This picture you see is me doing my favorite thing in the world. This is the sport and artistry of Equestrian Vaulting. In my years of training in this sport, I earned multiple national championships, and competed in 2 World Equestrian Games. In 2010 I won a gold medal with my teammates in the first ever Games held in the United States. Although this was my greatest accomplishment and my biggest dream come true, it left me stressed, exhausted, over trained, and depressed.
Fast forward to 2011 when I was competing individually, I had my first real injury. Before my last go I heard a pop in my hamstring. As horrifying as it was in the moment, this lead me on my journey to chiropractic. Luckily for me there was a chiropractor on site, who helped me manage my pain so I could finish my competition that day. A few days later I made an appointment to see my doctor at Kaiser. As I laid on my back on the table, the doctor grabbed my ankle and ripped my leg upwards. I let out a scream and his response was, "Oh yeah, that's a tear. Here is a prescription for a pain killer, here's another one for an anti-inflammatory, and you need to quit vaulting."
Now, I was supposed to be in my athletic prime, and the only answer you have for me is drugs and to stop doing what I love most?! I have never been closer to murdering someone... Never did the doctor talk to me about how I felt, what I wanted, or what had happened to cause my injury. In fact, he never even touched my hamstring. I left the office and immediately called that chiropractor I met at the competition. At my first appointment I got a full assessment of my entire body. They laid their hands on me with care, confidence, and an incredible attention to detail. I got a full set of xrays which showed how much wear and tear I had put on my body. After learning so much in that first visit, it was no surprise why I had torn my hamstring. My body was needing serious recovery, retraining, and reconnecting.
When the 2014 season came up, I knew I wanted to be in my best physical shape and to be mentally fierce. This season I used the talents of 2 amazing chiropractors who kept me recovering and building up my flexibility and strength. That year I qualified in 2 events! After a successful competition, it came time to decide what my future would look like. With the cheers of the audience still ringing in my ears, I applied for chiropractic school.
After becoming licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic, the American Vaulting Association asked if I would accompany team USA to the 2018 World Equestrian Games as the team chiropractor. To me, there is no greater honor. To see my world come full circle, and to be able to give back to the sport that gave so much to me is indescribable. I have been blessed that chiropractic found me, and that I am able to work with such amazing patients in my office.
Today I coach at a local vaulting club each week and I'm also learning how to give chiropractic care to horses!
Monday 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 11:00am & 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Wednesday 2:00pm - 6:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 11:00am & 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday CLOSED
Serving the communities of Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, Westminster, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach, Garden Grove, Santa Ana
Thrive Family Chiropractic
18141 Beach Blvd Ste 150, Huntington Beach, California 92648