After more than 50 years as a dentist, Joe Mele understands commitment to his patients, his profession, and his family.
Now 82 and retired, Joe and his wife have settled into a 55 and over community in Bethlehem after moving from Bridgewater, NJ, to be closer to their son in nearby Nazareth.
Joe’s long career came with a physical toll. “When you’re a dentist, you’re in a contorted position for eight hours a day, he said. “It puts a lot of stress on muscles and nerves. I lived with pain for many, many years. Every day, I injured myself as I treated patients.”
For decades, Joe pushed through chronic neck and back pain as he cared for others. It wasn’t until he became a patient himself that he truly felt what compassionate, attentive care could accomplish.
Joe was referred to James Liott, DC, at St. Luke’s Chiropractic Care by a St. Luke’s pain management specialist, when his symptoms became more complex.
“Joe is the kind of patient who’s lived through years of discomfort but never stopped trying to stay active,” Dr. Liott said. “He was very in tune with his symptoms, which helped me pinpoint what was going on and create a plan that made sense for him.”
Dr. Liott utilized Active Release Technique (ART) to help Joe. Over time, muscles and tissues can develop regions of tightness often from overuse, old injuries or repetitive movements. If nerves get hung up in the tense regions numbness, tingling, or weakness can occur. Active Release Technique, or ART, is a hands on treatment designed to restore mobility and reduce discomfort so patients can move more freely.
“I had been to chiropractors before for pain, but this was also numbness,” Joe said. “Dr. Liott was very professional, in tune with what I was telling him. He listened and did a very thorough exam. He told me, ‘I think I can clear things up.’”
That reassurance and the time Dr. Liott took to listen made a lasting impression. Joe began a series of visits, and the results were dramatic. His neck pain resolved, allowing him to move more comfortably and regain confidence in his body.
ART sessions often feel like a combination of targeted massage and gentle stretching. Most patients describe it as “good pressure” and notice improved movement right away.
About six months later, when Joe noticed numbness in his left toes, he didn’t hesitate to call Dr. Liott.
“I didn’t know if he could help,” Joe said, “but he took it very seriously, very professionally, did some research, and the next time I saw him, he knew exactly what it was.
“Numbness in the toes is often a sign that the nerves are entrapped somewhere in the involved tissues,” Dr. Liott explained. “In Joe’s case, once I addressed those restrictions, the sensation improved significantly.”
Today, Joe feels like a new person. “I feel like I’m 25 again. I can’t believe how good I feel.”
Joe and his wife now rely on multiple providers within the St. Luke’s system and appreciate the continuity and quality of care they receive.
“St. Luke’s is amazing,” he said. “The standard of care is so much higher than where I used to go. They have a wide array of specialists and they get results, often on the first visit.”
Relief from pain has brought more than physical improvement — it has restored clarity and joy to everyday life.
“When you’re in pain, it’s hard to concentrate.”
Today, Joe is fully enjoying retirement. He plays pool, proudly holds the title of bocce champion in his community, and is back on the tennis courts, grateful for care that didn’t just treat symptoms, but treated him as a whole person.
