August 12, 2015 at 1:33 p.m.
New chiropractor adjusting to Rhinelander
New chiropractor adjusting to Rhinelander
Michals, who earned his chiropractic license in January, is from Waconia, Minn., which is 45 minutes south of the Twin Cities.
Last week was his first week at the reins of the practice, Michals said, and it went very well.
"I love Rhinelander, I love the area. I've been told that the winters can be a little tough up here, but I'm excited," Michals said.
The practice is open Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Fridays 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., and Wednesdays 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Michals said.
Michals and McKitrick use a unique method called the Gomstead technique to perform their chiropractic adjustments. The method involves the patient sitting down for their neck adjustments, among other instrumentation that differentiates it from other forms of chiropractic care, Michals said.
"It's the technique that I personally enjoy," Michals said.
Michals became interested in chiropractics as a field he wanted to be involved in during high school, he said.
"I was in a couple of automobile accidents, and they caused me to have horrible neck pain. I was in football as well, and had lower back pain," he said.
Michals was taking medications for pain and muscle relaxants, when he was referred to a chiropractor for care.
"At the time, as a high school student, I was really not doing so hot." Michals said. "After a few adjustments, I was amazed at how much better I felt."
After his adjustments, Michals said he no longer needed medications for pain.
Before his personal experience with chiropractics, Michals knew he was going into the medical field, but the relief he felt caused him to pursue chiropractics as his specialty.
"I can really, really empathize with people that take a lot of medication," Michals said, noting that his experience taught him a lot.
"A lot of people like chiropractic care because it's a non-invasive, natural approach to their health," Michals said. "It's appealing to those that are looking for a natural alternative."
Michals wants patients to feel at home and comfortable coming for care. The services will remain the same as Dr. McKitrick's patients have been accustomed to over the 43 years he was in practice.
"I plan on keeping things very much the same," Michals said. Although some cosmetic changes might take place in the office, such as the paneling will be updated and the carpeting will be replaced, patients can remain sure that their care will stay the same.
"If people are nervous about coming to a chiropractor, or if they had a previous bad experience with a chiropractor, I would explain to them that if they had gone to a dentist, and the dentist had botched a filling, would they give up on dentistry?" Michals said. "You don't go back and say, well dentistry didn't work for me. It's a lot about the provider."
Katie Perttunen may be reached at kperttunen @rivernewsonline.com.
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