Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Caplan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michelle, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
When I was a little girl I always dreamed I’d become a Veterinarian. Circumstances in life took me down a different path. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized what I really felt drawn to was helping people. Patients have described me as warm, welcoming and knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing my knowledge with them. I do my best to guide and empower people to take charge of their own health. I love helping people develop a better mind-body connection so they can function and thrive in today’s challenging world.
I already had a career when I suffered a severe knee injury while skiing. After surgery, I had physical therapy, but realized what was really helping with knee pain and a limp that persisted after surgery was a low back chiropractic adjustment. I asked my chiropractor if he thought I’d be a good chiropractor, and he encouraged me to pursue the chiropractic path. At the age of 43, I switched careers and went to chiropractic school. I earned my Doctor of Chiropractic in 2008 while raising two teenage daughters as a single Mom. I opened a practice in Mt. View, California in a small elite fitness center working with some of the top fitness professionals in the industry. In 2016 I sold that practice and moved to Colorado to be closer to my now grown Daughters and 5 Grandchildren. I opened my second practice, Caplan Chiropractic in 2017.
In 2010, I suffered another health crisis and sought outside medical care but was repeatedly told there was nothing wrong. Through functional medicine, I was able to get to the root of my problems and resolve them. I am passionate about sharing a holistic approach to healing with people, so they can understand that health comes from within. Knowledge is power, and education is the key to acquiring more knowledge. I offer that education to patients so they can take control of their own wellness.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I provide a functional, integrative approach to health care. I treat you as a whole person and get to the root of your problem so we can fix what’s wrong, rather than simply putting bandages on symptoms. I know that some patients can be nervous about chiropractic or have had an unpleasant experience with chiropractic in the past, so I create a safe place for patients to communicate openly. My office is a place where patients can feel safe being completely honest, and that openness helps me tailor care that suits the patients individual concerns and needs.
Everything I do is designed to get to the underlying cause of a specific condition. I look at all the symptoms as pieces of a puzzle and that allows a diagnosis of the root issue. I use a variety of techniques to achieve the best results for each individual. I pay particular attention to the soft tissues around the joints, and every patient receives myofascial release or other soft tissue work prior to their adjustment.
When a patient doesn’t respond to traditional approaches there is usually an underlying metabolic issue that’s been overlooked. I address these cases with comprehensive labs and a functional integrative approach.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back the things that were most impactful in my journey are reinventing myself, learning from those I admire and being able to conquer my fears.
It was passion that spoke loudly to me when I decided to change careers and go back to school as a single Mom, at age 43, and study a career completely different than I had ever dreamt I would. It was both scary and exciting. People asked me how I did it and honestly, looking back now, I just did it day by day. I made things work. I know that it made me a better Mom and it made my kids better students because at the time we did school together.
The thought of moving out of state, where I knew no one was daunting. How would I sell my home where I had lived for more than 30 years, and sell the business I had worked so hard to create? I had to take a leap of faith. When I did, everything fell in place as if the universe had this grand plan for me.
I have been lucky to have met many strong inspiring people along my journey. I have friends that I have known for over 40 years, teachers and classmates that have inspired me, coaches and colleagues who have taught me skills that I use in all aspects of life, and I have learned so much from them. It’s the experiences and the relationships that have allowed me to develop the skills that I have and lead me to where I am today.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Self-care is important for anyone in the health and wellness profession. If I can’t care for myself then how can I care for others? I take some personal time each day to check in with myself. Even if it’s just 20 minutes of yoga, a mediation or a walk. I am lucky to have a strong core group of close friends. Quick weekend getaways give me the break I need now and then. Being outdoors helps me clear my mind and feeds my soul. Being near an ocean is my sanctuary. When I return to the office I can feel my energy is higher and I’m ready to serve others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caplanchiropractic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaplanChiro
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?trk=homepage-basic_sign-in-submit
Image Credits
Not applicable – I have permission to use all photos for marketing and educational purposes
