Let me start by saying, when I started coming to Dr. Leah, I was not living my life to its full potential. I had rough nights with little sleep and headaches everyday. I wasn’t the happy bright eyed woman I remembered myself being. I work with   pre-k aged kids all day, every day. They know when you don’t have a positive attitude or if you are...well, cranky! My job and what I do means the world to me. Struggling daily with anxiety and stomach issues was controlling my life. I couldn’t go out with my friends anymore. I couldn’t go out to eat with my family without having a panic attack. I was not the person I knew I was. I tried many medications and different therapy options, which helped but did not give me my life back. When I walked into the door at Vitalize Family Chiropractic my first day, I knew I was in the right place. I have never felt so calm and collected in a new setting. Everything started to make perfect sense when Dr. Leah went over my scans and results. From that moment on, I have gotten my life back. The woman who had been struggling for years, came back a little everyday! I truly believe that Dr. Leah has not only given me my life and true self back, but she is making me better with every visit. She is more than a doctor to me. She is a partner who walks a tough journey with me day in and out. I am so blessed I met her one day at a PTA event because I have found my happy place again. She teaches you how everything in your body tells you when something is wrong. It is good to have symptoms. I have never looked at it this way. I would take medication for every ache and pain. Not knowing my body was not working right. My life has changed for the better, and I couldn’t have done it without the Vitalize Family!  

My name is Beth Emrich and I have been a proud member of the Vitalize Chiropractic family for 10 years now. I didn’t walk in the door with a particular problem, but rather the idea that it was possible to take steps to protect my body from the wear and tear I was observing in my coworkers. I’m a dog stylist, it’s not just my profession but truly the fulfillment of my hearts greatest desire… working with animals. Every groomer I’ve ever met who’s been in the industry for more than a few years has terrible neck, shoulder, upper back, and wrist pain. In some cases it’s been the abrupt end to an otherwise strong career. Most people would have just accepted the pain of back problems or wrist injury as an occupational hazard, I on the other hand was curious to see if there was a solution. Prior to my first visit here at Vitalize Chiropractic I had received a few adjustments from a chiropractor who worked in tandem with a massage therapist. Looking back with more educated eyes I’m amazed at the differences in approach, philosophy, diagnostic ability, and long term success between the two offices. My first experience with chiropractic was quite literally a doctor I’d no prior exam with adjusting me in the middle of my massage. Needless to say I didn’t have any reason to continue going to that particular doctor, but the idea had been planted that there was a way to maintain my body without anti-inflammatory medications or carpal tunnel surgeries. I made my initial evaluation appointment with a couple of friends who all had severe back pain, at the time I felt a little silly because I was the “healthy” one in the group. I was amazed to discover an office full of friendly, educated, talented healthcare professionals who completely embraced the concept of caring for your body instead of always struggling to repair what has been broken by years of misuse. After my discovery appointment to review the findings of my x-rays and scans, I started my care plan and have never once regretted it. I had no idea when I walked into these doors back then that chiropractic was going to completely change my idea of health care. I had been on a daily migraine suppression treatment since my early teens, without it I was having 3-4 debilitating migraines a month that were known to last for days at a time. Less than 2 years after I began my chiropractic care plan I threw the prescription away. I haven’t felt the need to go to a doctor’s office for years now. I know what body needs to be healthy and I also know that when I haven’t done those things a pill isn’t going to be my cure. I’ve learned to truly trust the guidance offered here and it’s a relief to have a group of healthcare professionals who genuinely care about each person, inside and out. Dr. Troy and Dr. Leah have invested the time in educating me about how to best care for my body so it stays strong, flexible, and healthy; I wont ever have to live within anybody else’s limits. Chiropractic is more than just getting adjustments to your spine; it’s about truly seeing your body as a whole. It’s about knowing that every part of you is connected and given the chance your body will give back 1,000% of what you put into it. With great chiropractic coaches like we’ve got here… your body may even surprise you a little bit! -Beth E.

Before I began chiropractic care, I was afraid of it. I heard horror stories of people being hurt by it more than helped. I felt very apprehensive. Then, one day I attended a talk that Dr. Leah gave. She talked about a patient and their story described me to a “T”. After listening to Dr. Leah I started to think maybe my opinion was wrong. I decided to give chiropractic a try. Before getting chiropractic care my health was not good. I had very low energy and felt lethargic throughout the day. I also had allergy problems and bad headaches. When I think back to where my health was headed, I have no idea but definitely nowhere good. Today my health has turned around almost 100%! Now I wake up ready for the day. I have only had one migraine in the two years I have been coming here. My allergy issues have decreased. I am headed in the right direction! Chiropractic has greatly improved my life. Overall, I am feeling more energetic, ready to face the day and week ahead. I always look forward to my weekly appointments. I would recommend chiropractic to anyone. I am always quick to suggest it to anyone I meet who is having any kind of health issues. Vitalize feels like family.

My story begins in April. Remember the beautiful spring weather? I had just celebrated my 78th year of a wonderful life on this planet and my rescued dog, and buddy, Bruno, his fifth. I decided to take advantage of the sunshine and cool breeze by walking Bruno on our daily mile walk. After arriving at St. Ellen’s Park we began our trek around the walking path. As we turned a blind corner a rabbit suddenly appeared in the distance. I did not see it, but Bruno sure did. He bolted with me still attached to the leash. I was pulled forward with tremendous momentum and hit the concrete path, fracturing my left wrist and right humorous (upper arm). I managed to get back to the car with Bruno worriedly following me. I then called my husband on a rescue mission. I then spent the next few hours and days in the emergency room, getting x-rays, seeing an orthopedic, getting casts for both injuries, and was put in a sling for my right arm. I finally presented my bruised and battered body to my superhero and healer, Dr. Leah. After the initial shock of seeing me in such a pathetic state, she began her treatment plan. It was a slow and sometimes painful process, but Dr. Leah was with me every step of the way with her special brand of encouragement and tender loving care. I continued to periodically see my orthopedic doctor and with each visit he was surprised and pleased with my progress. On my last visit to his office, he showed me my x-rays which were excellent, and checked my range of motion. Honestly, his eyes lit up and he told me that I was far beyond what he had seen with others with similar injuries. I explained that I had not done it alone, but with the help of a chiropractor. I explained the philosophy of Vitalize Chiropractic and their mission for wellness. He was glad to get the information so he could pass it along to other patients who sought assistance during the healing process. I can only say, “Thank God” that I had established a relationship with Dr. Leah prior to my accident and she was with me 100%. Life is pretty normal again and Bruno and I are still lifelong buddies! Except for leash walking!!!! -July 2012

My health was very poor when I started care. I was really frightened because I didn’t know what I was going to do or where I was going to turn. I had been to my regular doctor and she was going to send me to a neurologist. All I could think about was that they would tell me I needed surgery. I had never been to chiropractor before so I decided I would give it a try. So, that’s why I came here. I was headed for scary times because I was feeling so poorly and I just didn’t know what I was going to do. In the past the only thing I had tried was going to a regular medical doctor. I had some surgery and I also tried some self help things to try to keep myself in good health. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always work. Today I am in great shape. I feel really good and really positive about the direction I am going. My pain is almost all gone versus before when I was in so much pain I could barely walk. I am doing really well now. Chiropractic has impacted my life very positively. It has been a really good experience. I talk about it all the time to all of my friends and I think it is wonderful. I have been receiving care for a little over a year now. On a daily basis chiropractic keeps me on a real positive path. I feel good and each day when I wake up I think about what I can do to make myself feel good. I think about all of the ways Dr. Leah mentions to help me. I keep coming back because it’s working and I feel great! - May 2011

Snap, crackle, and pop! No, that is not the sound of Rice Krispies, but the sound of a great alignment in progress. With gentle touches, a little momentary pressure in the right area, deep breathes, and a movement this way or that, nagging pain is removed in an amazingly short amount of time at Vitalize Chiropractic. Since 1990, back problems have resided within me. Orthopedic doctors thought I should have surgery, but since family history has not revealed good results from back surgery, surgery was not an option I wanted to entertain. Over the years, I have gone to several doctors. Two other chiropractors helped me immensely. One time I could not even walk and after receiving treatments for over a year, I was doing very well, so I stopped going, thinking my problems had been solved (only temporarily). The next chiropractor was also visited out of desperation. He did help some, but I found the cost to be more than I could afford and the hours of availability were limited, so I stopped going once again and decided to tough it out. Several years after that, following a total knee replacement and constant pain that made my career, more of a job - something I had to do no matter what. I was having so much pain I could barely wait until the close of my work days so I could just go to bed and get off my feet. Not wanting to admit that I could not do want I felt I needed to for my job, I struggled daily. Sometimes I would walk with a cane to relieve some of the pain when no one was around whom I knew or knew me, ashamed to admit that I just could not keep up. Medical doctors gave me meds to relieve the pain, but they did not work. I might get some sleep when taking them, but the pain was there in the morning. Therapy took forever and did not give me the results I needed. Time away from work and slow results were exhausting. Knowing that chiropractic care had helped me in the past, I decided to search out another chiropractic specialist. I needed to have someone who was willing to work around my work schedule and help me get back to feeling excited about a new day dawning. From the first phone call, “Hi, this is Claire. How can I make your day?” and first visit “Hi, Karen, it is nice to meet you.” I knew this was a very different atmosphere. Not only have Dr. Leah and Dr. Troy educated me like no one else has ever done, but emotionally, they are cheerful and encourage me to find something good in everyday. I try to be a positive person, but sometimes when I don’t feel good, I need that cheerful encouragement and reminder that there is always something good if we look for it. Dr. Leah and Dr. Troy have given me a new lease on life. I would not be able to work if it wasn’t for the care they have given and continue to give me. I believe they cover all bases. Their technique may induce momentary flinch, but is well worth the results. I don’t even have to tell them my trouble spots; they find them and correct them immediately . They know how to adjust areas that I didn’t know hurt to make other aches and pains go away quickly. They sincerely care about me as a whole person, not just my aches and pains. Never have I called and not been able to get in to see them on short notice. They work with my schedule and allow me more flexibility than anyone would ever expect when making appointments with a doctor. Through trial and error, I have learned that having regular adjustments keeps me in proper alignment which affects every area of my life. When I feel good, I excel and enjoy whatever I do. When I don’t, I try to do what I have to and that is not very productive. If it were not for Dr. Leah and Dr. Troy, I would not be able to work and entertain, the very thought of that is extremely depressing. They bring hope, encouragement, physical and emotional well-being to my everyday life. I believe God allowed me to do my own thing so I could appreciate what theses gifted people do even more. I am blessed. Vitalize Chiropractic is the best place to insure that each day begins and ends on a positive note. Well Satisfied and Blessed Client, Karen White

Like many people, I originally came to Vitalize Chiropractic for back pain. I had been to chiropractors before, but here, I quickly learned that chiropractic is for so much more than back pain. Personally, I have noticed better sleep and increased energy too! After talking with Dr. Leah I  decided that chiropractic may be able to help my son too, so I had Lucas checked for subluxation. You see, before receiving chiropractic care Lucas had difficulty staying focus and was continually tired. He took Vyvanse to keep him focused at school, but we were faced with increasing his dosage due to the lack of focus and the long frustrating struggles at home with his homework. There had to be another way. After only two months Lucas has been able to quit taking his medicine completely and his teachers have said he is more outspoken and participates more in class. As an added bonus, he has become more confident, has less paranoid tendencies and his grades have improved. At home Lucas has made a huge change in the way he interacts with his two little brothers. He is now able to connect with them on a different level and has more patience & fun with them. Now, not only does Lucas get adjusted but my other two sons do as well. We will remain under chiropractic care to continue on this path to healthier drug free lives!

Dr. Leah could always hear my heals clicking a mile away, she would always make me lay down for a few minutes to SLOW DOWN. It’s funny, I thought I was the picture of health, but I am much MORE healthy now! When I started care at Vitalize Chiropractic I had been playing volleyball for 13 years and had overall body aches, IBS, and was unable to get pregnant. I was taking Zelnorm for the IBS, but that was pulled off the shelves due to the high risk of stroke and heart attack. Still being young I could do mostly everything I wanted, but I wanted more. Like I said, my health was good, I thought, but I was headed down a road to a stressful life. Thanks to Dr. Leah I have a better grasp on life and stress, 2 beautiful healthy babies, the knowledge of how to take the best possible care of myself, the ability to take time to set goals and accomplish them, and a great daily feeling of life without constant aches. My energy is turned on and I can STILL do the things I have always done. With the rigorous physical strain I put on my body with volleyball, I know that I would be dealing with slowing down if I weren’t visiting Dr. Leah. Now my quality of life is amazing, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I know that it also can only get better. Mentally, Dr Leah has helped me cope with my son being diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, she helps me with his and my nutrition. That is just one thing she has supported me on. Most recently, I had to deal with kidney stones in my second pregnancy. She helped me get through all of that safely and healthy. I am convinced that my pregnancies went so well and my labors were so short because of Dr Leah’s care. I spent my time being pregnant in great comfort because of my care. I saw my pregnant peers going through major pains that I did not experience. I will continue to receive care at Vitalize Chiropractic so that I may continue to be healthy and achieve my goals. With the help of Dr. Leah I plan to lose weight first and foremost. That is a short term goal that I want to change for myself and Dr. Leah is working on with to make healthy food and lifestyle choices. Soon I will be my desired size and I will be healthy. Long term I want to live healthy in the overall pattern that Dr. Leah has me on track to now. Dr. Leah and Dr. Troy are part of my family, they genuinely care and they are truly interested in helping you to live your best life. The mentality here is one like no other. Dr. Leah does everything she can to care for me and my health. I can’t say enough good about this topic. They are a major part of my inner circle and support system. They wouldn’t be this way if they didn’t show how much they care about me. I couldn’t imagine my life without Dr Leah. She is so important to me and my support system and I am excited to have her as part of my life journey. I am a better person because of her.

I grew up in the middle of nowhere, St. Jacob, Il, with my older brother and so many pets; I practically had my own petting zoo. Since I grew up in the country I rode horses, four wheelers and go carts to pass time. I guess you could say I was a “tom boy,” but I had a girlie side too. I also participated in competitive cheerleading and dance. I was a very active kid and like most kids I did not give much thought to how my activities were affecting my body. Then one day I woke up in so much pain I could not get out of bed I was only 12 years old. That is when my parents decided to take me to the chiropractor. My back was way out of alignment and I started care right away and it helped. As I got older, I decided to go a different route with my health after being hit by a drunk driver because I didn’t truly understand the chiropractic lifestyle. I went to a bunch of medical doctors, had physical therapy and aquatic therapy, was taking a ton of prescriptions, and in the end had surgery, none of which stopped the pain in my shoulder. I assumed that I would just have to live with the pain and went on with life to the best of my ability while continuing to take medicine for the pain. When I got into college the number of medicines I was taking continued to increase. I was on medicine for asthma, migraines, pain, inflammation, sinuses and allergies. I also started to get sinus infections, ear infections and bronchitis. I thought this was normal since other people in my family had similar issues, but when I started working for Vitalize Family Chiropractic, in July 2010, I quickly learn that this is not normal and that I did not have to continue to live this way. They taught me about the nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves). When it functions at 100% and is free from interference that I could be healthy not only having symptoms but function better too. After a couple of months of getting adjusted I was able to stop taking my medications, but I kept my inhaler- just in case. After six months I was able to get rid of that too. Thanks to chiropractic care the sinus problems are dramatically reduced. I have also not taken any medications over the counter or prescribed in years, and I plan to keep it this way! In March 2014 I learned that I was expecting my first child and knowing what true health and wellness is, I decided to have a natural home birth and that I would not vaccinate my child. November 3, 2013 I gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby boy, Austin. Dr. Leah & Dr. Troy came to my house a few hours after Austin was born to give him his first adjustment and he has been getting adjusted regularly since. Because of the amazing changes in my health from getting chiropractic care I am excited to share my story in hopes that you will relate to some of the things I went through and it will inspire you to try a new approach to health through a chiropractic lifestyle.