For more 37 years, Dr. Marc Belitsky, a board-certified chiropractor and founder of Broomall Total Health Center (BTHC), has dedicated his career to helping patients improve not just their comfort, but their overall function, performance and quality of life. This time of year, as winter settles in and both shoveling and long stretches of sedentary time become part of the season, Dr. Belitsky sees a noticeable rise in cold-weather injuries. From strained backs and stiff necks to sore shoulders and tight hips, he regularly treats the aches and pains brought on by heavy snow removal and hours spent sitting indoors.
There are simple habits that help boost energy, support mobility and keep your body strong, even during the colder months when it’s tempting to slow down. “Staying active and healthy this season doesn’t have to be complicated,” Dr. Belitsky explained. “Small, consistent movements make a big difference. Make it a point to get up and move throughout the day, whether that means taking a brisk walk around your neighborhood, following along with an exercise video at home or choosing the stairs whenever possible.”
Dr. Belitsky also reminds readers that during the winter, shoveling snow may seem like a simple winter chore, but it can put significant strain on the body, especially the heart. Muscle strains, back injuries and slips on icy surfaces are also common. “The combination of cold temperatures, heavy lifting and sudden bursts of exertion can elevate heart rate and blood pressure quickly, increasing the risk of injuries and even heart attacks,” Dr. Belitsky explained. “It’s important to warm up before heading outside, take frequent breaks and push rather than lift heavy snow whenever possible.”
Another common winter issue is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). “SAD can make the darker months feel especially heavy, but there are several effective strategies to help manage its symptoms,” said Dr. Belitsky. One of the most widely recommended treatments is daily use of a full-spectrum light box, which mimics natural sunlight and can help regulate mood and energy levels when daylight is limited. Dr. Belitsky suggests sitting near the
light box for about 20–30 minutes each morning for the best results. “Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, getting outside during daylight hours, staying active and connecting with others can all support emotional well-being,” he added. “Eating nutritious foods is also very beneficial.”
Whether it’s a seasonal-related issue or an injury at any time of year, Dr. Belitsky is driven by a clear purpose: to help people heal in a way that is holistic and authentic. Before becoming a chiropractor, he began his education as a pre-med student with an eye toward trauma or emergency medicine. But the deeper he ventured into that world, the more he realized that many physicians he met did not feel fulfilled and he wanted a different kind of practice, one built on long-term relationships and addressing the root cause of patients’ health issues “I wanted a career that was holistic and function-oriented,” said Dr. Belitsky. That insight led him to chiropractic care, and after graduating from the Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic in 1988, he opened his own practice in Broomall.
Dr. Belitsky is board-certified in Chiropractic Rehabilitation, board-certified in scoliosis diagnosis and treatment, and holds a Master’s certification in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical injuries (such as whiplash) and related Temporomandibular disorder (TMD/TMJ) dysfunction. Under Dr. Belitsky’s leadership, BTHC has grown into a comprehensive wellness center offering much more than chiropractic adjustments. In addition to chiropractic care, they offer physical therapy and rehabilitation, massage and spinal decompression therapy, as well as rehab nutrition. Their team includes physical therapists, physical therapy assistants and rehab assistants. Pam Schick, DAPT, BTHC’s head physical therapist, has more than 35 years of experience specializing in outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy.
One of the distinguishing aspects of Dr. Belitsky’s career is his extensive work with athletes at every level, including golfers, runners, baseball and football players, tennis players and local high school competitors. For the past decade, he has been part of the wellness and performance team treating U.S. Open golfers and caddies. In 2026, the U.S. Open Golf Championship will be held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, where Dr. Belitsky will be part of the wellness and performance team, managing injuries common in the sport like neck, back and shoulder strains for golfers, and lower-back and leg injuries for caddies.
Dr. Belitsky is also just one of a few local chiropractors who uses Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), a cutting edge treatment for musculoskeletal pain. It is used to treat conditions like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and tendonitis by using sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation and break down scar tissue. “It offers a non-invasive, drug-free way to improve blood flow and mobility,” he explained.
Outside of his professional career, Dr. Belitsky enjoys being an active member of the community. He and his wife Janet have deep roots in Broomall as they’ve raised their two sons here. During their 18 years living in Broomall, Dr. Belitsky spent many years coaching youth soccer and baseball. They recently celebrated the marriage of their youngest son, Jacob who got married on New Year’s Eve.
The Belitskys are very active in their synagogue, Congregation Beth El–Ner Tamid (CBENT), where Dr. Belitsky has served as President for the past two years. “It’s been my pleasure to give back to and to build community,” said Dr. Belitsky. He was especially proud of the Marple Newtown Clergy Association Interfaith Thanksgiving Service that CBENT hosted in November. Clergy from Grace Lutheran Church, Marple Christian Church, Marple
Presbyterian Church, Newtown Square Presbyterian Church, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, St. Pius, Temple Sholom, Congregation Beth Israel, The Islamic Center of Delaware County, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Wesley Enhanced Living all came together for prayers, music, blessings and reflections per each of their customary Thanksgiving traditions. “It was a great way to build friendships and celebrate what we have in common,” he said proudly.
For Dr. Belitsky, his professional dedication is strengthened by a personal sense of gratitude for the people he treats and our community. “I live life with gratitude, and I love what I do. That’s why I’ve been doing this for 37 years,” he said. “When it comes to people’s health, I’ve seen miracles, and that motivates me to keep going!”
Conveniently located on West Chester Pike in Broomall, Broomall Total Health Center provides whole family healthcare from infancy to seniors and every stage in between. After more than three decades of treating patients holistically and comprehensively, Dr. Belitsky remains passionate about his work as a chiropractor. To book a consultation or for more information about BTHC, visit SpineDr.org or call 610-353-2220.