About Us
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE
St. Petersburg Spine and Joint Center
Gulf Coast Neurodiagnostics was founded in 2010 focusing primarily on performing mobile neurodiagnostic procedures for neurosurgeons, neurologists and pain management facilities throughout the state of Florida.
Convenient
St. Petersburg Spine and Joint Center is an extension of Gulf Coast Neurodiagnostics established when a physical location was needed in order to better serve the local population of St. Petersburg.
Non-Invasive
St. Petersburg Spine and Joint Center not only wanted to focus on diagnosing musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, but help treat them without the use of medications, injections and surgical procedures.
Live Pain Free
We employ the latest evidence based, conservative treatments to help patients avoid surgery and get back to the life they once enjoyed before the onset of pain.
Embracing Cutting-Edge Techniques for Pain Management
Dr. Shook focuses on providing pain relief to her patients without the use of medications and surgical procedures. This can be achieved through proper evaluation and testing to determine the underlying cause of the pain. Once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can be developed which may include various pain relief modalities, lifestyle modifications, supplementation and nutrition counseling.
Meet April Shook, the Doctor Behind St. Petersburg Spine and Joint Center
The founder of both Gulf Coast Neurodiagnostics and St. Petersburg Spine and Joint Center is Dr. April Shook. Dr. Shook graduated from the Florida State University with a degree in Human Sciences in 2005 and then went on to receive her doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2010, where she graduated salutatorian of her class.
She began post-graduate training in Electrodiagnostic Medicine during her internship and has since completed the required education and training in order to become board certified and is a diplomate under the International Board of Electrodiagnosis.
She has also completed all hours and coursework in order to become board eligible through the Institute of Functional Medicine. Additionally, she is board certified in Neurophysiologic Interoperative Monitoring.
Dr. Fouad Raad, D.C., MBA, M.A.
Dr. Raad is the owner of Elite ChiroCare and Injury Recovery. Dr. Raad was born in Lebanon and immigrated to Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!) where he completed his college education. With an athletic background as well as a strong desire to learn and help people lead a healthy lifestyle, he decided to pursue a Masters degree in Physiology and his doctorate as a Chiropractic Physician.
Dr. Raad brings experience in treating musculoskeletal injuries using treatments which include chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, soft tissue therapy (cupping, scraping), corrective exercises, and rehabilitation to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve long-term function.
Dr. Tessa Nagel, DAC, A.P.
Acupuncture Physician
Tessa is a nationally board certified & Florida state licensed Acupuncture Physician born in Florida. She is grateful to have returned home in the last decade and especially proud to call St. Petersburg home.
Tessa earned her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, California. She has spent the past 15 years helping patients find relief from pain, digestive concerns, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, major life transitions and other emotional challenges. She also feels honored to support individuals undergoing cancer treatment and recovery, as well as those living with chronic and complex conditions. Her work is grounded in compassionate, whole-person care and a deep respect for each patient’s healing journey. She enjoys combining techniques and modalities from Chinese Medicine, EFT Tapping, Qi Gong and flower essence therapy to help patients feel their best.
In her free time, Tessa enjoys beach time, swimming, roller skating, adventures with her dog, practicing Qi Gong and exploring all this vibrant city has to offer. Learn more about Tessa’s work and to schedule a treatment visit: www.zennia-wellness.com
