increase mobility into the joints. These improvements can decrease pain, increase comfort and improve posture. Chiropractors can also address other symptoms or issues the patient may be experiencing, and help prevent further degeneration of the spine. Thanks, Dr. Martin READ MORE
I am having pain around my hamstrings. Can I see a chiropractor for this?
Hamstring conditions can occur from one powerful movement such as a sprint or from repetitive stress such as marathon running. Hamstring injuries are known as strains meaning that some or all of the fibers in the muscle tear. Some complete tears do require surgery, but the majority can be treated with chiropractic and rehabilitation. Thanks, Dr. Martin READ MORE
I have a slight neck and shoulder pain every time I drive. Why does this happen?
Neck pain is an issue that many people deal with in their lives. Neck pain can be caused by trauma or by constant stress and strain on the muscles and nerves in and surrounding the neck. This stress and strain are primary contributors to the neck pain that people often experience when driving for a long time. Driving can cause pain to occur in the neck because it entails holding your head up for an extended amount of time, which can cause pain and stiffness in the neck. Neck pain is a common, nagging problem, but it doesn’t have to be with proper treatment from a doctor of chiropractic and five effective tips: 1. Support your head One cause of neck pain is lack of support of the head. Supporting your head while driving is a great way to reduce the risk of neck pain while driving. Adjust your headrest so that it sits in a position just behind your head. That way you can lean your head back against your headrest when needed. Another way involves using a head pillow. By placing it behind your head so that your headrest holds it up, you can rely on it for support when your neck gets tired. If you aren’t sure what type of pillow to get, talk to a chiropractor who can recommend one that works best for you. 2. Use good posture Many car seats are designed to tip back, causing the driver to slump. Adapting a slumped position while driving can cause neck pain. To avoid neck pain while on the road using good driving posture. Sit straight up and place your hands on the wheel, so they are at the 2 and 10 o’clock positions. Adjust your seat so you won’t have to lean back too far. Positioning yourself too far away from the gas and brake pedals can cause strain on your back and neck. 3. Adjust your mirrors Adjust your side and rear-view mirrors. Set them up in a way that you can see the widest view without turning your head too far and thus straining your neck. This is an easy way to avoid sudden movements that can cause neck pain while driving. 4. Don’t strain your eyes If you have poor vision, you may be straining your eyes while driving. Poor vision can cause you to crane your neck forward to see further ahead. This puts pressure on the neck, which causes pain. If you strain to see while you drive, you need to get your vision checked because you may need glasses or contact lenses. Also, if it is sunny outside, make sure you are wearing sunglasses, so you can see further down the road without straining. 5. Take breaks If you frequently experience neck pain while driving, try to avoid driving for long periods of time. If this can’t be avoided, make sure you are taking breaks every so often. Get out of the car and stretch your back and the neck to alleviate pressure. Seek Help from a Professional If these tips don’t work for your neck pain while driving, consider seeking professional help. They can provide you with targeted advice to reduce or eliminate their occurrence in the future. Thanks, Dr. Martin READ MORE
I am having knee pain after dancing in heels. What should I do?
1. Flex and Extend your knee and ankles before dancing, between sets and as a routine after dancing. Extend your knee, either while standing (hold onto a door for stability) or seated. Rotate your feet in circles, both ways and extend your leg for a extension and bend your knee for a flexion. 2. Place a foam ball on the ground and practice picking up the ball with your feet, this will strengthen your feet and help reduce cramps. 3. Sit on chair, lift foot onto chair and place flat. Gently stretch your toes forward and backwards. Repeat on other foot. 4. Stand straight and bend over and touch the ground. Hold and repeat. 5. See your chiropractor should symptoms persist. READ MORE
Can vitamin deficiency cause muscle stiffness?
Yes, deficiency of vitamin D can cause bone pain and muscle weakness. READ MORE
Can I visit a chiropractor to get my sinuses drained?
Yes, some chiropractors are trained in Nasal Specific, a technique used to treat snoring, sleep apnea, sinus issues, concussion, etc. I have been performing nasal specific for 24 years and have seen outstanding results over time. I have attached the link to an article about this treatment: www.familychiroplus.com/nasal-specific-sinus-allergies-treatment Thanks, Dr. Martin READ MORE
I had a car accident but I still have some body pain. Can a chiropractor help?
Often after a M.V.A, there can be permanent damage caused by the impact. It is generally suggested that some chiropractic maintenance care can improve the long-term prognosis, stopped ongoing deterioration and allowing for a better quality of life. Thanks, Dr. Martin READ MORE
My daughter has a shooting pain down her leg. Can a chiropractor help?
Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the body’s main structures – the skeleton, the muscles, and the nerves – and the patient’s health. Chiropractors believe that health can be improved and preserved by making adjustments to these structures, particularly to the spinal column. They do not prescribe drugs or perform surgical procedures, although they do refer patients for these services if they are medically indicated. With this in mind, I know that when an x-ray is performed and there is no fracture or dislocation then the issue is most likely structural (the joint is not moving as it should) and this is what chiropractors do best. Thanks, Dr. Martin READ MORE
Can a chiropractor help me with my SI joint pain?
As with most conditions, symptoms vary from person to person. It’s common for SI joint dysfunction to present with low back pain or pain in the buttocks. Pain can radiate down the leg or even into the front of the thigh, but generally not past the knee. SI joint pain can mimic many other causes of low back pain. Chiropractors are experts at determining the source of spine pain in patients -- and caring for them, too! Through an adjustment, chiropractors help restore motion in the SI joint and/or associated joints contributing to the problem. I’ve found that SI joint dysfunction typically responds well to chiropractic care and that pain relief can occur quickly after an adjustment. The exact treatment duration and intensity will depend on the person, their lifestyle and the degree of the subluxation. Thanks, Dr. Martin READ MORE
My son hurt his back in a football game. Is surgery or chiropractic care best for him?
Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the body’s main structures – the skeleton, the muscles and the nerves – and the patient’s health. Chiropractors believe that health can be improved and preserved by making adjustments to these structures, particularly to the spinal column. They do not prescribe drugs or perform surgical procedures, although they do refer patients for these services if they are medically indicated. With that in mind, I would suggest that chiropractic care is a great place to start for your son, it is non-invasive and could be the answer to finding relief. If after a period of treatment the symptoms are not improving then a referral to an orthopedic evaluation would be the next step. Your chiropractor can make that referral when needed. Sincerely, Dr. Martin READ MORE
How can I treat my neck pain?
I have attached a link to an article about this issue. www.familychiroplus.com/experience-pain-work-yes-probably-going-get-worse Seeing a chiropractor, undertake some stretching and yoga and an evaluation of your seated position, chair and computer station for the best ergonomic position for correct posture. Being seating for a long period of time is not good for your body, if you are seated for work take a break every 30 minutes for a stretch or a quick walk around the office. Thanks, Dr. Martin READ MORE
How do I treat my back pain?
Basic Home Remedies to Alleviate Back Pain Basic remedies applied at home can be effective for treating mild pain from muscle strain, as well as reducing the effects of severe pain. Options include: Rest. Many episodes of lower back pain can be improved by briefly avoiding strenuous activity. It is not advised to rest for more than a few days, as too much inactivity can make healing more difficult. Activity modification. One variant of resting is to stay active but avoid activities and positions that aggravate the pain. For example, if long periods of sitting in a car or at a desk make the pain worse, then set a timer to get up every 20 minutes and walk around or gently stretch. If standing makes the pain worse, avoid chores that require standing such as washing dishes at the sink. Avoiding, or minimizing, activities and positions that worsen the pain will help prevent or reduce painful back spasms and allow for a better healing environment. Heat/ice therapy. Heat from a warm bath, hot water bottle, electric heating pad, or chemical or adhesive heat wraps can relax tense muscles and improve blood flow. Increased blood flow brings nutrients and oxygen that muscles need to heal and stay healthy. If the low back is painful due to inflammation, ice or cold packs can be used to reduce swelling. It’s important to protect the skin while applying heat and ice to prevent tissue damage. Alternating heat and ice can be especially helpful when returning to activity: applying heat before activities helps relax muscles, allowing for better flexibility and mobility; applying ice after activity reduces the chances of an area becoming irritated and swollen from exercise. Over-the-counter pain medications. The most common over-the-counter (OTC) medications are aspirin (e.g. Bayer), ibuprofen (e.g. Advil), naproxen (e.g. Aleve), and acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol). Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are anti-inflammatory medicines, which alleviate low back pain caused by a swollen nerves or muscles. Acetaminophen works by interfering with pain signals sent to the brain. Self-care treatments generally do not need guidance from a doctor but should be used carefully and attentively. Any type of medication carries possible risks and side effects. If a patient is unsure which kinds of self-care would work best, give us a call on 727-388-0966 and we will endeavor to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Thanks Dr. Martin READ MORE
How does going to a chiropractor for ADHD help?
Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the body’s main structures – the skeleton, the muscles and the nerves – and the patient’s health. Chiropractors know that health can be improved and preserved by making adjustments to these structures, particularly to the spinal column. They do not prescribe drugs or perform surgical procedures, although they do refer patients for these services if they are medically indicated. With this in mind, the research regarding chiropractic and ADHD is limited. Chiropractic works with the relationship between the central nervous system (CNS) and the body and how effectively they communicate. Chiropractors know that if the CNS is unimpeded, then everything works more effectively. Due to this, there have been cases of significant improvement when treating ADHD with chiropractic. However, it is a symptom-based treatment and the only way to know if chiropractic will be effective is to make an appointment with an experienced chiropractor, develop a conservative treatment plan and monitor the outcome. Thanks, Dr. Martin READ MORE
Will I ever get relief pain from hip pain?
Many patients present to our chiropractic office with joint pain and problems in the upper and lower extremities. Examination and treatment of shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles is common in our practice. Joints of the extremities are evaluated for mechanics, stability and the extent of tissue injury. Radiographs (X-rays) are used when needed. Treatment typically consists of some combination of chiropractic extremity adjusting, stretching, strengthening, therapeutics (heat, ice, etc.), and maintenance. Very often joint pain is a consequence of postural stress, structural imbalance and poor body mechanics. When this is the case, we treat the cause of these larger issues as well as the specific area of joint pain. Thanks, Dr. Martin READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Back painNeck painJoint painNasal Specific

Awards

2017 Best of St. Petersburg Aw 2017 www.stpetersburg.business-supporter.org/
2018 Best of St. Petersburg Aw 2018 www.stpetersburg.business-supporter.org/

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

CASA D.V Center

Dr. Martin Blankenship's Practice location

3862 Central Ave -
St Petersburg, FL 33711

Get Direction

New patients: 727-388-0966

Fax: 727-310-2996

Mon:07:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Tue:03:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Wed:07:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Thu:08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Fri:07:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Sat:08:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sun:Closed

Dr. Martin Blankenship's reviews

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Patient Experience with Dr. Blankenship

5.0

Based on 2 reviews

Dr. Martin Blankenship has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 2 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Chiropractor in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

Kathleen
(5)
Dr Martin is one of the most energetic ppl I have ever met. His enthusiasm for life & his work are definitely what makes him stand out from the rest. He is concerned about the well being of his patients...not only in a chiropractic way, but as a mentor of health & fitness too. He will not only adjust you well, but will show you other ways to improve your continued goal towards living a pain free life as best we can. He & his wife ( office manager) Louise are a great team. I highly recommend them to anyone.
Louise
(5)
I started seeing Dr. Martin 5 years ago, as I had suffered from Complex Reoccurring UTI's since I was 9 years old. When I first starting seeing Dr. Martin I was on low dose antibiotics permanently, and my body was struggling to cope. The antibiotics were killing the infection but also all my good cells. I was constantly sick and I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I also had issues with fatigue, depression and anxiety that had been a burden since my early teens, I initially attended appointments 3 times per week, and after a few months this reduced as per Dr. Martin's recommendations. I was amazed and more than a little surprised by the results. I felt more energy immediately and my depression and anxiety continued to improve. I eventually was able to go off my antidepressants, antibiotics and have been free of infections for 4 years and 8 months (and yes I'm still counting.) I can't emphasize enough that Dr. Martin changed my life in the most positive way possible. Thank you.