interview
Drs. Joseph and Daniel Mascaro A DVA N C E D BAC K A N D N E C K C A R E C E N T E R By Elle Rahilly photos courtesy of Advanced Back and neck care center
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he power of touch and a sense of family are at the heart of Advanced Back and Neck Care Center in Groton. When Dr. Joseph Mascaro, D.C., opened the doors to his practice nearly 40 years ago, he wanted to introduce an alternative form of health care to southeastern Connecticut founded on the philosophy of natural healing. “Chiropractic means to treat or heal by hand. So, one of the unique things about what we do is that we touch people—and touch is very powerful,” says Dr. Joe. That personal touch has allowed Advanced Back and Neck to foster a familial bond with each patient who walks through its doors. Today, you’ll find the practice buzzing with a bevy of patients being tended to by a friendly crew on any given day. Dr. Joe’s belief in the power of touch reached more than just his patients. Dr. Daniel Mascaro, D.C. was inspired to follow in his father’s footsteps upon witnessing the healing power of chiropractic at a young age. “It’s amazing what somebody can do with just their hands, their heart and their presence. The gratitude that can be shown back is a special kind of exchange,” says Dr. Dan, who returned to southeastern Connecticut to join his father’s practice in 2020. Since opening its doors in 1986, Advanced Back and Neck has evolved into a state-of-the-art facility with
TDM: When did you first consider pursuing a career in chiropractic? JM: I always knew I wanted to do something in health care. My grandfather encouraged me to look into chiropractic, and I liked the philosophy of natural healing. During my clinical rotations in chiropractic school, I saw things that were pretty miraculous and realized it was something I love. DM: One of my earliest memories was watching my father take care of somebody when I was 5 years old. They hugged him and said, “Thank you so much. That made such a difference in my life.” That was the first inspirational moment for me. I knew it was something I wanted to do when I heard the former president of Life University, 94
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Dr. Daniel Mascaro, left, with his father, Dr. Joseph Mascaro, outside Advanced Back and Neck Care Center.
special equipment, ever-adapting modalities of treatment and a diverse group of chiropractic physicians boasting more than 100 years of collective experience. The practice has earned a reputation for working closely with patients to improve their quality of life as efficiently and naturally as possible. “We like to give people choices with respect to what they’re looking for with care,” says Dr. Joe. TDM spoke with the Mascaros about Advanced Back and Neck being recognized in The Day’s Best of the Best Readers’ Choice Awards for its ninth year in a row and what lies ahead for the practice.
where I received my doctor of chiropractic degree, talk about a lasting purpose—which is to do, to give, to love and to serve out of a sense of abundance. I take that with me every day to the office.
TDM: What is your main objective when it comes to treating patients? DM: I put helping the patient achieve whatever result is important to them first. It’s always important to understand where they’re coming from. There are times when we may suggest alternative solutions to help them see better results quicker. My mission is to improve our patients’ quality of life and be a facilitator of their healing process.