Chiropractor and Massage Therapy, dynamically work together.
Dr. Valerie Shahar, Doctor of Chiropractic
People often ask why I chose to become a chiropractor and how come I am so compassionate? At the young age of 19 I hurt my back badly when I slipped and fell at work. The memory feels like it was just yesterday. The pain was terrible and over the next few weeks, like many of my patient experiences, I thought the pain would get better. Instead it just got worse. At first it interfered with my dancing, but eventually it hurt to do just about anything, even simple activities such as putting on my shoes, getting in and out of the car, and anything that involved using my back. I had to do something. I was sent to a walk-in medical clinic where I was told I had a “pinched nerve” in my back, and to take painkillers for three days and the pain would be gone. I left the clinic frustrated because I didn’t want to take drugs that I believed wouldn’t really help me. I then remembered a chiropractor had helped my stepdad and brother in the past. After having a thorough exam, X-rays and an “adjustment” of my spine, I got relief and soon the pain was completely gone and I was able to use my back again. It worked so well, and I was so impressed that I went to chiropractic school myself.
It’s strange how life works, because now people come to see me with their back problems. They also come to me with their headaches, migraines, chronic pain, neck pain, shoulder/arm pain, whiplash from car accidents, carpal tunnel syndrome, numbness in their limbs, athletic injuries, just to name a few. Several times a day patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I really can’t take the credit. What I do is perform a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds by healing itself.
I’m a graduate of the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (1996). This means I have a Doctorate of Chiropractic, and have completed 7 years of study. After completing my degree I completed a postgraduate in Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician program and actively worked with local sports teams. During the pregnancy of my first son, I pursued my passion to care for pregnant woman and children and completed a second postgraduate course and certification in Pediatrics and am now a Fellow of the International Chiropractic Paediatric Association.
Being a chiropractor and helping people relieve pain and restore their quality of life is so rewarding, it definitely stands at the top with my most important job. That is being a mother to Adi, Maya and Eden, my wonderful children. Their journey as “chiropractic kids”, being adjusted regularly and making “natural” lifestyle choices since birth, makes a huge difference to them.
It is the highlight of my 25 years as a practicing chiropractor, that I have been entrusted to take care of entire families, from tiny babies to pregnant mothers and the elderly. My assistants Charah, Megan and Lisa are lovely & efficient. My office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home.
Jasmin Pool, Remedial Massage Therapist
I became a massage therapist because I felt the need to provide care through my hands. I believe in a holistic approach of well being and the magic of touch. I believe that if we get massages regularly we can avoid many illness’ and issues.
During my 20’s I was traveling and developed chronic thoracic back pain from carrying a heavy backpack, this was when I started getting regular massages for myself and haven’t stopped since. I see the many benefits in myself and how it improved my overall well being.
I love helping other people feel the same improvements. Whether it’s Remedial Massage to help with injuries and chronic pain, or just a nice Relaxing Massage to help deal with stress.
Massage therapy can relieve, physical stress and discomfort, muscular pain, emotional stress and tension, limited range of motion, and gives that overall feeling of well being all without drugs or invasive procedures. Massage is a natural way to provide relief and comfort to someone and one of humankind’s oldest medicines. When clients leave my office, both they and I feel better.
