I didn’t realize I had a problem until my first pregnancy and the eight months of ensuing back pain. I thought it was just related to the pregnancy until it became a recurring problem after that first birth two years ago. When I became pregnant with my daughter, the pain began almost immediately. At 28 weeks pregnant, I found Dr. Dale through the ICPA. Due to the rigorous chiropractic schedule, I felt immediate relief. Like with our son, we had planned a home birth with a midwife. My daughter, however, was breech. Due in part to the adjustments, she turned head down, allowing for our planned home birth. I also believe that my labor and delivery were significantly faster than my previous pregnancy because of chiropractic care. Additionally, I have had less fatigue during this second pregnancy than I had with the first. Due to having my physical problems addressed, I now feel better equipped to take care of my newborn daughter and 2 ½ year old son. I believe that this is largely due to my chiropractic care.
Healing a Broken Heart
I have been separated from my husband for longer than we lived as husband and wife. Even though we are now divorced, I still feel connected to him and have kept the hope alive that we would be able someday to choose each other again. Missing his presence in my life, I have cried daily tears and suffered through many sleepless nights. For over the past three years, I literally have seldom had more than four hours of sleep a night.
I started chiropractic care with Dr. Dale five days after hearing from my ex-husband that he had recently become engaged. Along with working with the spiritual energy of my heart chakra, the adjustments allowed me to let go of the emotional stress I had been holding onto since the traumatic experience. The physical alignment that occurred with each adjustment facilitated the release of tension and ultimately the healing of my broken heart.
I am a believer! During my first session, Dr. Dale was able to instantly relieve the pain in my left shoulder that I had lived with for over a year. After only two adjustments, I enjoyed a peaceful night of sleep, the first in many years. During my second week of adjustments I slept a full eight hours four nights in a row. Since then, I sleep well almost every night. Thanks to Dr. Dale, I am getting my “beauty sleep” (you know those hours before midnight)!
I have experienced many physical sensations and emotional states as my spine came into and fell back out of alignment during and between adjustments. Physical confirmation that my body was favorably responding to chiropractic treatments included muscle fatigue and soreness, an immediate need for sleep, shooting pains down my legs and arms, discomfort in my hips and between my shoulder blades and tightness in my ribcage. Emotionally, the pendulum swung from feelings of great sorrow, heartache and spontaneous unprovoked tears to simple joy, genuine happiness and effortless smiles.
Chiropractic treatment under the care of a gentle and skilled doctor is in my opinion truly beneficial and essential to optimal health, both physically and emotionally. We are all searching for the path that will lead us the fulfillment of our most cherished dreams. What better way to get into alignment with our true purpose than to start with getting our bodies into alignment. My children and I are blessed to have Dr. Dale supervise our journey to a body in perfect alignment...a journey that will improve our human experience and allow us to enjoy the life we are here to live.
A Breech Baby Story
In the 36th week of my pregnancy I started experiencing pain that was so severe, at times I could barely walk. I asked my OB/GYN about it, and was told that it was due to pelvic separation disorder, which is not uncommon in pregnancy. She said it was possibly due to my age and the number of children I’d had. She explained that there was nothing that could be done about it, and if I got to the point where I actually couldn’t walk, they would order a wheelchair for me. Additionally, she mentioned that if the pain did not go away after birth then she would refer me to an orthopedic surgeon for possible surgery.
I left her office feeling dismal about the few remaining weeks of my pregnancy; dreading the pain; wondering if I would be able to continue to care for my other children and scared to think about the possibility of surgery in the future.
I’ve always been a researcher, so upon returning home, decided to see what information the Internet could render regarding alternative treatments. One site suggested the importance of finding one who was trained in the Webster technique and linked to the ICPA web site, as is Dr. Dale.
Everyone at Dr. Dale’s office was warm, welcoming, and genuinely concerned about what I was experiencing. My sense of helplessness was replaced with help and hope; no longer feeling alone, I was blessed with sincere support. After the first adjustment the pain went away for most of the day. Since the second adjustment I have not only been pain free, but the baby turned out of a breach position.
I could not be happier with Dr. Dale, and cannot thank him enough for what he did, and is continuing to do for me. I’m thrilled to be contributing to my health in a proactive way, rather than waiting for my body to “scream” out for help. Lastly, I’m hoping that by setting this example for my children, they will also learn to be proactive in their lives, realizing the benefits of chiropractic care, and optimizing their health for life as well.
The Story of Orion Zizou
I was nearing the end of the last trimester of my pregnancy when my midwife discovered that the baby Orion was not head down like he was supposed to be. She wanted to either refer me to a doctor or have me seek alternative avenues to get the baby turned around. She knew a chiropractor that would be perfect for my situation and she was right! Apparently there was not enough space for Orion to be comfortable head down. After a few weeks and multiple sessions with Dr. Dale, baby Orion was able to get into the correct birthing position. Not only was I feeling better physically, I was extremely relieved knowing that my chances were good for not ending up in the hospital with a C-section.
I delivered at home although it turned out to be a complicated birth. We had to resuscitate Orion and took him to the doctor the next day to get checked out. Unfortunately, they booked him into the NICU where he stayed for the next 17 days because of what the doctors termed as “feeding issues” and “weak tone”. Orion was on an antiviral, and eventually three different antibiotics. He was hooked up to IVs then feeding tubes, and endured three spinal taps. He had occupational and physical therapy sessions as well. They couldn’t find anything specifically wrong with him but would not release him because he stubbornly refused to adhere to their feeding schedule. If only we could take him home and have Dr. Dale adjust him.
Lucky for us, Dr. Dale was able to come see Orion in the NICU, examine him and do a mini adjustment. His eating dramatically improved after that and things were looking up. During this time Active Life was a haven for us. Getting adjusted helped us manage our stress, and the kind words of support and sympathy from all the staff were very encouraging. After we were able to bring Orion home, the first place we took him was to Active Life. We have all been getting regular adjustments and I know that Orion is a healthier, happier baby because of these visits. I would not want to take my family anywhere else. I think it would be difficult to find another organization with this level of care and attention. Orion is now a strong, walking, talking 15 month old with a big appetite for everything—including food.
Thanks Active Life!
Medication No Longer Necessary
I never meant to neglect my health, but at 34 I was becoming frustrated with back pain, digestive problems, and frequent insomnia. I think I knew all along how I got there: stressful, demanding career, long hours in the car and at the desk, little or no exercise and too much fast food. I knew better, but I took the “convenient” route of seeking treatment from a doctor who could only prescribe chemicals that masked symptoms. This winter, while trying to chop wood with a sore back and fighting a chronic sinus infection, I “woke up”. I wanted to be well, and I wanted my family to learn how to be well, too. Finding a good chiropractor was very difficult at first. However, I knew I was in the right place when Dr. Dale started discuss a “long-term” plan that would restore my body’s ability to heal itself.
I did not expect any significant changes from the adjustments at first. Instead, I anticipated small, incremental changes that would eventually lead to healing and wellness. What I’ve experienced has been a combination of both. The medicine I’ve taken daily for 3-4 years for acid reflux has started to collect dust. I noticed after the 1st week of adjustments that I had forgotten to take these pills for several days with no symptoms. I couldn’t have imagined this one year ago! On the other hand, my sore back has taken longer to heal. I’ve also experienced little unexpected pains in new locations around my back and neck. This was disconcerting at first, but it didn’t take long to realize what was happening. The muscles in my back have been compensating for misalignment for so many years that some muscle groups had actually gone numb!
Before treatment, my wife would try to massage my sore back – even digging her elbow into to the most stubborn knots, and I would barely feel a thing! Now, as treatment progresses, I can feel increased circulation and sensation in these muscles. I’m sure there are parts of my body that have been waiting many years to tell me something was wrong! As a result, I try to make small changes in exercise and behavior to make sure that my body has a chance to adjust to the changes that are occurring during treatment.
Nonetheless, I am back to mountain biking, hiking, playing with my kids, and little or no back pain. I no longer dread getting back into shape, and all of this healing has inspired me to make healthier decisions about diet and lifestyle. I also sleep like a baby. Now if I could just do something about that job…
Loyal Patient
Before going to Dr. Dale I went to other doctors who only prescribed me pills that helped for the moment. My knee only got worse.
When I went to Dr. Dale, not only did I have torn cartilage, but I was emotionally distressed. As soon as Dr. Dale started working on me I started feeling stress free and my knee felt better. Since then, I haven’t been sick for two years.
The more I learn about chiropractic procedures, the more I realize that it affects my health now as well as in the future.
Thank you so much,
Mary
When Jack started preschool in August of 2005 at the age of two years nine months, his parents expected him to pick up the common childhood illnesses most children contract when first exposed to a school environment. However, six months and four double ear infections later his parents were disheartened with the recommendation of surgery to place tubes in his ears to “correct” the infections and “prevent” future occurrences. Wanting to relieve Jack’s pain, his parents agreed to the surgery and were relieved when Jack was still ear infection free after eleven months.
At his one-year follow up appointment the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor) discovered that one of the tubes had grown into the membrane of his ear and surgery would need to be repeated to remove the tube without causing damage. The ENT also suggested replacing the tubes while Jack was “under anyway.” His parents agreed to the second surgery, again wanting to relieve Jack’s discomfort. (The ear with the ingrown tube was incredibly painful.)
At his second follow up appointment a year later, Jack’s ears were still filled with fluid with one tube out and one still in place. For the past two years his parents had been reassured that Jack would “outgrow” this childhood issue. Imagine their frustration when a third surgery was recommended. At odds with the decision, Jack’s parents reluctantly agreed to a third and final surgery, while exploring alternative options for his future.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated turn of events, Jack woke up one morning unable to move his neck. His mother decided to take him to her chiropractor, Dr. Dale Andelkovic. After a thorough examination Dr. Dale determined that Jack’s lack of movement in his neck as well as his ear infections were most likely caused by subluxations present since birth.
After just a few adjustments Jack was able to move his neck freely. In addition, Jack has been free from ear infections since becoming a patient of Dr. Dale in February of 2008. Jack’s parents are thrilled with the outcome chiropractic has had for Jack; ear infection free, surgery free, anesthesia free, very few colds/influenzas, improved digestion, regular sleep patterns, and Jack is convinced he is a better athlete! Think of the pain and grief this family could have avoided had they chosen chiropractic from the beginning!
Freedom from Restless Leg Syndrome
In May 2006 I came to Active Life Chiropractic in search of relief from restless leg syndrome. As the granddaughter of a chiropractor, I had tried several other doctors throughout the area, was not satisfied with my treatment and had abandoned my treatment. My husband had met Dr. Dale at our local gym and began treatment for shin splints, which had worsened over a number of years. Within weeks of the start of regular treatments my husband’s shin splints and other foot related pains had disappeared. I decided to give Active Life a try.
My restless leg syndrome had begun during my treatments for breast cancer. It occurred during the early evening and made it difficult to watch TV, go to the movies, and sometimes sleep. Since I was on medication to treat my breast cancer and the side effects from my course of treatment, I was reluctant to start any other medications. I started my association with Active Life Chiropractic in May 2006 and within two months my RLS was almost completely gone.
I still have an occasional bout, but those usually relate to when I need an adjustment. Relief from RLS without medication is wonderful. In addition, I discovered other issues, which I wasn’t even aware of. Over the years I had developed a constricting of my breathing ability, which I did not even notice, until my adjustments relieved it. I truly appreciate my association with Dr. Dale and his staff Lara and Katy.
Sincerely, Kathy M.
BLISS!
For the past twenty years, I have sought to maintain my health by using a variety of complementary treatments but had never tried acupuncture. Then, my hair began to thin and fall out to the extent that I feared shampooing it. I started to experience fatigue, had heart palpitations, muscle pain, could not sleep, was cold much of the time and felt generally unwell. These symptoms led me to do an internet search for a local practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine.
Thankfully, I found Active Life Chiropractic, The Wellness Loft and Dr. Stephanie Georgieff. The explanation of what was going on with my body made sense and was confirmed by laboratory tests. My hair stopped falling out after the third acupuncture treatment and has begun to grow. The heart palpitations too have ceased and sleep has improved to the extent that I now recall dreams.
After the sixth treatment, I noticed that most of the symptoms that I presented with were no longer an issue. Recently, I had a headache which lasted for four days and was not relieved by either over the counter drugs or vicodin. The head pain subsided one hour after an acupuncture treatment and has not returned.
Acupuncture has been an amazingly relaxing experience and effective in beginning to correct imbalances that contributed to ill health. Im looking forward to further treatments to assist my body in functioning at its best.
