Q&A with Dr. Michelle

Why did you become a Chiropractor?

This is a question I get asked a lot in practice and the reason is fairly simple - it literally changed my Dad’s life. I remember him always having a “bad back”. He would be flat on his back usually once a year for a week or two. He has always done a lot of heavy manual labour and driving for his work. Luckily, someone he worked with convinced him to go see their massage therapist. She was a huge help but she also recommended he see the Chiropractor at her office. I then started attending all his appointments, as I was completely fascinated on how she was helping to heal his body. He still continues to go to a Chiropractor and massage therapist as he feels they are an integral part of his health care and feels so much better after seeing them.

What do you love most your job?

This is more difficult to answer, only because it is hard to choose one reason. I love the interaction with people. I have great conversations and learn so much from my patients but ultimately it’s helping people out and easing their pain that drives me to be the best at what I do.

If you weren't a Chiropractor- what would you be?

I use to always want to be a pediatrician. I always knew I would work with children in some capacity and Chiropractic was my calling. My other option now would be a midwife! Since being out in the Chiropractic field I see the integral and supportive relationships they develop with moms and I think the work they do is unbelievable.

What do you enjoy most about being on the Coastal Sports & Wellness team?

Probably the feeling of community. All the practitioners have a lot of respect for each other and cross-refer to make sure the patient is getting the absolute best care possible. We all truly want all our patients be the best version of themselves while living a healthy lifestyle.

Why should a Mama see a Chiropractor?

Well, I just wrote an entire blog on this so make sure you check it out! The main reason is to help deal with any pain they are experiencing after giving birth. The body does not return back to its pre-pregnancy state biomechanically speaking until at least a 1 year later but if you ask me, if you had a baby you will always be post-partum. A lot of changes have occurred to the body and we are best suited to helping with these issues.

If you are a soon to be mama, you be assessed for pelvic and sacral alignment. Studies show that women who undergo Chiropractic Care during their pregnancy may experience shorter and easier labour.

I love the interaction with people. I have great conversations and learn so much from my patients but ultimately it’s helping people out and easing their pain that drives me to be the best at what I do.

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Do you recommend any other health services for pregnant women?

100% pelvic floor physiotherapy – the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles are being stretched as the baby grows and puts pressure down into the pelvic bones, they will make sure your pelvic floor is strong and give lots of tips for labour prep and do not forget to see them post-pregnancy as they will be the ones to help recover the core and pelvic floor.

I also can’t forget my Acupuncturists, Osteopaths, Naturopathic Doctors and Registered Massage Therapists either, as they are all important members of pre-natal health care team.

What message do you hope your patients take away from their time with you?

How important their health is! Health is wealth and I want my patients to invest in themselves. I want them and their families to live active and healthy lifestyles and I am always willing to work with my patients to build a plan that will work for them. I am just as invested in their health as they are.

How often should someone see a Chiropractor?

How often you see a Chiropractor really is patient dependent. It depends on what is going on with their body and how long the issue has been occurring. I always make a plan that suits the patient’s individual needs.

If your body is feeling good and you want total health and wellbeing, my patients usually choose to come in for a treatment every 3-6 weeks. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Is Chiropractic for everyone, or just those who are injured or uncomfortable?

Chiropractic is for everyone! If your nervous system is functioning optimally then there is no limit as to what we can achieve and this begins at birth!

Should babies see a Chiropractor?

Absolutely! Birth is likely the most traumatic event the body goes through. We are curled up and cozy in the womb for 9 months and then we must come out. Even the most optimal, gentle births can cause tension in the spine. A huge portion of my Chiropractic population is pediatric and they respond so well to treatment, they love it!

What's the biggest misconception about Chiropractic?

That you will be in pain after treatment or that the treatments hurt. I have many techniques in my Chiropractic toolbox, they are all very safe, can be very gentle and quite effective. I always discuss with my patients the options for care and try to get a sense of what techniques typically work best for them.

What are some health rules you live by?

Treat your body like a temple – you only get one. This includes sleep, exercise, diet and socialization. Surround yourself with the people who make you the happiest. Those who lift you up and empower you!

What's your personal health philosophy?

Eat well, sleep well, exercise and get adjusted!

What are some of your daily wellness practices?

Lately I have really been into setting my intentions for the day. Setting my intentions for the day allows me to take each day one at a time and focus on the tasks at hand. I find I am less stressed, eat better and sleep much more restfully.

The other thing I always try to do is move my body in some way. No matter what our occupation is, we have a tendency to do repetitive tasks and we need to change our physiology often.

What's your number one tip for mamas and mamas-to-be?

Take time for yourself – do not neglect your self-care, I realize this is easier said than done for new moms but it is important! If you feel like you are struggling, reach out to those who empower you. That includes me and anyone else on the team at Coastal Sports and Wellness – we are always there for you!