By KALEY LYON klyon@dailynews.net

About a year ago, Gary Cleveland expanded his chiropractic practice to Hays.

And just a few months ago, Wildcat Chiropractic opened its new -- and much expanded -- Hays Spine & Rehab office at 1700 Vine St.

"I really like what I do," Cleveland said of his business. "I'm passionate about what I do."

Cleveland commutes to Hays from his home practice in Manhattan several times each week. He's in the local office Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and is in the process of training a second therapist who also will keep regular hours.

Before the move, the clinic was located in a smaller space at Northridge Plaza.

Cleveland saw an opportunity to bring new medical opportunities to Hays, including spinal decompression and Graston soft tissue treatment.

A certified sports chiropractor, Cleveland uses a SpineMed decompression system to treat chronic neck and lower back pain associated with several conditions, including herniated or degenerative discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.

The treatment system -- one of about four of its kind in the state -- also is beneficial for pre or post surgical patients, he said.

The machine administers the treatment in a gentle, non-surgical way, and comes complete with amenities that allow patients to watch movies or listen to music during the procedure.

"People will look at me and say, 'Wow, is this working?" Cleveland said with a chuckle. "I say, 'Yeah, isn't it great?"

Cleveland's practice, however, is about much more than spinal decompression. He also walks patients though core strength and stretch rehabilitation following treatment.

Another key service the clinic provides is deep tissue therapy utilizing the Graston technique, used to break down scar tissue that can produce muscle tightness.

Treatment plans are determined on an individual basis, depending on what the patient's needs are, he said, noting diagnosis is instrumental to the practice.

Business has been good, and local response has been welcoming, Cleveland said.

"They respond really well," he said. "The key is diagnosing the problem."