Thanksgiving: What I’m Thankful for in 2015

Balanced • November 20, 2015

WIN A $25 GIFT CARD TO MARIE BETTE!

With numerous studies showing that gratitude promotes health , maybe I should consider handing out prescriptions for thankfulness. Or even better, give you a chance to win a gift card to Marie Bette for telling Balance what you’re thankful for – just like this post and leave a comment with at least one thing you’re grateful for this year. Winners announced this Friday, November 27!

I’ll go first. I have a lot to be thankful for in 2015!

 

  1. The birth of my niece, Zoe.

Zoe made me an uncle. I was able to visit her and my sister and brother-in-law shortly after her birth, and we FaceTime every week. I have been most surprised by how quickly Zoe changes as she grows. Half the memory on my phone is now taken up with pictures of the best baby I’ve ever met, and I’m reminded to take care of myself so I can be an uncle who is around for a long time to come.

 

  1. The birth of Dr. Eng’s baby, Hannah.

I’ve also celebrated the birth of Dr. Eng’s daughter, who arrived last month. Everyone at Balance is happy that Hannah and Dr. Eng are doing well.

 

  1. Trying hot yoga for the first time.

As I wrote in a blog about my first yoga experience , it’s good to try new things. Getting in a rut of doing the same exercises over and over doesn’t give your body a chance to fulfill its greatest health potential and can even result in a repetitive strain injury. Realizing I needed more flexibility training, I took a hot yoga class earlier this year – and I liked it! I’ve attended several classes since and am making it a regular practice.

 

  1. Hiring Dong Ha, a massage therapist and physical therapy assistant for Balance.

I’m constantly thinking about how Balance can offer the best services to our patients and recently hired Dong Ha to offer therapeutic massage. Dong brings to Balance over twenty years of experience as a physical therapist and great massage skills. I am delighted that Balance patients are now able to receive massage as part of their treatment plan.

 

  1. Plans to move Balance to a bigger space, coming soon.

In early 2016, Balance will be moving into renovated space in the historic King Lumber Company Warehouse on Preston Avenue. Just a quarter mile away from our current office, the new location will be larger, allowing us more room for physical therapy and for performance enhancement services. The new office will also have more parking. Stay tuned to our blog and Facebook for updates on this exciting move!

 

  1. Introducing Gray Cook at the Virginia Chiropractic Association Fall Convention.

Gray Cook is the founder of Functional Movement and a professional hero of mine. Gray’s work has significantly influenced my professional development and my patient care. It was an honor to introduce him when he spoke to Virginia chiropractors at our fall convention.

 

And last but certainly not least…

 

  1. My patients.

I hope to be learning as long as I’m living, and I learn a lot from you, my patients! You are a wonderful source of new information. You’ve told me about therapies that you have had success with at other places. You’ve given me suggestions for good places to eat in Charlottesville and when traveling, hotels to stay in while visiting Costa Rica, places to visit in Paris, the best place to try hot yoga in Charlottesville… Each of you makes it really fun to come to work.

 

Thank YOU for choosing Balance Chiropractic as your partner in health in 2015. I look forward to helping you stay strong and healthy in 2016.

 

By Allison Hawthorne September 18, 2025
When you're in pain — whether from a nagging injury, post-surgical recovery, or chronic discomfort — finding the right care can feel like a maze. At Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, many patients walk in skeptical but leave with something they hadn’t experienced in other clinics: real relief and a clear plan forward. What sets this clinic apart? It's not just the treatment. It’s the total experience — one where skilled practitioners combine chiropractic care, physical therapy, and patient education to help individuals regain mobility, confidence, and quality of life. A Different Kind of Care Experience  From the moment individuals arrive, they notice a different tone. The team at Balanced doesn’t just treat the symptoms — they take time to understand the full picture. Many patients describe the approach as comprehensive, personal, and results-focused . Whether recovering from orthopedic surgery or managing long-standing joint pain, patients often comment on how the care they received here was more effective than what they experienced elsewhere. The key difference? Integration. At Balanced, chiropractic and physical therapy are used in combination — not in silos. This means spinal adjustments might be paired with strengthening exercises, or dry needling might be used to reduce tension while also building joint stability. It’s a multi-modal approach designed to accelerate healing while helping prevent future injury. Common Conditions Addressed Patients come in with a wide range of challenges: Shoulder pain and limited mobility Back and neck discomfort, including sciatica Hip pain and post-surgical recovery Sports-related injuries Plantar fasciitis and foot issues Nerve-related symptoms, including numbness or tingling Knee pain and age-related joint stiffness Repetitive strain injuries from work or athletics Postpartum musculoskeletal challenges In each case, treatment plans are tailored — not only to the condition but to each patient’s lifestyle, goals, and progress. What Patients Consistently Say Here are some recurring themes reported by patients in public reviews: “I finally found relief after years of trying other providers.” “The care team really listens and adjusts based on how I feel week to week.” “The home exercise programs helped me stay consistent and feel in control of my progress.” “They went above and beyond — even following up after care to check on how I was doing.” “I was able to return to normal activities that I hadn’t done in years.” It’s not just about symptom relief. It’s about restoring function and confidence — whether that means returning to work, walking without pain, playing sports again, or simply sitting comfortably during long drives. Results That Speak for Themselves Across the board, patients report: Reduction in pain (often from high pain levels to minimal or none) Improved mobility and flexibility Faster recovery timelines post-surgery Better outcomes compared to previous care elsewhere Knowledge to self-manage and prevent recurrence One of the most notable differences? Patients feel like they are part of the process , not just receiving care but actively participating in their own recovery with a supportive team behind them. A Team That Prioritizes People, Not Just Protocols Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy isn't just known for clinical skill — the people are a major part of the equation. Chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and administrative staff are frequently described as: Attentive Encouraging Thorough Responsive Easy to communicate with This atmosphere of support and collaboration often leads to stronger patient engagement and better long-term results. Why It Matters Musculoskeletal pain doesn’t just affect the body — it affects work, sleep, relationships, and mental focus . The goal at Balanced isn’t just pain reduction; it’s full-body function and restored confidence in movement. Whether you’re facing a complex injury or a nagging issue you’ve ignored for too long, Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy offers something that’s hard to find in today’s healthcare landscape: individualized, integrated care that actually works. If you're exploring options for recovery, rehabilitation, or chronic pain management, Balanced may be worth your time — and could be the turning point your body’s been waiting for. Contact us today
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