What Our Patients Say
What others say about chiropractic care can help you make the right health care choice. Review a selection of Zionsville Holistic Chiropractic & Wellness Center patient testimonials below and please email me or contact the office if you have any questions.
Yours in Health
Dr. Gerald Whalen
Barb Kenley
What was your condition?
I had a variety symptoms, such as mid-back pain, allergies, constipation, dry skin, thinning hair and fatigue. My weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels were creeping up. Because these and other conditions had come on gradually, I had adjusted to them, or thought I had. But it just nagged at me that I didn't feel as vital as I had a decade ago. Eventually, I thought to myself, "I can give in to all this as a by-product of age, or I can seek some other answers." That's when I looked into Chiropractic.
What Steps had you taken previously to get help?
For years I did nothing. I have enjoyed very good health from childhood through young adulthood, so I thought good health and vigor would just naturally return on its own as it always had in the past. I can see now that was a pretty callous attitude towards my body and its health. I was treating my body as my servant, when it is really my partner. In my forties, my good health seemed to appear for shorter and shorter periods of time and my little signals of ill health were grower louder, until I had a chronic symphony of symptoms at play each day. Pain, stiffness, bowel problems, and allergies became daily occurrences. Colds became more frequent and of longer duration. Fatigue set in for a long stay. My weight and cholesterol levels were entering the danger zone.
I went to several specialists, beginning with my gynecologist, and including an endocrinologist and a dermatologist. We tried creams for the skin and pills for everything else. While these doctors did provide some answers, theirs was a piecemeal approach. They would address one or two symptoms, but we couldn't seem to get at the underlying problem. I honestly believe they cared, but their training is to focus very narrowly, in their area of specialization. I needed someone who could step back and look at the whole person.
How were you referred to Chiropractic?
I've had friends and family tout the benefits of chiropractic to me for years, but I never thought it was for me. (That callous attitude again!) Frankly, I'd never seen a treatment or had it explained to me in sufficient detail that I felt comfortable trying it. But during my search for answers to my health problems, I attended a local event that included a presentation by a Chiropractor, with a short consultation and hands-on demonstration. His quiet and gentle manner put me at ease, even in the event's chaotic setting. I felt I'd discovered something really different and possibly worthwhile, so I set an appointment for a consultation. I felt I didn't have anything to lose, and I just might learn something.
In your words, What did Dr. Whalen Do?
Dr. Whalen spent a lot of time covering my health history, first on paper, then by interviewing me and listening to what I had to say. He tested my strength, posture and mobility. He took all kinds of measurements, from head to toe. It was surprisingly thorough. I felt that he was asking questions of me and my body that would get at the root of my problems. I may not have admitted to much on paper (that callous attitude again), but my body didn't lie -- it 'fessed right up -- and Dr. Whalen took note. He even discovered my carpal tunnel syndrome, which I'd "forgotten" to mention!
What are your hobbies?
I love being outdoors and walk outside almost every day. I'd like to try more challenging terrain, and feel more equipped to do that now. I've regained flexibility and strength and just feel my balance is better. My fatigue has disappeared. I just feel like trying new things, or returning to things I used to do when I was younger.
How have you improved?
Within a few visits, I felt my whole body change. It was as if everything was coming back into alignment. My thyroid has strengthened, my weight has decreased and my posture improved. My fatigue lifted more quickly than I thought it would. Even my overall back and wrist pain has gone.
Words of Encouragement to others:
I'm seeing Dr. Whalen to maintain my improved health and well being. It's become part of my health routine, so I never again face the chorus of problems I experienced these last few years. Dr. Whalen has helped me to understand the benefits of modern chiropractic care, and to see myself as a partner in my body's health and longevity. If he can help me, I believe he can help anybody who would give chiropractic a try.
Debra N
What was your condition?
Migraines and chronic headaches.
What Steps had you taken previously to get help?
Had wisdom teeth pulled. Cut my waist length hair (thinking it might be too heavy :) Went to doctor for pain killers. Was also put on daily preventative pills..
How were you referred to Chiropractic?
Referred by my husband’s boss at the time. I cancelled my initial appointment and it was a full year before I rescheduled. Silly me.
In your words, What did Dr. Whalen Do?
Magic! X-rays showed my cervical vertebrae were curved in the wrong direction. Regular adjustments over time have changed the curve.
What are your hobbies?
Hobbies include reading, cross-stitch and crafts. Focusing on anything was difficult with a “blinding headache”. For a couple of years, I went to work (because I had to), then would go home and lie down because the pain made it difficult to do anything.
How have you improved?
Wow! I’m human again. It’s been years since I’ve had a full-blown migraine. And the few headaches are much more manageable. Dr. Whalen works wonders.
Words of Encouragement to others:
I absolutely believe in chiropractic care 100%! I was too young to be on a daily medication for the rest of my life to control headache pain.
Dan N
I had injured my neck while carrying a bundle of shingles up a ladder and missing a rung. I had difficulty in moving my neck and had pain in my shoulder.
Many years into treatment, I discussed my reaction to prolonged exposure to the sun and the itchy rash that would develop. On a vacation in Hawaii, I spent many of the afternoons covered in a towel or indoors. I would have red splotches over my arms and chest. It would itch and produce raised bumps. Most people referred to it as "sun Poisoning".
What Steps had you taken previously to get help?
I was in pain for several days. Ice and heat did little to relieve my pain, stiffness, and lack of mobility for the neck injury.
How were you referred to Chiropractic?
My wife Debra had gone to Doctor Whalen for several years for relief of migraine headaches. He was very successful in keeping her headaches away. She started telling me I should see Doctor Whalen as soon as I complained of pain and stiffness. I had visited an appointment with her when she began treatment just to see what it was about. After several days of agony I went in for an initial visit.
In your words, What did Dr. Whalen Do?
Doctor Whalen began treatment with neck and back manipulation. We did X-rays and range of motion tests. He treated me daily for several weeks tapering off to weekly visits and finally monthly maintenance. The pain had eased after several days and range of motion increased within a few weeks.
For the sun exposure, Doctor Whalen suggested a regimen of Cataplex F and Calcium Lactate. Within two weeks I was able to stay in the sun in the afternoon and within four weeks I never had sun rash symptoms again. Subsequently, we have joined the Splash Club for swimming and have vacationed in Cancun, Mexico and other warm weather locations.
How have you improved?
After a year of chiropractic treatment I began to understand how to determine my own physical changes. Little by little, I learned what it felt like to be correctly aligned. My overall feeling of well being improved. I could tell when my body needed treatment and called for extra appointments. I work out daily to relieve stress in my job as a middle school counselor. After several years, I learned about nutritional supplements relating to seasonal allergies. I learned to know when poor body function was the result of poor alignment or some external factor. A major advantage to continuing chiropractic maintenance was learning about my sun reaction and eliminating that problem with supplements. Only by knowing when the body is healthy do you understand how pain and lack of proper alignment really effect your daily living.
Words of Encouragement to others:
My wife and I have continued chiropractic treatment with Doctor Whalen for close to 25 years. Once you have experienced really good health and know what it feels like to feel good, do you begin to understand how pain and discomfort reduces your quality of life. You need to continue treatment long after your initial pain or discomfort is gone. Once you feel better, you can start to understand how you can feel really good. Doctor Whalen is very good listening to descriptions of your body and how you feel. Much of my understanding about how my body functions comes from little comments about a headache ro a "catch" in my hip. Soon I was able to identify which area of my body was affected and how it relates t my well-being. I have referred many people to Doctor Whalen. Some have begun treatment and are amazed at their better health and others continue to procrastinate, take pills, and complain of ailments. I only need monthly visits to maintain my current good health. My wife needs bi-weekly visits to maintain her good health. You will learn what is necessary fo you to not only feel better now, but feel great throughout your life. What was your condition?
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