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Beaverton Chiropractor, Dr. Sarah Conroy
I wish I had known then about chiropractic what I know now!
My Chiropractic Journey
Okay, I'll admit it. I have not always been into being healthy. I was very much raised in the medical model. If I did not 'feel well' what drug did I need to 'fix' me. It was not until my undergraduate days at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that I actually started to question this paradigm. I was doing all of the pre-med requirements when I decided to take a break and study abroad in Costa Rica. There I learned about ecology and the natural world and how we as humans are a part of it. In fact, within us we have an entire ecosystem made up of billions of cells that are designed to be in perfect balance all of the time, just like nature. And things like poor diet, poor movement, and mental stress take us out of that balanced state and lead us down a path of disease. This is when I decided I wanted to focus my career on helping people get back to this balanced state that our bodies want to be in. I wanted to focus on prevention. I wanted to educate and give people their fullest health potential and chiropractic was the perfect fit.
Although there is a time and a place for drugs and surgery, I wanted my focus to be elsewhere. I wanted to see my patients actually be well, not just help them experience sickness less. I started to experience chiropractic first hand and noticed how much more "balanced" I felt and actually was. My thoughts were clearer, my digestion better, my immune system stronger (no more drugs), and my body better able to handle the physical demands I placed on it athletically with ease. No, this did not happen overnight. I have been under regular care for over 10 years and I know, for myself, I will never go without it. Especially since I notice that I am aging less, which is a great bonus! Now my parents, my siblings, niece, nephew, cousins, aunts, and uncles have all experienced chiropractic (not from me..they live in the Midwest) and its benefits and most continue with wellness chiropractic care. I am so happy about that. I just wish my grandparents had know about it. Perhaps they would have lived longer and suffered less from preventable disease.
Education
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1997 with a BA in Biology and Psychology. I attended Western States Chiropractic College after that and graduated with honors in 2002. I went to Western States because it is located on the west coast (in Portland), near the mountains and the ocean, where I could combine my two passions of swimming and climbing. At Western States I learned many many things. I was surprised at how rigorous the schooling was, carrying an average of 40 credit hours between class and clinic over 4 years. Thankfully I took the summers off to refresh and travel. While at Western States I was the co-president of the sports medicine club and we traveled all over the state to offer free chiropractic care to competing athletes. I had so much fun learning about the specific injuries unique to runners, cyclists, tennis players, golfers, swimmers, climbers, rodeo riders, etc. As an athelete myself, this was especially helpful. As a part of my internship in my 4th year of school, I saw patients at the West Burnside Clinic in the Salvation Army Building downtown. This really taught me a lot about compassion and listening and I realized that there is so much more to being a doctor. My last semester I spent in a real office as an intern, working with a chiropractor who became one of my great mentors.
I, like many doctors, continue to learn and educate myself so I can give my patients the best. Since graduating I have taken over 100 hours of continuing education in the science of human wellness, over 50 hours in sports related injury assessment, and over 150 hours in pediatric and prenatal chiropractic care. I continue to learn and hope to complete my diplomate in pediatric and prenatal care in the next year. Additionally I have done some yoga teacher training and hope to one day combine chiropractic and yoga in my practice.
My goal in practice is to help people reach their fullest health potential through chiropractic care and education. While my first responsibility is to be a doctor and to give my patients the best care possible or refer them to someone who can, I also see myself as part wellness lifestyle coach and part personal trainer. I encourage patients to ask the right questions in regards to health so they can be empowered, and not just simple accept the "what do I have..what pill do I take" paradigm. None of us suffer from a deficiency of ibuprofen. We need to start asking what am I toxic or deficient in. What is my body telling me it needs to me healthy? Proper movement? Healthy nutrients? Better mental thoughts? When we address these questions, we find the right answers.
While I love seeing adults improve their quality of life, I find working with children rewarding as well. When a baby or child who has not had a good nights sleep in a while and they sleep 12-18 hours after an adjustment, for example, I feel honored to be a part of that child's wellbeing.
About Dr. Sarah Conroy
I live in Portland with my husband, Gavin Ferguson, our daughter, Mia, and our three weimaraners, Moki, Mesa, and Indi. Gavin and I met through climbing, of course. We love to spend our free time camping and climbing in central Oregon. We also love to travel to Utah to climb. Climbing allows me to really focus on the moment and challenges my mind often more than my body as to what is possible. I love it! Plus it's a great way to spend time outside with friends. When the weather does not permit climbing we either take out our skis or whitewater canoe and go have an adventure.
I also love to hit the trails around Portland and run a few times a week with the dogs. I have practiced yoga for over 10 years try to do a little bit every day. And around the house there are always projects in the yard, which can be satisfying as well.
I realize the importance of being properly balanced myself so I can be a better doctor. While it takes energy, and is not always easy, I know I need to practice what I preach. I get my spine checked once a week. This is the frequency that works best for me due to the physical and mental demands I place on my body. And, I pay for each and every visit. While I could easily trade for my personal care, I want to be cared for as a patient and have my problems addressed appropriately plus I value the service and find huge benefits in all areas of my life when I am properly balanced. I find it a small price to pay.
From the section on "What I do in my free time" you can tell I like to be outdoors, being active. It really is where I am at my best and most at peace. I try to encourage people to find an activity they really love because then exercise is not work.
I try to eat balanced meals, full of fruits and vegetable, nuts, and organic meats. My vices are chocolate and a cup of coffee in the morning. I believe that we can get most of the nutrients we need from a healthy diet, therefore I take only the essential supplements, a daily multivitamin, essential fatty acids (omega sufficiency) and probiotics.
I consider myself an excellent listener and hope I get the opportunity to meet you in person and discuss your specific health challenge. Give our office a call or email me with the link below.