She.E.O | Episode 3 - Dr. Nora from Embody Health Chiropractic

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She.E.O Series

2024 is the year of the Dragon which is supposed to bring Opportunities, Changes & Challenges. In honor of all three of these themes I want to network with as many Motherhood local businesses to collaborate and thrive with! Each episode I am going to interview a local small business owner in the Metro-Detroit area, and photograph them. I am so excited to meet every business that has volunteered to be interviewed, so we can all learn more about why you (and I) should utilize their services to learn, heal & empower your journey into and through motherhood! I am a new mom as of last year and I feel like I am always learning something new about my own body, so I really just want to help get this information out into new eyes & ears :). Let’s get started!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our full Maternity Portfolio to book your next session!

About My Guest

Dr. Nora Zoma, a chiropractor and owner of Embody Health Chiropractic, pursued massage therapy alongside her undergraduate studies, discovering the healing power of touch. She graduated cum laude from Southern California University of Health Sciences in 2011, furthering her education with over 1,000 continuing education credit hours in areas such as sports medicine, pediatrics, and nutrition. Dr. Zoma holds certifications as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (C.C.S.P®) and Webster certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, enabling her to offer chiropractic care to patients of all ages. She is actively involved in various professional organizations and has been recognized for her excellence in chiropractic care.

Q&A

Q: Tell me a little bit about your background and what you provide. Why did you want to become a chiropractor?

Dr. Nora: Well, my background lies in massage therapy. I attended massage therapy school and later worked in a chiropractic office where I specialized in massage therapy. It was there that I truly found my passion. The atmosphere was incredibly uplifting, with patients always leaving with smiles on their faces. It was more than just a job; it was about promoting wellness. Patients would come in for their tune-up with the chiropractor, and then they would head over for their massage. The camaraderie among everyone, the high-fives, the hugs, it was all so heartwarming. I wanted to delve deeper into this world of healing through touch, to expand my knowledge and skills. That's what ultimately drove me to further my education in this field. My massage therapy background served as the foundation for my journey, and I'm grateful for the experiences that led me here.

Jasmine: How long did you do Massage therapy for?

Before I began my journey to Chiropractic school, there was a significant period, around five years, during which I pursued massage therapy. After high school I enrolled in massage school primarily enticed by the prospect of earning $25 an hour. However, it wasn't until later, while I was completing pre-med classes as an undergrad, and simultaneously working at a chiropractor's office, that something clicked. I was drawn to the holistic approach to health that the chiropractic setting offered. It resonated with me deeply—the idea that when something's wrong, you don't just treat the symptoms; you seek out the root cause. It's frustrating how conventional medicine often resorts to prescribing medications without delving into the underlying issues. It's like they're only seeing the tip of the iceberg, missing the whole picture beneath. That realization solidified my appreciation for holistic health practices.

Q: What are your goals for 2024?

Networking is crucial, I've come to understand that. It's not just about casual interactions; it's about making meaningful connections that can yield significant returns. I remember reading somewhere about the principle of focusing on the 20% that generates 80% of the results, and networking falls into that category for me. Yet, despite knowing its importance, I find myself hesitating. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what holds me back—perhaps it's a combination of limited time, family responsibilities, and a lack of follow-through. There are always excuses not to engage in networking, but deep down, I recognize its value. For me, networking isn't solely about expanding my professional circle; it's about discovering ways to better serve my community. Take you [Jasmine], for instance; your work may not be directly related to healthcare, but it still offers a service that can benefit others. Building connections within my community enables me to refer patients to resources they may need, whether it's maternity services or something else. Ultimately, I want to establish a network of like-minded individuals who can support each other and contribute to the well-being of our community.

Q: Tell me about the importance of chiropractic adjustments.

That question really stumped me for a moment. A friend once told me that once you start going, you're committed for life, and that sounded like a big commitment. But thinking about it, I realize the importance of chiropractic care—it's like giving your body an oil change. We put our spines through a lot every day, whether it's how we sit at our desks or hunch over our computers. Our posture often takes a hit, affecting everything connected to our spine. So, getting adjustments is like preventive maintenance, similar to going to the dentist for regular cleanings to avoid cavities. You only get one body, so taking care of it is essential. Plus, everything in our body is interconnected. I used to suffer from terrible headaches in high school, and therapy involving back adjustments really helped alleviate them.

Q: Do you have any specialized training or certifications?

As for my qualifications, I'm a certified chiropractic sports physician, holding the CCSP certification, which focuses on addressing sports-related injuries and optimizing athletic performance. I primarily work with athletes, focusing on functional movement patterns, muscle testing, identifying weaknesses, and areas that aren't firing properly. Additionally, I'm Webster certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), specializing in chiropractic adjustments for pregnant patients. This certification is quite different from working with athletes. I'm also trained in dynamic neuromuscular stabilization, which is invaluable when working with babies and pediatric patients as their nervous systems develop. It might seem like an odd combination—sports and pregnancy—but it covers a wide spectrum of patients, from active families with kids involved in sports to expecting mothers and newborns. My patient base largely consists of wellness-focused individuals who take an active role in their health. I believe in addressing the root cause of issues and tailoring treatment plans accordingly. It's not about committing someone to lifelong treatment but empowering them with tools and strategies to manage their health independently. I have patients who come in quarterly, monthly, or even every two weeks, each finding what works best for them. It's all about individualized care and ensuring my patients feel their best, regardless of their unique needs and preferences.

Q: How long have you been in business?

I launched my own practice back in 2015, which is just mind-blowing to think about. The last four years, especially post-COVID, have been a whirlwind. It's like life hit pause, you know? I graduated in 2011, but I didn't venture into opening my own practice until 2015. Before that, I worked as an associate with other chiropractors.

Q: What are the most common types of issues that you see?

I'm incredibly grateful for the type of practice I have because it's not centered around a pain model. While some patients do come in experiencing discomfort, the focus is more on enhancing their overall well-being. I often see individuals dealing with postural issues and the myriad of problems that stem from poor posture—headaches, shoulder tension, weak mid-backs, and even what we jokingly call "gluteal amnesia." It's all interconnected. For instance, moms might strain their backs while lifting their babies, and it's not just about adjustments; it's about addressing underlying issues like improper breathing patterns and diaphragmatic breathing. Dr. Rachel [our guest from Episode 1], whose approach I admire, speaks the same language—it's all about understanding how the body functions as a whole.

So, what do I typically encounter? A lot of pelvic floor and core issues, along with low back pain stemming from tight hips and sedentary lifestyles. Often, people aren't even aware of these dysfunctions until their body starts signaling through pain, like a check engine light coming on. But the issues usually begin long before the pain manifests. My goal is to equip patients with exercises they can do at home to complement their treatments here, ensuring they maintain their progress and minimize any future interferences. I even underwent pelvic floor therapy during my own pregnancy, so I understand firsthand the importance of these interventions.

Q: How do you assess your patients? Is there anything specific you look for in pre-natal clients?

When it comes to prenatal care, my focus shifts entirely. We have a specific set of assessments tailored for expectant mothers to ensure their well-being throughout pregnancy. We start by evaluating various aspects, such as pelvic alignment and muscle tension, to understand how their body is adapting to the changes. Surprisingly, the initial advice I give revolves around what they should avoid doing—simple actions like crossing their legs or performing sit-ups when getting out of bed. These seemingly innocuous habits can impact pelvic alignment and muscle tension, affecting the space available for the baby. Our goal, through techniques like Webster certification, isn't to move the baby but to optimize the pelvis's space for natural movement. Imbalances in muscle tension can restrict this space, leading to potential complications or discomfort for the mother. So, our focus is on achieving balance and ensuring optimal conditions for both mother and baby.

Q: What techniques or special equipment do you employ for your work?

We utilize various tools and techniques to cater to different patient preferences and needs. We have decompression tables, which are just one of the many tools at our disposal. Another tool we use is the activator, the only FDA-approved chiropractic adjustment tool. This is particularly useful for patients who prefer not to hear cracking or popping noises during their adjustments. We also offer other techniques, like electrical muscle stimulation, to achieve the desired results without the need for traditional manual adjustments. Of course, hands-on adjustments are still a significant part of our practice, where I use my hands to assess and correct alignment issues. Additionally, we offer adjunct therapies such as cupping and scraping, which can be beneficial for addressing issues like scar tissue adhesions from surgeries like C-sections. To promote circulation and blood flow, we also offer compression boots, emphasizing the importance of facilitating movement and circulation for overall wellness.

Q: What are a few common treatments that you use to treat clients?

When it comes to different patient demographics, our approach varies accordingly. For pregnant patients, we adhere to the specific protocol of the Webster technique, tailored to their unique needs during pregnancy. For athletes, our focus shifts to assessing their functional range and identifying weaknesses and movement imbalances through exercises like overhead squats. From there, we devise a personalized plan to strengthen weak areas and improve overall performance. Pediatric care involves a different approach, focusing more on tonal balance rather than traditional adjustments. Adjustments for infants are gentle and non-invasive, aimed at promoting relaxation and facilitating the transition from a fight-or-flight response to a rest-and-digest state. It's not about twisting or cracking; it's more like gently melting a stick of butter. Ultimately, chiropractic care helps regulate the nervous system, promoting overall well-being and restoring balance.

Q: Are there any common things you can do at home to help your body stay in adjustment?

One of the key aspects of our treatment plans is providing homework assignments, particularly focusing on exercises. We emphasize three main areas: mobility, stability, and strength. First, we assess a person's mobility and provide exercises tailored to improve it. Then, we address stability, especially focusing on the spine, and suggest exercises to enhance stability. Finally, we incorporate strengthening protocols into the homework regimen, targeting specific areas that need improvement. It's essential to customize these exercises for each individual, as everyone's needs and abilities vary.

Q: How do you educate your clients?

A significant focus for me is fostering a wellness mindset rather than just addressing pain. I want my patients to understand the importance of proactive care, similar to getting regular oil changes for your car to prevent engine failure. I firmly believe that individuals can maintain fitness, health, and mobility at any age, and I strive to educate them on this. While I play a role in removing interferences and facilitating healing, the body's innate ability to heal itself is remarkable. I see myself as a facilitator, guiding patients towards taking an active role in their own health. During new patient visits, I provide a comprehensive examination and create personalized treatment plans, including exercises and resources for them to continue their progress outside of the office. Each patient receives a folder detailing their findings and treatment plan, complete with exercises and additional resources, empowering them to take charge of their well-being beyond our sessions.

Q: Tell me about a previous client success story.

I often find myself in a dilemma when it comes to acknowledging progress in my patients' journeys. While I'm thrilled to see them excel, I hesitate to take credit for their successes, as I believe it's crucial to remain humble and recognize their own efforts. However, there are a few instances that stand out to me. For example, I worked with a powerlifting athlete who was struggling with compensations during lifts due to improper bracing techniques. By simply correcting his bracing and teaching him proper breathing techniques, his strength skyrocketed, and he experienced a significant improvement in his lifts. Similarly, with pregnancy patients, I refrain from taking credit for babies turning from a breech position to head down. Instead, I attribute it to the natural capabilities of the mother's pelvis and the efforts she puts in. I recall one patient who was anxious about her baby being transverse at 39 weeks. Through various techniques and exercises, she felt her baby shift into the correct position, a moment that filled both of us with immense joy. These stories are deeply meaningful to me, reminding me of the incredible capabilities of the human body and the power of collaboration between patient and practitioner.

Q: How do you treat pre-natal clients vs. regular clients?

When working with pregnant patients, my approach differs significantly due to the unique considerations involved. The last thing I want to do is risk overstretching a ligament, so I tend to avoid certain adjustments, particularly side posture adjustments. Instead, I focus more on energy work and gentle techniques like ligament releases and motion palpation to promote mobility in the pelvis. I steer clear of aggressive adjustments commonly used with athletes or powerlifters, recognizing that pregnant patients have different physiological changes, such as increased joint laxity due to the relaxin hormone. Their bodies undergo significant transformations, even to the extent of their feet enlarging due to ligament growth. As a result, I approach their care with utmost caution and tailor my techniques accordingly.

Q: What advice would you give someone looking to start their own chiropractor practice?

I'd say my approach is more of a "jump in, ready, fire, aim" kind of mentality, but joking aside, having some semblance of a plan helps. The best advice I can offer is to just dive in and do it—network, build a community, and immerse yourself in the experience. As for whether starting with massage therapy was beneficial, I'd say it definitely has its perks. Working with my hands for years honed my ability to sense things in patients' bodies, which has been invaluable. However, for someone considering opening their own practice, I'd say don't let fear hold you back. You don't need to have everything figured out from the start. I tend to overthink things, striving for perfection, but sometimes, you just need to take the plunge and trust that things will fall into place. Remember, less is often more; you don't need fancy equipment or an elaborate setup to get started. When I began, I was just next to a CrossFit gym with a portable table, and it worked wonders. So, don't overthink it—just like Nike’s slogan, "Just Do It."

Q: Is there anything I didn’t cover that you would like to talk about?

The biggest thing for me is overcoming the stigma associated with chiropractic care. There's this misconception that once you start, you're hooked for life and that without it, your body will deteriorate. But it's not about addiction; it's about feeling the difference a well-aligned body makes. It's like doing a detox and realizing how good you feel afterward, only to revert to old habits and feeling worse again. I often use the analogy of maintaining a car or cleaning a house; just as you wouldn't neglect these tasks, you shouldn't neglect your body's maintenance. Sure, chiropractic care is vital, but it's just one aspect of a holistic wellness approach. Movement, exercise, nutrition, mindset—all play crucial roles in our well-being. I aim to instill this mindset in my patients, emphasizing the body's incredible ability to heal itself when given the right tools. And it's not just about me; it's about building a community focused on wellness, where everyone supports each other on their journey to health and happiness. Networking isn't about going to any random place; it's about connecting with people who align with this vision, like you, who capture these beautiful moments and contribute to a positive, supportive environment.

Get In Contact with Embody Health Chiropractic

To learn more about chiropractic care, tips & tricks and more go ahead and follow Dr.Nora on Instagram. To contact or schedule an appointment with Dr. Nora you can submit a form through the Embody Health Chiropractic website.

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Jasmine Robertson

Owner - Two Wild Souls Photography