Life in Motion Chiropractic · Livonia, MI
Chiropractic care that finds
the root cause — not just the pain.
Most patients who come to us have already tried something else. Dr. Dockery’s advanced assessment approach identifies why you’re hurting — so the treatment actually addresses the problem, not just the symptom.
Book Your New Patient Exam → 📞 (734) 427-6333Our Philosophy
Your spine controls everything — we start there
When you experience pain in your neck, back, head, joints, or extremities, those symptoms rarely originate in isolation. Every part of your body is connected through the spine and nervous system. One compromised segment can create a cascade of dysfunction elsewhere — which is exactly why treating “where it hurts” so often fails.
At Life in Motion, Dr. Dockery examines how your entire movement system is functioning, not just the painful region. That means more accurate diagnoses, more targeted treatment, and results that actually hold.
We serve adults, children, seniors, and athletes across Livonia, Westland, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, and the greater Wayne County area.
“We don’t just adjust where it hurts — we find out why it’s hurting in the first place, then build care around that answer.”
Why our exam is different from most chiropractic offices
Most chiropractic exams focus on range of motion and static posture. Dr. Dockery goes deeper — using a set of advanced clinical frameworks that assess how your nervous system is actually controlling your movement and stability under load.
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is rooted in developmental neuroscience — the same motor patterns your brain used when you first learned to stand and move. When those patterns break down, pain and injury follow. DNS helps us identify and retrain them.
Neurodynamic testing evaluates how your peripheral nerves are moving through their surrounding tissue — critical for diagnosing radiating pain, numbness, and tingling accurately.
End range loading is used for patients with disc-related or acute radicular symptoms to identify which directional movements centralize or relieve pain — guiding both treatment and home exercise prescriptions precisely.
Multiple techniques — one tailored to you
No two patients are adjusted the same way. Dr. Dockery selects and combines techniques based on your exam findings, your comfort level, and what your spine actually needs.
Diversified Technique
The most widely used hands-on technique in chiropractic. Precise, firm manual thrusts restore motion to restricted joints. The “popping” sound is simply gas releasing from the joint — not bones cracking.
Most CommonCOX Flexion-Distraction
A gentle, low-force technique performed on a specialized table that gently flexes and distracts the lumbar spine. Particularly effective for disc herniations, sciatica, and patients who can’t tolerate manual adjusting.
Disc & Sciatica FriendlyGonstead Technique
A highly specific, analysis-driven approach that uses X-ray, motion palpation, and precise contact points to address the actual problem segment — rather than adjusting broadly along the spine.
Precision-BasedThompson Drop Technique
Uses a segmented drop table that gives way slightly during the adjustment thrust, requiring less force to achieve motion. Effective for pelvic and lower lumbar adjustments with high patient comfort.
Low ForceSacro-Occipital Technique (SOT)
A gentle system focused on the relationship between the sacrum and occiput — the base and top of the spine. Uses gravity and positioning rather than thrusting, ideal for patients seeking a very gentle approach.
Gentle · Non-ThrustInstrument-Assisted (ArthroStim)
An electronic adjusting instrument delivering 12–14 rapid, gentle impulses per second — far faster and more controlled than a manual thrust. Ideal for patients who prefer no popping, or who require extra precision.
No-Pop OptionEverything included in your care at Life in Motion
Chiropractic adjustments are the foundation — but recovery is faster and more lasting when we address the full picture.
Digital X-Rays (In-Office)
Taken and reviewed same visit when indicated. No referrals, no waiting. Clear structural picture before your first treatment.
Family & Pediatric Adjustments
We treat patients from newborns to nonagenarians. Techniques are always adapted to age and tolerance.
Rehabilitative Exercise
DNS-informed, customized to your condition. Demonstrated in office with access to video guides via our Rehab Library for home use.
Myofascial Release
Soft tissue work targeting the muscles and fascia surrounding compromised joints — essential for lasting results.
Intersegmental Traction
Therapy tables that gently mobilize the spine before or after your adjustment, improving circulation and flexibility.
On-Site Massage Therapy
Licensed massage therapists on staff. Coordinates with your chiropractic care plan for an integrated treatment approach.
Deep tissue healing without medication
Life in Motion is equipped with a Class 4 LightCure Laser — a high-powered therapeutic tool that penetrates deep into tissue to accelerate your body’s natural healing processes.
Through a process called photobiomodulation, specific wavelengths of light interact with mitochondria in your cells, driving cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and releasing the body’s own pain-relieving endorphins. It’s one of the most effective tools available for soft tissue injuries, chronic pain, and post-adjustment recovery.
If it’s related to your spine, nerves, or joints — we can help
Dr. Dockery treats a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions in patients of all ages across Livonia, MI.
What patients say about their care
Dr. Dockery is outstanding. I always leave with useful information, and you can tell he truly cares. He takes the time to teach, appreciates interesting cases, and never stops learning. I couldn’t sit properly all week — after today’s visit, I can.
I came in with intense SI joint pain, and from the first visit, Dr. Dockery was incredibly thorough. He explained what was going on, adjusted me with care, and gave me the right exercises. He treats the root of the issue and empowers you with the tools to heal.
I’d never been to a chiropractor before and was nervous, but this experience completely changed me. My treatment plan is tailored to my specific needs with clear, measurable goals so I can actually see my progress.
I’m a truck driver and spend most of my day sitting. Since starting here, I haven’t had back pain. Great people, great hours, and very reasonably priced. If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Livonia, look no further.
Ready to find out what’s actually going on?
Book your new patient exam online or give us a call. We’ll set aside dedicated time — no rushing, no guessing. Same-day and Saturday appointments available.
Office Hours
- Monday9am–12pm · 2pm–6pm
- Tuesday2pm–6pm
- Wednesday9am–12pm · 2pm–6pm
- Thursday9am–12pm · 2pm–6pm
- Friday9am–12pm · 2pm–6pm
- SaturdayBy Appointment
27620 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154
Between Middlebelt and Inkster Road
Large blue sign on the north side of Five Mile