How Chiropractic Care Protects You During Cold Weather

As the seasons change and cooler weather sets in, many of us feel the impact in our bodies - stiffness, joint pain, and susceptibility to illnesses like colds and the flu are most common. 

Looking to stay healthy and agile during the colder months?

Chiropractic care offers a proactive way to support your body and helps prepare you for cooler weather.

Improving Joint Mobility and Flexibility

Cold weather often leads to stiff and achy joints. The drop in temperature can cause the fluids that lubricate your joints to thicken, which makes movement more difficult and can aggravate conditions like arthritis. By ensuring proper alignment, chiropractic care reduces stress on the joints, allowing for smoother, more comfortable movement even when the cold weather sets in. Regular adjustments also improve the range of motion, which can prevent the stiffness commonly associated with colder temperatures. 

Boosting Immune Function

Your nervous system plays a critical role in regulating your immune system, and chiropractic care directly impacts nervous system health. Misalignments in the spine, called subluxations, can interfere with the proper functioning of your nervous system. This interference can weaken your body’s ability to fight off infections like colds and the flu. Chiropractic adjustments work to correct these misalignments, allowing your nervous system to operate at full capacity. 

Read more on our website!

Why Is Dr. Thatcher Considered the Best Chiropractor in Ann Arbor?

Why choose us for your health care? There are plenty of chiropractors in Ann Arbor, but we aren't like anywhere else you've ever experienced. We've been voted the best chiropractor in Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan because we believe in fast, friendly, and affordable care, we listen to you, and we are here to serve you. Contact us today to learn more!

“After my first visit, I am feeling less pain already, and I took the best nap right after my appointment! My body felt like it was making up for lost sleep time, and I had no trouble getting comfortable lying down! I am so grateful and look forward to working with Dr. Thatcher and his team. Thank you!” – New Patient Testimonial

Visit a Chiropractor to Stay Healthy All Year Long

Looking for a chiropractor this fall or winter? Worried about what the process will be like?

Looking to stay healthy and agile during the colder months?

Chiropractic care offers a proactive way to support your body and helps prepare you for cooler weather.

1. Are chiropractors real doctors? Yes. Doctors of Chiropractic go through an education quite similar to a medical doctor. They pass rigorous state and national board examinations to receive their license. Continuing education is required every year.
2. What will my first visit be like? We want your experience to be the best doctor's visit you've ever had. We strive to do so by 1) keeping your paperwork to a bare minimum; 2) streamlining the process to get you in and out as quickly as possible; 3) listening and connecting with you.

If Dr. Thatcher doesn't believe chiropractic is the best avenue for you, he will refer you to someone in his extensive network of specialists.

Read more on our website!

Why Is Dr. Thatcher Considered the Best Chiropractor in Ann Arbor?

Why choose us for your health care? There are plenty of chiropractors in Ann Arbor, but we aren't like anywhere else you've ever experienced. We've been voted the best chiropractor in Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan because we believe in fast, friendly, and affordable care, we listen to you, and we are here to serve you. Contact us today to learn more!

“After my first visit, I am feeling less pain already, and I took the best nap right after my appointment! My body felt like it was making up for lost sleep time, and I had no trouble getting comfortable lying down! I am so grateful and look forward to working with Dr. Thatcher and his team. Thank you!” – New Patient Testimonial

“Dr. Thatcher is the best chiropractor I have ever had. I have chronic pain and discomfort, and he has helped me feel better than I have in decades. The treatments are comfortable and quick. The technique he uses is like none I've ever experienced, with better results than with other chiropractors. Dr. Thatcher and is staff are very kind, great listeners, and you can tell they care about each patient and have a passion for what they do. I highly recommend!” – Google Review

Get Better Sleep with Chiropractic Adjustments and the Right Pillow

Tired of being tired?

Want to get a full night’s sleep and wake up feeling rested?

• Nervous System Support for Better Sleep Regulation: Chiropractic research has confirmed time and again that spinal adjustments can improve communication between the nervous system and the body. This, in theory, can promote relaxation and help regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
• Stress Reduction for Overall Well-Being: Chronic stress is a major contributor to insomnia. Chiropractic care, by addressing pain and promoting relaxation, may indirectly help manage stress, leading to better sleep.

After Chiropractic Treatment, Make Sure You Choose the Right Pillow!

• The standard pillow shape and size is Dr. Thatcher’s preferred pillow. A firm, fiber-filled pillow vs. a down-filled pillow is the best option.
• Are you a side sleeper or back sleeper? If you prefer sleeping on your side, you need a thicker pillow to support your neck. If you’re a back sleeper, you need a thinner pillow to keep your head level with your spine.
• For chronic neck pain sufferers, Dr. Thatcher recommends a buckwheat husk pillow. They're very firm, but provide consistent support throughout the night which usually gives welcome relief from the pain.

Read more on our website!

Get Back to Feeling Great with the Best Chiropractor in Ann Arbor

Nervous about being adjusted? Some chiropractors will twist and crack your neck and spine, which can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Dr. Thatcher uses an Activator instrument that makes gentle, precise adjustments to your vertebrae.

You can rest assured that Dr. Thatcher takes your safety seriously. He was not only voted the best chiropractor in Ann Arbor, but also in Southeast Michigan! Restore your hope and relieve your pain with an adjustment from Dr. Thatcher. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

Beyond Counting Sheep: Exploring Chiropractic Care for Better Sleep

Having trouble getting a full, restful night’s sleep?

A full night of deep sleep is essential to your health and overall well being. Being chronically tired can negatively impact your weight, concentration and productivity, athletic performance, and energy throughout the day.

Tossing and turning night after night takes a toll on your health, mood, and productivity. While medication is a common solution, some people seek a more natural approach. This is where chiropractic care comes in.

Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Chiropractors believe that misalignments in the spine, called subluxations, can interfere with the nervous system and overall well-being, potentially impacting sleep.

Read more on our website!

Get Back to Feeling Great with the Best Chiropractor in Ann Arbor

Nervous about being adjusted? Some chiropractors will twist and crack your neck and spine, which can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Dr. Thatcher uses an Activator instrument that makes gentle, precise adjustments to your vertebrae.

You can rest assured that Dr. Thatcher takes your safety seriously. He was not only voted the best chiropractor in Ann Arbor, but also in Southeast Michigan! Restore your hope and relieve your pain with an adjustment from Dr. Thatcher. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

Dr. Thatcher Addresses Your Needs from Head to Toe

When you first become a patient of Dr. Thatcher’s, you’ll get a customized wellness plan to help address your needs. There are three stages of care: relief, healing and wellness. 

The first stage is about reducing your pain. You can then move into phase two, healing. During this stage, we seek to optimize your function. As you start to feel even healthier, we'll move you into wellness care. 

We believe in having periodic visits to maintain your well-being. You may see us every 2-8 weeks, depending on what your body's "sweet spot" is, or you may decide to only see us if you have other issues down the road. We work with you to give you choices about your treatment and how far to take it.

In addition to the spinal work that we provide, we also offer treatment for a wide variety of extremity problems:

⦁ Sprain/Strain Injuries

⦁ Plantar Fasciitis

⦁ Carpal Tunnel

⦁ TMJ

Read more on our website!

Why Is Dr. Thatcher Considered the Best Chiropractor in Ann Arbor?

Why choose us for your health care? There are plenty of chiropractors in Ann Arbor, but we aren't like anywhere else you've ever experienced. We've been voted the best chiropractor in Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan because we believe in fast, friendly, and affordable care, we listen to you, and we are here to serve you. Contact us today to learn more!

“After my first visit, I am feeling less pain already, and I took the best nap right after my appointment! My body felt like it was making up for lost sleep time, and I had no trouble getting comfortable lying down! I am so grateful and look forward to working with Dr. Thatcher and his team. Thank you!” – New Patient Testimonial

“Dr. Thatcher is the best chiropractor I have ever had. I have chronic pain and discomfort, and he has helped me feel better than I have in decades. The treatments are comfortable and quick. The technique he uses is like none I've ever experienced, with better results than with other chiropractors. Dr. Thatcher and is staff are very kind, great listeners, and you can tell they care about each patient and have a passion for what they do. I highly recommend!” – Google Review

What Does Becoming a Patient at Thatcher Chiropractic Look Like?

 If you're considering becoming a part of our practice family, we can't wait to welcome you. People who are new to chiropractic or have never been to Thatcher Chiropractic & Laser often wonder how it works:

1. Is chiropractic effective? Yes. Chiropractic is recognized as one of the safest, most effective noninvasive therapies to address neuromusculoskeletal complaints. It corrects postural imbalances and structural misalignments to restore your nervous system function.

2. Are chiropractic adjustments safe? Chiropractic is considered extremely safe. We use the Activator®, which is a handheld instrument that is well-researched for its safety and effectiveness. You may feel a little sore after an adjustment, but that is a completely normal reaction to the changes we're making.

3. Are chiropractors real doctors? Yes. Doctors of Chiropractic go through an education quite similar to a medical doctor. They pass rigorous state and national board examinations to receive their license. Continuing education is required every year.

If Dr. Thatcher doesn't believe chiropractic is the best avenue for you, he will refer you to someone in his extensive network of specialists.

Read more on our website!

Why Is Dr. Thatcher Considered the Best Chiropractor in Ann Arbor?

Why choose us for your health care? There are plenty of chiropractors in Ann Arbor, but we aren't like anywhere else you've ever experienced. We've been voted the best chiropractor in Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan because we believe in fast, friendly, and affordable care, we listen to you, and we are here to serve you. Contact us today to learn more!

Signs You Should See a Chiropractor

When it comes to your health, it’s important to take the steps necessary to treat and prevent pain and discomfort. Professionals like chiropractors are essential to prevent many issues that cause pain.

How do you know when it’s time to see a chiropractor?

Headaches and Neck Pain

While headaches are common, frequent, or severe headaches aren’t normal. If you have frequent headaches, they may be due to a misalignment in your spine, specifically the vertebrae in your upper back or neck. Chiropractic care is a gentle and effective way to treat and prevent chronic headaches.

Lower Back Pain

Back pain can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). It can either feel like a sudden, sharp pain, or a dull, constant ache. While acute back pain can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, chronic pain can last a few months and often requires intervention of some kind. Lower back pain could be due to compressed or misaligned vertebrae in the spine.

Read more on our website.

Why Is Dr. Thatcher Considered the Best Chiropractor in Ann Arbor?

Why choose us for your health care? There are plenty of chiropractors in Ann Arbor, but we aren't like anywhere else you've ever experienced. We've been voted the best chiropractor in Ann Arbor because we believe in fast, friendly, and affordable care, we listen to you, and we are here to serve you. Contact us today to learn more!

How Chiropractic Can Help with Digestion

Do you have digestive issues that interrupt your daily life?

Does it make leaving your home difficult?

Chiropractic may be able to help!

Digestion and other automatic functions in your body are powered by your nervous system. Your brain and spine make up your central nervous system, so if your spine is misaligned, it can cause your nerves to work improperly and cause inflammation throughout your entire body, including your digestive system. Chiropractic adjustments help align the vertebrae in the spine, stimulating the nervous system to work properly, and improving bodily functions like digestion.

Learn which digestive issues chiropractic can help!

Find Relief with One of the Best Rated Chiropractors in Ann Arbor!

Are you looking for a chiropractor who will take the time to listen to your concerns?

Searching for the best rated chiropractors in Ann Arbor?

See what our wonderful patients have to say!

“I started visiting Dr. Thatcher's office for treatment in less than a month ago. Yet, there has been a tremendous change in my body, from frequent pain to no pain.”

“Seeing Dr. Thatcher on a regular basis is the best investment I make for myself in terms of personal well-being.”

“Dr. Thatcher is the best chiropractor I have ever had. I have chronic pain and discomfort, and he has helped me feel better than I have in decades.”

To schedule an appointment, call (734)663-2300 or fill out our contact form.

What Digestive Issues Can Chiropractic Help?

Have you been given advice by doctors, friends, or colleagues, none of which seems to help?

Digestive issues can be caused by many factors, and finding the direct cause can be exhausting. If dietary changes, probiotics, allergy tests, increased fiber, and exercise haven’t helped you relieve your digestion problems, chiropractic care may be the right choice for you. 

Chiropractic can help with:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Chron’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Diverticulitis
• Bloating 
• Cramping
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Acid reflux

Learn how spinal alignments can impact your digestive system!

Are you looking for a chiropractor who will take the time to listen to your concerns?

Find Relief with One of the Best Rated Chiropractors in Ann Arbor!

Searching for the best rated chiropractors in Ann Arbor?

At Thatcher Chiropractic & Laser, we believe it’s our duty to serve you. We serve you best by valuing your time with fast, friendly care, minimal paperwork, and truly listening to you. In September, Thatcher Chiropractic & Laser won “best chiropractor” in Washtenaw County in the Current Magazine Best of Washtenaw 2023 competition!

To schedule an appointment, call (734)663-2300 or fill out our contact form.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation in the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. This tissue is flexible, but when overused or stressed, it can cause tears and inflammation.

Plantar fasciitis is common in:

• Runners, dancers, or other active people
• People who work on their feet all day
• Overweight people 
• People with flat feet or high foot arches

Learn more about plantar fasciitis and treatments on our website.

Visit One of the Best Chiropractors in Ann Arbor!

Are you looking for a chiropractor who will actually listen to your concerns?

Thatcher Chiropractic & Laser wants your experience to be the best doctor's visit you've ever had. They do this by keeping paperwork to a minimum, getting you in and out as quickly as possible, and by truly listening to you.

To schedule a visit with one of the best chiropractors in Ann Arbor, call 734-663-2300 or fill out a contact form today!

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Do you experience heel pain?

Are your first steps in the morning painful?

You could have plantar fasciitis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “more than 2 million people are treated for it each year.” Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel or bottom of the foot. The pain is usually the worst after periods of inactivity or standing for long stretches of time. Additional symptoms include pain in the arch of the foot, heel swelling, and foot stiffness. 

Learn how a chiropractor can help relieve plantar fasciitis pain!

Visit One of the Best Chiropractors in Ann Arbor!

Are you looking for a chiropractor who will actually listen to your concerns?

Thatcher Chiropractic & Laser wants your experience to be the best doctor's visit you've ever had. They do this by keeping paperwork to a minimum, getting you in and out as quickly as possible, and by truly listening to you.

To schedule a visit with one of the best chiropractors in Ann Arbor, call 734-663-2300 or fill out a contact form today!

Can a Chiropractor Help with My Sports Injury?

Are you an active person searching for a way to manage a sports injury?

If you’ve never been to a chiropractor before, now is a great time to start. Chiropractic care can help you recover from your sports injury and get you back in the game. 

What is a sports injury?

A sports injury is any type of injury you sustain while engaged in physical activity. For example, concussions happen in contact sports and baseball pitchers can damage their shoulders and elbows over time. But repetitive movements you make in your everyday life can also lead to repetitive use injuries which are much the same as sports injuries and shouldn’t be treated any differently. Tennis elbow, for example, affects 1-3% of Americans, and for many of these people, it’s an occupational hazard rather than sports. 

How can chiropractic care help?

It might surprise you to know that chiropractic care can help you recover even from acute injuries like a fracture or dislocation. Because Dr. Thatcher uses the Activator tool to better align your bones, muscles, tendons, and more, it’s perfectly suited to help you heal from a sports injury. With regular chiropractic care, you can even prevent injury. 

Learn about common sports injuries on our website!

Search “Chiropractor Near Me” Today!

Your sports injury doesn’t have to slow you down for long when you have a great chiropractor in your corner. At Thatcher Chiropractic, we’re ready to help with efficient and effective treatment. Find us by searching for “chiropractor near me” today. 

Common Sport Injuries and Chiropractic Care

Are you dealing with a sports injury? Looking for treatment options?

When you live an active lifestyle, there’s nothing more frustrating than being sidelined by an injury. Although rest and relaxation may be necessary to recover, there’s more you can do. Finding chiropractic care can have you healing faster and coming away from your injury as strong as possible!

Here are a few common sports injuries that a chiropractor can help you with. 

• Joint pain: from elbows, to hips, to shoulders, sports and other activities can put a lot of strain on your joints. A chiropractor can gently realign joints to reduce swelling, decrease pain, and even increase range of motion. 
• Pulled muscles: often the result of overuse or inadequate stretching, a pulled muscle is painful and can stop you in your tracks. A chiropractor will adjust soft tissues in the affected area to increase blood flow and reduce pain. 
• Neck and back pain: this is what chiropractors are really known for! Pains in your neck and back can often be eased by a spinal adjustment. The small mechanical activator is a great option to gently align vertebrae and other tissue.
• Sprains and tears: though these acute injuries may require more care, a chiropractor can assist healing with stretches, joint mobilization, and gentle exercises. 
• Sciatica: symptoms of this injury include pain, numbness, and weakness in the leg caused by compression of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. The chiropractic approach to care here involves decompressing the spine and realigning it. 

What exactly is a sports injury? Learn on our website!

Search “Chiropractor Near Me” Today!

You’re active in life, so be active in healing. Find us by searching for “chiropractor near me” today. We’re ready to help at Thatcher Chiropractic!

How Can Chiropractic Help Scoliosis?

Do you have frequent muscle spasms?

Do clothes not sit right around your shoulders?

These are all signs of scoliosis. More signs include:

• Uneven hips or one leg longer than the other
• Back pain
• A visible back hump
• Leaning one direction while standing
• Difficulty breathing

Learn about the different types of scoliosis on our website!

How One of the Best Chiropractors in Ann Arbor Can Help

Dr. Bill Thatcher can help relieve your pain by making gentle adjustments to your spine that will help relieve stress on your nervous system. During your first visit, Dr. Thatcher will use a MyoVision scanner to see the electrical activity in the muscles near the spine to see where to focus.

If your scoliosis makes you lean to a certain side, your muscles on that side of your body are working overtime while the muscles on the other side can be weak. Dr. Thatcher can provide exercises to help strengthen the weak muscles, help you stand more evenly, and decrease your pain. 

To schedule an appointment with one of the best chiropractors in Ann Arbor, fill out a contact form today!

What is Scoliosis?

Do you have chronic back pain?

Do you feel like your posture is uneven?

You could have scoliosis. According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, over 7 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with scoliosis. 

Scoliosis is a deformity that affects the curvature of the spine. The spine naturally has a slight curve, but scoliosis can make it appear C-shaped or S-shaped. Scoliosis is progressive, meaning the degree of the curvature can get worse over time.

Learn the signs of scoliosis on our website!

How One of the Best Chiropractors in Ann Arbor Can Help

Dr. Bill Thatcher can help relieve your pain by making gentle adjustments to your spine that will help relieve stress on your nervous system. During your first visit, Dr. Thatcher will use a MyoVision scanner to see the electrical activity in the muscles near the spine to see where to focus.

If your scoliosis makes you lean to a certain side, your muscles on that side of your body are working overtime while the muscles on the other side can be weak. Dr. Thatcher can provide exercises to help strengthen the weak muscles, help you stand more evenly, and decrease your pain. 

To schedule an appointment with one of the best chiropractors in Ann Arbor, fill out a contact form today!

Tighten Your Gut!

Want to learn how to prevent lower back pain?

Every time you are about to bend, lift, or exert yourself, before you make a move, first tighten your gut!

If someone was about to punch you in the stomach, and you knew it was coming, you would tighten your stomach to protect yourself. That’s precisely how you should tighten your gut.

If you are going to bend over to tie the kitchen trash bag, before you begin to bend, first tighten your gut, and hold it tight until you are upright once again.

Learn why this is the most powerful preventative measure on our website!

Ease Your Lower Back Pain with One of the Best Rated Chiropractors in Ann Arbor

Does lower back pain affect your daily life?

You don’t have to live in pain! 

Visiting a chiropractor can help align your spine, reduce inflammation, and relieve your pain. Dr. Bill Thatcher, one of the best rated chiropractors in Ann Arbor, uses a safe and gentle Activator Technique that doesn’t rely on cracking and twisting.  

To schedule an appointment, fill out our contact form today!

The Most Powerful Back Pain Prevention Technique

Do you experience lower back pain?

Are you searching for relief?

Dr. Thatcher’s book, 7 Secrets to Managing Lower Back Pain, explains that there are rarely home runs when it comes to managing lower back pain. Usually, the solution is a lot of singles or base hits, and here’s a really important one:

Tighten Your Gut

Every time you are about to bend, lift, or exert yourself, before you make a move, first tighten your gut!

Learn why this technique works on our website!

Ease Your Lower Back Pain with One of the Best Rated Chiropractors in Ann Arbor

Does pain prevent you from living the way you want to?

You don’t have to live in pain! 

Visiting a chiropractor can help align your spine, reduce inflammation, and relieve your pain. Dr. Bill Thatcher, one of the best rated chiropractors in Ann Arbor, uses a safe and gentle Activator Technique that doesn’t rely on cracking and twisting.  

To schedule an appointment, fill out our contact form today!

Reduce Knee Pain with Laser Therapy

Do your knees make it painful to walk?

Did you know that laser therapy can help reduce inflammation?

Inflammation is a common source of knee pain. It is often associated with arthritis but can be caused by many other conditions as well. Just like with other parts of the body, reducing inflammation in the knees can reduce pain. A chiropractor can reduce inflammation by making minor adjustments to the joint, or by laser therapy. Dr. Thatcher offers both methods.

Laser Therapy 

Laser therapy is an especially effective method for reducing inflammation, especially when paired with chiropractic therapy. Laser therapy accelerates healing by stimulating your cells’ ATP (energy), and reduces inflammation by suppressing the Cox-2 pathway, which is the chemical reaction the body uses to create inflammation The procedure is painless, and each session only takes about 10 minutes. Laser therapy is an excellent alternative to surgery for many conditions because it is less expensive, painless, and doesn’t have a lengthy recovery period. 

Learn more about how laser therapy can help with knee pain!

Search “Chiros Ann Arbor” for a Drug-Free Remedy

Are you ready to try a natural approach to easing knee pain?

Dr. Thatcher can create a plan of chiropractic care and laser therapy to fit your needs. Search “chiros Ann Arbor” to get started, or go ahead and book an appointment. 

Ease Knee Pain Without Surgery

Are you considering surgery for your knee pain? 

Did you know that a chiropractor can help?

According to powerrebound.com, a chiropractor can use “manipulations or adjustments to help your knees function better and make them easier to use… that way, you can increase your range of motion without invasive treatment.”

By adjusting your knees to increase your range of motion, walking will gradually become less painful. Visiting a chiropractor means this can be done without surgery. Additionally, Dr. Thatcher uses the Activator Method, which is even less invasive than traditional chiropractic methods. The Activator instrument uses gentle thrusts to make adjustments without the discomfort or anxiety of manual manipulation. 

Another common source of knee pain is inflammation. It is often associated with arthritis but can be caused by many other conditions as well. Just like with other parts of the body, reducing inflammation in the knees can reduce pain. A chiropractor can reduce inflammation by making minor adjustments to the joint, or by laser therapy. Dr. Thatcher offers both methods.

Read more about how chiropractic care can help ease your knee pain!

Start Feeling Better by Searching “Chiros Ann Arbor”

Are you ready to try a surgery-free remedy for knee pain?

Dr. Thatcher can create a plan of chiropractic care and laser therapy to fit your needs. Search “chiros Ann Arbor” to get started, or go ahead and book an appointment. 

The Activator Method Explained

Does the idea of being twisted and cracked like a pretzel give you anxiety?

Have you ever heard of the Activator Method?

The Activator Method involves the use of a high precision handheld device that delivers gentle mechanical thrusts to the vertebrae. These thrusts can move the vertebrae into better alignment, which can improve not only neck and back pain, but also posture and joint motion. The device and method are highly researched and low risk. By using this device, chiropractors have more control over the adjustments, meaning that it doesn’t compromise your safety.

Learn more about how the Activator Method works!

To Inquire About the Activator Method, Search for a “Chiropractor Near Me”

Dr. Thatcher uses highly researched, tried-and-true equipment to give you effective and safe chiropractic care. To make an appointment, call us at 734-663-2300 or contact us. You can also find us by searching “chiropractor near me” for the greater Ann Arbor area.