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Dr. Jeffrey Ptak
our patients speak up
Testimonials from our patients...
» My Highest Reccomendation
» Karate Instructor Finds Even Higher Fitness Level
» Ms. Fitness USA, Sarah Harding, Speaks Out About Chiropractic
» "His practice is an oasis, a well-spring of positivity"
» I can breathe again
» 12 days since Lilly's last headache
» Healer Rather Than Chiropractor
» Spinal Fusion Surgery Avoided
» What Happens To Kids Who Never Get Adjusted?
» Lupus Healing, Spinal and Ankle Fusion Surgery Avoided
» 7 year old Autistic no more
» Life-long Nightmares, Headaches and Balance Issues Resolved
» Infertility and Breech Correction
» Great Lesson Learned
» Ear Infection Gone
» Chiropractic Did All This For Me...Imagine What It Can Do For You!!!
» Scoliosis Improves
» Hormonal Balance and More
» Spina Bifida Of the Skull
» Urinary Tract Reconstruction Avoided
» Healthier Life
» Disabled No More
» 2 Herniated Discs
» I've Learned So Much
» Regained Energy
» Euphoric
» Heading for Disc Surgery
» Chiropractic Care Helped Child's Asthma
» Asthma, allergies, ADD and more gone
» Meningitis Scare Avoided in my 3 year old
» My Horse - No more foot drag
» Attention Deficient Disorder
» I Now See Beauty In Life
» Chiro: More Than Physical
» The "Pug Adjustor"
» Depression, Insomnia, Hi Cholesterol and Hi Blood Pressure Gone
» Baby J and Seizures
» Adjustment Helped Relieve Repressed Psychological Stress
» Chronic Abdomen Pain Gone
» Hearing Restored
» Removing Subluxations Change Lives
» Life-Long Struggle with Acne Cleared
» Alleviation of Symptoms in Allergy & Crohn's Disease
» Chiropractic Student's Testimonial
» "I lost the urge to smoke"
» 4 Generations Served
» Creating A Safe & Healing Place
» Depression Lifted
» Serious Car Accident Recovery & More
» "I just herniated my lumbar disc."
» Child's Chronic Constipation Alleviated
» Sammy The Cat�s - Testimonial
» Lleyton Hewitt, Wimbledon, and Chiropractic
» Arnold Schwarzenegger& Chiropractic
» Colorado Connection
» Herniated discs and migraines healed
» Essay for child with Asperger Sydrome
» Chiropractic Inspires
» Epstein-Barr Gone....
» Child's Developmental Disorder Gone.....
» Aches and Pains Gone.....
» Seizure Disorder Gone.....
» Insomnia Gone......
» Back Pain Gone....
» Headaches Gone....
» Puppy Testimonial
» Active Lifestyle Renewed.....
» Recovery Time Improved
» Prostate Cancer Gone
» Peritonsilar Cellulitis
» Abundant Healing
» A Medical Viewpoint
» Shingles
» Learning to"Breathe" again
» Dogs have a spine to...
» Spinal Fusion
» Bodily Problems Resolved
» Pregnancy and Chiropractic
» Overall Health Better
» Mike Wolpert
» A Healthy Little Girl
» Tour de France
» Gracias
» cervix/uterine cancer free
» Feeling Better and Better
» Healthier than Ever
» A Testimonial Poem
» A letter from the Poet
» Frankie Lee's Testimonial
» Merrill
» Muscular Dystrophy Helped
» Mary Lee
» Professional Violinist plays again
» Autistic Child Helped
» Lynne Morvant
» Noe Lopez
» Fibromyalgia and Stress Syndome Alleviated
» FourGenerations Served
» Baby Demerise
» Family Member says Thank You
» 6 year old doing well
» Damaged Nerves and Necrotic Hip-HEALED !
» 3 yr old Jewel
» Roger Memos - In Gratitude
» Back Injury Healed & lots more!
» A Chron's Disease Healing
» Nickki
» 3 Children's Stories
» Ear Infections Gone.....
» Child's Eyes Uncross
» Child's Health Restored
» Surgery Avoided
» More Than Just Back Pain..Helped
» Not Just a Quick Fix
» Feeling Better than Ever
» Attention Deficit Disorder No More.....
» Chronic Bronchitis
» Letter of Recommendation
» Baby Ashley
» Positive Life Changes
» Knee Pain
» A Poem
» Throat and Tongue Spasms
» Asthma
» A sincere thank you
» Ankylosing Spondylitis
» Hercules the German Shepard
» New Staff Member Denise Medina
» Whole Family Healthier
» Sybil Hadfield
» Infertility no longer
» An Ounce of Prevention
» My herniated discs have healed
» Ditto
» Car Accident recovery and much more
» Child's Fever Gone...
» In Africa
» Healing Gems
» Barry
» Chronic Asthma
» Kate Hungerford
» Silvia
» Tamara Reynolds
» J.R.
» Illuminating the path to optimal health
» The Cornwall Family
» I understand
» One Year olds Asthma gone
» Gary G.
» My broken back has healed
» 8 yr-old's migraines gone
» Exec. Director of Internal Medicine is Drug free !
» Transformation in my daily life
» Open arms welcome
» Hanna Levinson - Do you truly Exist?
» Depressed No More
» Multiple Sclerosis at Bay
» Chiropractic & Cerebral Palsy
» A Heartfelt Day
» Chiropractic at the Olympics
» Chronic Constipation for over 20 years-Gone
» How Dr. Jeff Helped Me Be a Better Mother!
» Heather can Hear!!
The people in our lives hold up mirrors in front of us in which we can see the disowned parts of ourselves. Very often, that mirror reflects the dark places within that we choose to deny. Sometimes, and to our great fortune, someone comes into our lives who holds up a mirror of our own loving essence. Dr. Jeffrey Ptak is such a person. For each client who walks through his office doors, he is fully loving and accepting. It is my observation that Dr. Ptak sees past what is happening on the surface of the body, the surface of the body of affairs, and the surface of the personality, and instead sees straight through to the light within. This is a true gift for his clients, and is the most healing thing one can offer in my opinion. He is also known to offer up large doses of healing hugs!
Dr. Ptak is completely loyal to the Chiropractic philosophy and knows that the Spirit does the work. It is without reservation that I highly recommend this gifted healer.
Blessings,
Jo-Ellen Fico M.A.
Ptak Spinal Rehabilitation & Wellness Center 11545 West Olympic Blvd. Suite B
West Los Angeles, CA 90064
Thanks for all the advice, guidance and help. After being one of lan's karate instructors for many years, it was refreshing to find out his parents were such a great resource for improving health.
When I first came to you in August of 2007, even though my neck pain was not terribly severe, it was limiting to me as a dancer, martial arts instructor, photographer and performing artist. It was very eye-opening and refreshing to learn about the Pettibon approach that your office was providing.
I took very well to the discipline of the daily exercises. It was definitely time-consuming, but after I fully understood how the system worked in cooperation with my own diligence and re-training of my brain, I knew it was worth it to take the time and effort in making myself better and stronger.
The wobble chair had the most immediate beneficial effects and still to this day, nine months later, provides me with excellent relief from minor daily stiffness and creates a tangible sense of fluidity in my whole body. At first, the cervical traction unit seemed to not have any effect at all. But then, about two months into doing the neck stretches correctly twice a day, I experienced a surprise; startling at first. My cervical spine released and audibly decompressed. I was shocked and even a little grossed out at first. But it felt great. It took at least 50 repetitions of the recommended 60 for my neck to release each and every time I used the traction unit. Little by little, the decompression would occur at an earlier number in my repetitions. And slowly, the decompression was not just limited to the cervical spine area, but extended all the way down through the middle thoracic, and even down into the lower lumbar section. Today, the decompression "self-adjustment" occurs on the first repetition and extends down into the lumbar by only the fifth repetition. It immediately relieves any tension or mild headache I may be experiencing at the time.
The head weights took some getting used to. I remember in the beginning after only a few minutes of a mere one pound weight, it would make me feel nauseous. But like almost anything, one can adapt and get used to this very important strengthening and spine/muscle re-educational tool.
Visits to your office were always pleasant and informative. I must commend both Jeff and Patty's motivation to help people feel better. You've got a great thing going on and I hope you continue for many years to come.
Special note goes to Patty for every single time I spoke with her, even though I perceive myself to be a balanced person with good health habits, I felt like I was inspired to take even better care of myself. Without being pushy, condescending or interfering, she always seemed to enlighten me in the most encouraging and caring way; that there was room for improvement, evolution and change, and simple ways to make it happen.
Too many clumsy falls over the years caused a fair amount of compression in various parts of my spine. Falling on a door hinge on my face at age one, tripping over a speed bump and falling on concrete on my face at age 8, going over my bicycle's handlebars at age 14 landing on my face and shoulder, falling down and breaking my collarbone snowboarding at age 26, falling down a flight of stairs upside-down and backwards at age 31, (landing on the top of my head), and finally, the accident that was the straw that almost literally "broke this camel's back" was landing an unsuccessful back flip on a trampoline on the top of my head at age 34. I'm lucky I didn't paralyze or kill myself that last time. (And by looking at this extensive accident laundry list, you'd think I was just a big klutz! Not true, not true, just occasionally not as careful as I should have been doing risky and adventurous endeavors.) After the final accident, I thought I'd simply get better over time like always. Not so. After three months I still did not have full range of motion of my neck turning left, right and especially looking up. Today, thanks to your office, the Pettibon method and my own due diligence, my head and spine have a greater range of motion than I've had probably since before I was a teenager. This added flexibility shows itself especially in yoga class where I can now reach, twist and turn to greater lengths than before I started visiting your office and doing the home exercises. Another apparent improvement is the strength of my neck during certain yoga poses where I can hold my neck sideways, parallel to the floor with ease, whereas in the past, the weight of my head would cause fatigue in my neck muscles fairly quickly. I attribute this greater neck strength directly to the isometric exercises I still do on an almost daily basis. Also, I used to grow very weary in my lower back after only an hour of walking around a store,
museum or other standing event. Now, I have much greater tolerance for those types of usually fatiguing activities.
Release of my lower back created more space between my lowest rib and pelvis than I'd had in a very many years. The cervical traction, daily exercises and nightly spinal molding caused this new space. My husband and I did not have any fertility issues to my knowledge. However, I do believe that this increased space in my pelvic region contributed to the ease in which our baby was conceived. It was just after I started to notice how much more space and mobility my lower back and sacrum had gained, that we conceived. We are currently four months pregnant and keeping up with the home exercises has been beneficial in feeling good during this time for me.
Moving to New York two months ago was difficult and stressful. I miss being under your office's care and I hope I can find a comparable setting and practice here in NYC.
Thanks very much for all your help, care and generosity of your knowledge, and healing practices.
Michelle Cavanagh
Ms. Fitness USA, Sarah Harding, Speaks Out About Chiropractic
Meet Sarah Harding, Ms. Fitness USA for 2006. (She also won the event in 2004.) A chiropractic patient since she was a young child, Sarah is very outspoken about chiropractic:
"I've always believed in chiropractic care. My parents introduced my brothers and myself to chiropractic care when we were very young and it's been an instrumental part of my life. I believe that it allowed me to do gymnastics when I was very little and allowed me to stay in sports and lead a very active lifestyle. I think it's natural to have aches and pains when you bend your body in directions it wasn't necessarily meant to [be bent in], so it makes sense to go to a chiropractor to get my body back in alignment. Ever since I can remember, I've gone to a chiropractor.
"For me, whether you're a professional athlete or not � my parents aren't professional athletes and they've been to chiropractors for as long as I can remember, at least for the last 30 years and it helps them in their everyday life, it helps them in their mobility and in just feeling feeling happy � when you feel like you've got a healthy body, you're going to move more comfortably. It's going to affect your relationships and it's going to affect the work that you do, no matter what work you do, whether you're sitting at a computer or playing outside or whatever you may be doing. I strongly recommend chiropractic care for everyone; however, each person is different and requires different needs to live a healthy life.
"I'm grateful there's chiropractic care out there and that people are willing to take a different approach to avoid invasive treatment. I'm happy there is a nonsurgical treatment out there for a number of ailments or aches and pains. I guess I'm just happy that there is chiropractic care, because I do believe that's what enables me to enjoy a life of performing and a life of competing."
Sarah's confidence in chiropractic goes beyond what her parents taught her.
Her own experiences convinced her of chiropractic's importance in helping her live a healthy life:
"The biggest impact it had for me was when I was a competitive gymnast at a very young age I was dealing with a fair amount of aches and pains when I was young. I remember being 12 years old and I kind of went to the chiropractor because my parents made me, almost like going to the doctor or going to the dentist, something like your parents saying, 'Oh, you're going,' so you say 'OK, I'm going,' but you didn't necessarily understand the benefits of it.
"I was 11 or 12 years old when I started to have pain in my wrist and it got to the point where it really frightened me because I didn't know what was going on with my body. I think that's very common for people to get scared when they realize their body isn't functioning normally. It's not functioning the way it's supposed to or the way it used to. When you deal with pain, it's a lot more than a physical response; there's a lot of emotional response that goes along with it. So, as a young kid or a young adolescent, I started to get really scared and I thought, what if I can't continue gymnastics? What if? I've got this huge gymnastics meet approaching in the next week and a half. What if I can't go?
"I was supposed to travel to the mainland from Hawaii and there was a big meet in California and we went first to an orthopedic doctor, who basically prescribed rest and some anti-inflammatory. And I thought, OK, I'll do that, but it doesn't seem to be helping much. It doesn't seem to be helping as quickly as I need. Then I went to my chiropractor and he was not only doing adjustments, he was doing a lot of ice � I would soak my hand in ice for a little while just to reduce the swelling, because there was a lot of swelling going on.
"In 10 days, he was able to get my wrist mobile again, feeling healthy, and I actually was able to make it to the gymnastics meet. And I won the meet. And it was the first time I ever won a mainland meet. It was a big competition for me and it suddenly put things in perspective. I actually wanted to go to the chiropractor after that because I thought, Wow! I really felt like he could work miracles and part of it was because I began to believe in what he was doing and see the benefits. It became a personal choice for me; it was no longer my parent's decision, it was my own."
As Sarah says:
"I think it's important for chiropractors to team together and recognize that it's important for the health of the general population to recognize the benefits of chiropractic care. And I think the best way to do it is for chiropractors to team together and say, 'Hey, look. We do all sorts of different things, [so] come check out chiropractic care in your local area and find out what it can do for you.' "
"His practice is an oasis, a well-spring of positivity"
Los Angeles is crowded with every kind of healer and therapist imaginable. I know I have tried many of them. Occasionally someone emerges in their profession who exceeds all expectations. Such a person is Dr Jeffrey Ptak. His commitment and dedication to the well being of his patients is extraordinary. His practice is an oasis, a well-spring of positivity in a stress-filled city. A place where anyone can go and find solace and true rejuvenation for their body and soul. In one of the hardest periods of my life Dr Ptak appeared and stood by me as I'm sure he does for all his patients. It is an honor for me to call him my Doctor and my friend.
My eternal gratitude,
John C. Smith
May 13, 2008
I would like to start by saying that I have been truly sick for over 2 years. I live in Reno Nevada and thanks to a very dear friend I am now well and able to work as she stood for my life and had me come to Los Angeles to be cared for by this healer, chiropractor named Dr. Jeff Ptak.
For over two years I was very, very sick. I was getting worse and there were times I did not think I would make it to another day. I know how this may sound but it is the truth. I could barely breathe, I had lost my voice and was unable to talk. I was in excruciating pain all the time. I was having a good day if I could make it from my bed to the couch, from the couch to the bathroom and then back to bed. My family has taken me to every type of doctor imaginable. I was diagnosed with poisoning, viruses, parasites, heavy metals etc... but nothing we did made me better. After 2 years of agony my doctors decided to put me on anti-depressants believing that it must all be in my head since everything they did to me did not make me any better.
I was giving up. Then my dear friend Michelle Roh brought me to Los Angeles to see her healer. I crawled in with Michelle's help to Dr. Ptak's office. Dr. Ptak took me right in and spent several hours with me to find out what was wrong. I was crying, I could not breathe and I was in so much pain that I don't remember much of what went on that visit. But what I do know is that by my third visit my voice was back and I was able to walk into his office on my own power. I could slowly feel myself breathing again. To me it felt like I was taking only 2 breathes each day. By my third visit I could feel my breathing improve. I stayed in Los Angeles for 3 weeks before heading back to Reno to resume my life for the first time in 2 1/2 years. I was able to work part-time. I returned several weeks later for another 10 days and saw Dr. Ptak each day before returning to Reno. As I write this testimonial this is my fourth trip to Los Angeles since I meet Dr. Ptak not even 6 months ago. This trip I will be here for an additional 3 weeks before I take my first vacation trip to visit my son who lives in NY State. I now have hope and I improve each and every day. Ok...it has not been Disney, they have worked me hard both in the office and at home but I know I will make it If I do what I need to do and follow the program Dr. Ptak has created for me.
Dr. Ptak and his wife Patricia are the most loving and caring professionals around and they won't let you not make it.
Thank you Dr. Ptak and Pattie. Thank you Dr. Shalese and your tremendous healing team. I love you!
Nancy Stansbury
June 12, 2008
12 days since Lilly's last headache.
Dear Dr. Jeff,
We are so grateful that Lilly and I met you at the YMCA Kids Day Health Fair this past April 8th. We were celebrating my daughter Lilly's 6th Birthday that day. As she has had for the past 2 1/2 years she was experiencing another of her daily horrendous migraine headaches. This day was only slightly better as she was not vomiting as she usually does. As for myself, I have been so stressed these many years. I rarely sleep as I am in her bed each night standing guard that she will not choke when she vomits. Its been that bad. My husband and I have so longed for her to be able to enjoy even one day and especially today for her birthday party is planned for 2 o'clock. I brought her to the kid's health event in hopes of finding out something that might help her. Even as you were packing up your booth you took so much time to explain how Chiropractic might be the answer for her headaches. We had never tried Chiropractic having heard so many different stories from doctors none all that encouraging. You explained the various differences in Chiropractic and you explained exactly how a Pettibon adjustment works. I become so excited I wanted you to take care of us right there. Well you were so gracious to discuss our situation with the YMCA staff getting them to allows us to use a private room so you could evaluate us both. Well nothing short of a miracle occurred. Lilly's headache stopped immediately. I felt so much relief I could not stop crying I felt such joy. Well its now been 12 days since Lilly's last headache. You showed us her x-rays how unstable her neck was and how her skull had shifted because of this ligament instability. We are all so excited and encouraged by the Pettibon work and the marvelous way you are with her.
April Seller
Healer Rather Than Chiropractor
Hi guys.
I hope that you can open the attachment! The x-rays shown about halfway down the article are MINE! Look what I can do!!! (...a little "Mad TV" humor as practiced by Bree...)
I am pretty blissed out by the work I've done with this gifted chiropractor. I guess I was just more willing to accept the prejudice frequently incurred by the word "chiropractor" than I was by using the word "healer." This person's attitude is that of a healer...a person who knows your wellness deep in his core and can guide his patient to it! For the first time I understand the true medical meaning of the title "Patient." The healing process is self-induced and requires great patience. One must keep believing in one's own wellness long before there is any evidence of it. Especially if one is in pain or has contrary evidence, one must be patient!
It is said that any journey is 99% complete before one has "evidence" of its completion. We have faith that I-5 will take us to LA if we follow it south from Sacramento for long enough. In that case, of course, we also have a map that says it will be so, even though the signs along the road only "promise" it. In healing, we must have faith every step of the journey because there is no map, only faith and a knowing (or not) of our own innate well-being! It is in the knowing that we re-connect with our well-being. The healer is just a coach, a professional guide, an expert in the journey, and we are the patient ones.
So, anyway, thanks for letting me share my joy! And thanks, Jeff, for coaching and guiding me along the way...and encouraging my best patience!
Respectfully, Paul Maher
Dear Dr. Ptak,
I have promised you for some time that I would share my experience with you and your practice. First I am so grateful to my friends Sharon and Debra who never gave up on me and supported me initially to come to your office and then kept me going even when I was ready to give up. Its been one year to the day since they and Dr. Grant from Newport Beach referred me to your practice.
As you may remember I was placed on total disability by 2 of the orthopedic surgeons and 2 neurosurgeons that I had been treating with for 2 years prior to coming to your office. Yes they all finally recommended lumbar fusion and cervical fusion surgery for the herniated discs I had as a result of a serious accident. This injury nearly destroyed my family. I was unable to be a good wife and mother for my kids. We lost a new business that my husband and I had invested money into. When I tell all of you that I was consumed with medical care, acupuncture, massage, drugs, therapies of every kind every single day for 2 years I am not kidding; I was living everyone's worst nightmare.
My friend Sharon kept encouraging me to come and see her Chiropractor who had helped her and her kids out of some very difficult behavioral and health issues. My friend Debra, whose family has been under care with you for some time talked about you frequently, begging me most days to please let her bring me to you. For some reason I just kept telling them both I am seeing the best doctors in the best hospital anywhere, what more could be done then what they were already doing?
I guess it wasn't until I had 7 doctors, myself and my husband sitting in a room together at UCLA one day and one by one each doctor and therapist told me they had done all they could and it was now time to prepare for surgery. Well that day something must of clicked in my brain. That Saturday I meet Dr. Grant and that Monday I was in your office. Well with both of your encouragements and the support of your entire team I signed on for one year of care. I was determined to get my life back. The new seated stress x-rays you took clearly demonstrated why my spine was unstable and why all the therapies that were being done to me were not working. You and Patricia took so much time explaining my condition to my family and me. Dr. Shalese took so much time going over and over all of my rehab protocols.
After my first visit, seeing and listening to your rehab protocols and knowing first hand how uniquely different your spinal program was from everything I had been doing, I was ready. The warmth and caring coming from you, Patricia, Dr. Shalese and the ladies at the front desk made me realize that I was in the right place. So I started seeing you twice a day, every day. For that I am eternally grateful. And now here we are one year later and I cannot thank you all enough for what you have meant to myself and my family. I am pain free. You got me back to work 6 months before my disability was to run out WITHOUT SURGERY. My kids have their mom and my husband has his wife back.
My family and I are forever grateful for your dedication and commitment to us and to all of your patients. I have never met a doctor or a staff who somehow only sees the good that lives inside each one of us. Thanks for reconnecting our family to the dormant greatness we have within. Yes we have signed on for year number 2 as we now look forward to living our true health potential.
Forever grateful,
Aida Talbot
What Happens To Kids Who Never Get Adjusted?
A few years back, I was adjusting a family who had been under care for several years. This family consisted of a dad, mom and three kids. Prior to receiving care, all three kids had been dealing with recurrent ear infections and bad behavior. The oldest, Angelina, had also been labeled as �developmentally delayed� because she had �learning disabilities.�
As I worked on the kids this day, Suzie, their Mom, was marveling at how their lives had changed with chiropractic care. There had been no ear infections at all. In fact, there had not even been any colds for more than a year now. Angelina, now in third grade, was not only free of her so-called �disability,� she was one of the top students in her class!
As Suzie testified to me about these miraculous changes, she asked me a question I had never been asked before. She asked, �Dr. Ptak, what happens to kids who never get adjusted?�
I answered her in the following way. �Well, some kids have a lifetime of recurrent illnesses, much like you and your kids were experiencing prior to coming in for care. But most of them�they are just average kids.� She looked at me with wonder on her face as I said this, and she followed up with another question, �I don�t understand! Are you saying that most kids don�t need chiropractic care?�
�NO!� I replied, �Not at all! Here is what I mean by that. There is nothing wrong with a child being average�if that is her potential! But, what if that�s NOT her potential? What if she was meant to be something much more than average? Even if she is meant to be what we call average, she will not even reach that level if her brain and body can�t communicate effectively with each other.�
The only way for your children to reach their potential in life is to have nerve systems that are free from interference so that they can adapt to all of the physical, chemical and mental stresses they encounter each day. That way, their energy can be used to access higher levels of creative thought instead of just trying to get through the day. In other words, they have the best possible chance of reaching their full potential in life!
She looked at me and began to get tears in her eyes as she realized fully for the first time, just how important their chiropractic care had been, especially to Angelina.
Too often, we back down from telling our friends and families the importance of having the whole family adjusted regularly. I know it can seem hard to bring this up, especially when the kids are asymptomatic, but we cannot make this mistake! Everyone needs to be adjusted, EVERYONE! It is the only way for society as a whole to grow and move forward into the next phase of our evolution.
Tell your family, friends and co-workers the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Tell them about the miracle of perfection that exists in each and every one of us. Then, introduce them to our office so that they can begin getting adjusted and the awesome Power that made us can resume expressing Itself maximally in them and in the world! That way, even when people are �average,� it will be a totally different experience than what being average is today.
Wishing You And Yours A Miraculous Life,
Dr. Jeff
Lupus Healing, Spinal and Ankle Fusion Surgery Avoided
Dear Dr. Jeff,
I have been under your care for 7 months now. I originally came because of 2 herniated discs in my neck. I was in horrible pain and unable to use my arm because of it. This condition was complicated by advanced arthritis in my neck and spinal stenosis in my neck. My neurologist and several orthopedic surgeons recommended spinal fusion surgery and told me that would heal my problem. Well the thought of no less then a 7 hour surgery terrified me. My friend Lisa who had been seeing you for her abdominal pain issues kept telling me to please come and see you. Finally I did and it was the best decision I have ever made. With you care and kindness and the support of your great team, Dr. Shalese, your wife Patricia and the angels at the front desk you have all help me thru the darkest time in my life. Not only have you helped me with my neck but I suffered from Lupus a debeilitating autoimmune disease which has kept me disabled from nursing for the past 10 years. I have been on 12 medications a day multiple times per day. Thru your care I have been able to reduce my Lupus drugs in half and I no longer need my pain pills, cholesterol pills, my anti-inflammatory pills and the stomach pills (that I had to take because of the rest). I am completely off my steroids. My kidney and liver function tests have improved. And if this was not enough you have also helped me avoid ankle fusion surgery from my accident that tore my ankle 13 months ago. I was told that ankle fusion surgery was my only hope by my foot orthopedist, several podiatrists and my physical therapist. But again thru your unique rehabilitation program my ankle is no longer in a cast, boot, ankle brace or splint and I am back to 90 % function. My medical doctors are all amazed at what we have accomplished. I know my Lupus Support Group members that you just spoke to his past Wednesday will be coming to see you and begin care soon. You are all my guardian angels and I am so blessed to have been guided to your office.
In Gratitude,
Sidney Cetner
Life-long Nightmares, Headaches and Balance Issues Resolved
Dear Dr. Ptak,
All of my life I've experienced nightmares and frequent headaches. These disturbances often left me drained each morning as I started my day, and the headaches in particular would pop up during my working hours which placed a tremendous amount of strain on me. I was also recently experiencing problems with my equilibrium and balance which would cause me to feel faint at times. All of that changed when I started going to Ptak Chiropractic. Through chiropractic care and a recommended dietary and exercise regimen, Dr. Ptak and his staff have helped me alleviate these psychological troubles which appear to have stemmed from spinal alignments that were out of sync and an improper diet. Because of this, I highly recommend Ptak Chiropractic that goes beyond just �cracking your back;� they provide you with a holistic health care system.
James Bettis Jr.
Infertility and Breech Correction
Dear Dr. Jeff,
Well OK. I can no longer hold back from sharing my experience with you and Chiropractic. My husband and I have attempted to get pregnant for years now. We have investigated the medical route but were not given much hope. We thought of hiring a surrogate but that just did not seem to be how we wanted to create our family. Adoption crossed our minds but again I suppose I was holding out hope that one day I would become pregnant. But after nearly 10 years and my biological clock ticking away my husband and I had resigned ourselves to the simple truth that God did not have a pregnancy in store for us.
Well as faith would have it some friends had been going to see Dr. Jeff Ptak, a Chiropractic in West Los Angeles. My friend had met several couples in his office who she swore became pregnant while under Chiropractic care. Well since I was sure Chiropractic was less then a science, and my friend was a bit eccentric I wrote it off. Well shortly after that I hurt my back so I broke down and went to see Dr. Jeff.
During my initial evaluation Patricia and then Dr. Jeff spent quite a bit of time educating me on what Chiropractic was all about. By the time Pattie went thru her initial consultation with me I had a pretty good idea what Chiropractic was about and what might be the cause for my pain. After Dr. Jeff evaluated me he asked me a question that I did not expect. " What else is going on with you that you did not write down on your intake form? " I asked him what he meant and he stated that he knew I had another issue that brought me here but he was not certain what that was. Well I thought that was a bit over the top but I shared with him my infertility story. Well then he really went over the top and discussed how Chiropractic has assisted couples in getting pregnant where others options had failed. He said that he believed that I was a good candidate based on the medical history I shared. Dr. Jeff recommended that for best results my husband should also be under care but I shared with Dr. Jeff that my husband sees another Chiropractor, has been seeing him for about 10 years but goes only when he has pain. Dr. Jeff left it at that but was very enthusiastic that he could assist me with my back pain and had a good feeling about my becoming pregnant. I signed on for a 6 month program.
Well all I can say is I am now 3 weeks away from my due date. I am only now beginning to become aware that I am truly pregnant I am still in a state of shock. I still cannot believe that my pregnancy came as a result of my Chiropractic care. No doubt had I gone to my husband's Chiropractor for my back pain some 13 months ago I would not be about to experience the most magical moment of my life. To add to my amazement and why I am motivated to share this testimonial with all of you now is this. At 32 weeks my birth doctor told me that my son was in a breech position. She explained to me what procedure she would like to attempt and if that did not work I was looking a a C-section. Well part of me was excited about a C-section as I was not at all looking forward to having labor. I shared with Dr. Jeff what my medical doctor had recommended and he then shared with me a technique that he uses in situations like this called The Webster Technique. This is a technique developed by a Pediatric Chiropractor that is successful 80 - 90 % of the time in turning breech kids around. Dr. Jeff said he is successful about 85 % of the time and he asked me to commit to 10 - 12 visits over the next 4 weeks. I had been going every 7 - 10 days thru my pregnancy so I knew this would be a stretch for me. Well I said lets do it. Day 1 my baby moved to a transverse lie position. I was getting excited. Day 2 no change. I made an appointment with an acupuncturist who another friend said I should go see. They would burn Moxa on the toe of my unborn child and that can have the effect of hav ing a baby turn as they move away from the heat. First I went back for Day 3. Both Dr. Jeff and I could feel my pelvi c ligaments loosen and we both had a good feeling. Within a few hours my baby turned.
I am so grateful for Dr Jeff and his team of extraordinarily wonderful women who have supported me thru my process. I urge everyone to seek out Dr. Jeff and his wife' Patricia's health wisdom. I am so looking forward to my natural, drug-free birth. I will be having my baby in a hospital, sorry Dr. Jeff but 2 out of three just isn't bad and naturally you are welcome to be at our birth . I cannot wait to have you check my son's spine and empower him the way you have empowered my family and me and the countless people I have met in your office. Thank you for making the impossible possible for me and my family. I am about to live my dream. God Bless you , your family and your great Chiropractic team.
Gennie G.
Great Lesson Learned
Hey Dr. Jeff
I just read your newsletter and it made me think about one of my children who was diagnosed with ADD (not ADHD) and put on stimulants. His private school had given me an ultimatum. We are talking many years ago - early 90's, but they had been threatening me and his pediatrician encouraged me to be more holistic by changing his diet, using herbal medications whenever possible, etc. (but never suggested chiropractic). I read and read and made changes, which may have lead me to becoming a dietitian, but his behavior was still unacceptable to his school. Finally, after years of trying different things and crying myself to sleep many nights, I relented and put him on meds. The first one was dreadful, but the Ritalin seemed to work....looking back, I realize it really changed his whole personality. The school was delighted - but he was like a little cupcake sitting there - "great behavior."
My son would tell me when he'd go to the nurse at lunchtime to get his second dose there was such a long line that he didn't have time to eat before class started again. After some questions, this made me realize that more than half the kids were taking meds. The school was medicating testosterone!!!! Probably 95% of the kids taking meds were rambunctious little boys!
My son felt terrible on the medication - one thing we never considered or realized was an option was chiropractic care. Even after we learned he had a serious case of scoliosis, no one ever recommended chiropractic. Now that I see how much better I feel with my weekly visits, I realize this may have been a huge part of my son's behavior problems because his brain was not being oxygenated properly. As it turns out, his back began changing at a rapid pace during puberty to a potentially dangerous stage. He wore a back brace for over a year and ultimately needed surgery!
A month before surgery he stopped taking his medication - once healed he begged not to go back on it. He was older now and we decided to see how he would do concentrating...the behavior was fine. I also didn't like the idea of medicating for A's. Well, he is doing just great at school, making honor roll most of the time, with very little studying, actually (not that I approve). Now that his spine is straight I believe his brain is being nourished. I wish he didn't have to go through that surgery - it was torturous to him and to us (his parents).
I know I'm going on and on, but I always read your newsletters and can most often relate to something on a very personal level. I know you remember how scared and skeptical I was when I first came into your office, but I truly wish we had been introduced many years ago. Thank you!
Dorothy B.
Ear Infection Gone
Just to report back, right after we left your office on the way to pick up something for Madeline's potential ear infection, she said her ear didn't hurt anymore. I thought she might be trying to avoid what she thought might be "medicine", having overheard us talking. Afterall, she'd been crying on and off during the trip to your office and she's usually a trooper when she's under the weather. But she was fine. Good as gold. Back to normal. Hearing her laugh and sing rather than sob on the way home, moments after leaving your office, was such a welcome relief.
You're not just any chiropractor, that's for sure.
Love you.
Patti Larson
Chiropractic Did All This For Me...Imagine What It Can Do For You!!!
I have always been quite active and occasionally have gotten carried away with myself; at work, the gym, playing hard. On those occasions in my life I have found myself in need of chiropractic adjustment. Until I found Dr. Jeff and The Chiropractic Life Center I never knew just how much better my health and well being could be with regular treatments for my recurring subluxations. I found Dr. Jeff through my insurance provider. I was looking for someone close to home and somewhere that I would feel welcome and comfortable. I found just that at Ptak Chiropractic. I was suffering from debilitating headaches and sciatica, on both sides. I have a problem with my hips not staying straight and it puts me on a tilt when walking and sitting throwing my whole spine out of kilter. I finally decided to get some attention for it and now am 100% better. I have had long term health issues, heart problems and HIV. I believe that regular adjustments have been keeping me alive. I have been HIV+ for 17 years as of the writing of this testimonial. I recently had to go off of all of my medication due to a problem with one of them. It caused me to develop severe gastrointestinal problems and I could not digest anything well. I went down to 50 T-Cells, normal is 800 - 1200, and I thought it was the end for me. My HIV doctors could not fathom why my virus was not multiplying. My viral load was almost non-detectable. Even though, the doctors did not hold out much hope for my survival. There were five other patients like me and they were failing fast. The only thing I was doing that they were NOT..... I was getting regular adjustments at Ptak Chiropractic 3 times a week to keep my body working at maximum efficiency with what it had left to work with! My life has vastly improved since starting treatments with Dr. Jeff. I was pretty much house bound most of the time with headaches, muscle spasms and shooting pains down my legs. I was taking pain killers every day just to be able to get around. I have not needed the pain medication for months now. If regular chiropractic adjustments could keep me alive, pain free and healthy ... just think what it could do for you! Everyone can benefit from chiropractic, especially your children. Who plays harder than they do?? They are always falling down and banging themselves up. How many weeks do you work way too hard and wish for the back ache or headache to just go away for even 5 minutes??? Pain relief is just a phone call away to your friendly neighborhood chiropractor!
In Gratitude,
Gene P.
4TH grade was when I found out that I had developed Scoliosis. This meant that my spine was not straight and if I did not do something about it then it would only get worse. For several years my parents and I longed to find something that could help treat my Scoliosis. Well that answer came just in time. After a few years of physical body-building exercises and body braces, my dad took me to a Chiropractor when I was in 7th grade. This wasn't just any old Chiropractor, this was Ptak. When I came back in the summer to begin my Chiropractic program I was surprised by one thing, no not by how much Dr. Ptak and Dr. Shalese smiled but by how well they worked with their patients. During my every-other day check-ups I would wear a certain amount of weights, get adjusted, do propioceptive balancing exercises and use my home rehab kit daily. Over a period of time I excelled in these exercises. I went from wearing 1 weight at one pound on my head to wearing 8 weights and know I have gone from the small fulcrum exercises to the large ones. Just by going to Ptak Chiropractic and following Dr. Ptak's program I can feel and see the change in my body. First of all my body has become stronger and more relaxed because of the adjustments and the weights. When I first heard that I had Scoliosis I thought that I would never get better and would have to have a very painful surgery. But now I say " Never Say Never." I am so grateful to have my parents take me to Dr. Ptak. We live in Long Beach and it truly has been a family effort.
-ABIMBOLA DAVIES
Hormonal Balance and More
When my friend first recommended that I go see Dr. Ptak I was very skeptical because it made no sense to me how a chiropractor could help with my symptoms. My symptoms had nothing to do with my back and it just seemed like another dead end. My friend had chronic health problems, surgeries and had also seen every kind of doctor on the planet and was starting to see some results from her treatments with Dr. Ptak but to be honest the whole idea exhausted me. Basically everything exhausted me. That was a big part of the problem. I was so burnt out and no amount of fuel was helping my engine to run. I have a very stressful job where I travel a lot and overall I have lived life a little on the edge. I have learned over time how to take better care of myself with diet, exercise and spiritual practice but there was a lot of healing that still needed to be done.
I'm currently 41 and when I turned 35 I started having menopausal symptoms. I had no idea what was going on but it was pretty severe. I went to many doctors and was eventually diagnosed with premature ovarian failure also known as premature menopause but had been told before the final diagnosis that I had thyroid problems, possibly a pituitary tumor, Chronic Fatigue, Epstein Barr and a host of other things. What I later come to understand was that my entire endocrine system (hormones, adrenals, etc.) were shutting down. The way I was running myself made it impossible for me to recharge. I had massive sleep deprivation because of the night sweats and struggled with depression, hot flashes, weight gain, digestion problems and terrible mood swings. I was basically told I could not have children and to go on hormone replacement therapy and antidepressants. Thank God for instincts because that just didn't feel right to me. I did seek alternative treatments through acupuncture and holistic medicine and that helped a lot but was not consistent.
Fast forward 6 years when later when I walked into Dr. Ptak's office I was literally the walking dead! I was beyond miserable! I had also had chronic back problems since I was a teenager but that always took a back seat to all the other stuff that was going on with me. Dr. Ptak was very confident that he could help me and I was not confident at all. I listened and read all the literature but it still made no sense to me but once again my instincts told me to try it. I made an effort to better understand how the central nervous system works and started making correlations between my symptoms and where some of my past injuries had been. I had so much lower back stuff that directly related to my digestion and many other issues that blocked my system from working as it needed to. I was lucky enough to have the summer off when I started my treatment and Dr. Ptak really helped me to understand how necessary it was for me to pull the plug and just heal. Our society really doesn't support extended down time and I struggled with this but I really had no choice. Healing is not about a long weekend. In the condition I was in I needed the summer and longer. At the risk of being dramatic I am convinced that I would have died at a very young age had I not found Dr. Ptak. I devoted myself to healing and I kicked and screamed and probably drove him nuts but I trusted him and took a leap of faith hoping there would be a net to catch me.
Dr. Ptak and his staff are deeply devoted to helping people to heal. You will never find another doctor's office like this one. You will always be treated kindly, with respect and you will be empowered to also learn how to heal yourself. They are really there for you. Dr. Ptak is a very gifted healer and has innate sense about what is best for you. His focus is on life long wellness and how you can live the life you were meant to live. It's not about getting over a symptom but getting to the core and healing it! This is both physical and emotional! I have cried many times with him and it's okay! It's good! He never allows you to focus on the negative, only on getting WELL! He knows you don't feel well but that isn't important.
He doesn't give you the time to rattle off your laundry list of complaints, he wants you to focus on being well. He always asks "how well are you?" This used to annoy me but once I made the shift it was miraculous. It used to annoy me that he is always so happy and wanted to hug everyone. It was so odd and over the top but once I surrendered to it I found myself looking forward to it, needing it and being so grateful for it. When have you been able to go to a doctor's office and be greeted with laughs, smiles, good music and a hug? His happiness and spiritual depth is infectious and it has changed me on many levels. He not only wants me to be well but KNOWS I will be well. In fact I am well. I won't lie, it was a tough summer and I'm still healing but I'm doing great. I was in bad shape and I have a ways to go to be where I want to be but I see the light and I am very clear about what I need to do. I have decided to leave my stressful job and continue to create more balance in my life so I can get good sleep, maintain my friendships, deepen my spiritual practice and of course continue my treatments with Dr. Ptak. My menopausal symptoms are pretty much gone, I sleep better, I've lost weight, digestion is so much better and my energy level (when I'm not flying around the world) is very high. I'm on supplements that really work and have helped me to maximize my healing. Patty (Jeff's wife) is extremely knowledgeable and helpful with nutrition and supplements and they will work with you no matter what the issue is. It's one stop shopping!
This may be the longest testimonial ever but I really can't say enough. I am a different person than I was 7 months ago. I have hope and a vision of a life with good health. I understand my body better and love my body enough to take better care of it. That's the beauty if Dr. Ptak, he not only takes good care of you but teaches you and inspires you to take better care of yourself. It's a team effort.
My reality is that I may still have gone through early menopause for a variety of reasons that I will never know but I have my health back and I can enjoy my life and handle the emotions that come with this transition because I have hope. Whatever you are dealing with Dr. Ptak can help and you will never be the same.
I know I found Ptak Chiropractic because it was part of my destiny, I hope you will make it part of yours.
With Deep Respect & Gratitude
Julie Mermelstein
David was born with Spina Bifida of the skull. Born with his brain exposed-His aunt, a chiropractor, called me and asked if I would go to the hospital to adjust him as they only gave him 2 days to live.
Without hesitancy, I went and adjusted his atlas. 2 days went by, 2 weeks went by, 2 months went by (he was being adjusted 3x per week), they said, " Take him home..Let him die at home." I kept adjusting him 3x per week and each day his brain slowly went back into the cranium and he was able to have a plate put on the rear of his skull. 7 1/2 years later Baby David is alive with only eye problems as he can only see from the top of his eyes (head is flexed and he looks through the top of his eyes).
His adjustment was only on the right side as that was the only way his head could turn. Innate knows best. Where there is life, there is hope. Chiropractic always increases life when the interference is removed. When you don`t treat the symptoms of the disease - Chiropractic delivered correctly will enhance and accelerate life.
Sincerely,
Ernie Landi,
Chiropractor - NY
Urinary Tract Reconstruction Avoided
I 'd like a moment to share with you a miraculous change in my life.
I had lower back pain along with uncontrollable bladder functions. As the pain increased, the lack of bladder control also got progressively worse. As a twenty-six year old woman, this is very embracing.
I went to one of those many advertised health care clinics. I was told that I would have to undergo a complete reconstruction of my urinary tract. For the pain they gave me an arthritic medication.
A relative introduced me to Chiropractic and Dr. La Rocca. It was then that my ailment was properly diagnosed. I had a slight curvature of my lower spine. Pinched nerves in my spine were inflicting my ailment.
After a few adjustments, I regained complete self-control and function of my bladder.
No operation and no unnecessary medications.
Also I discovered that the sight in my right eye had returned. Years ago, twelve to be exact, I was told that I had an eye disease and the diagnosis was eventually blindness. I believed this and failed to mention this to Dr. La Rocca.
During my treatments through a magnificent occurrence my sight was completely restored. I no longer have a restricted driver's license. I passed the vision test with 100% accuracy.
Healthy and healed by the gracious healing "with the hands" of the Chiropractor.
Sheryl K.
For a few years now I've always been learning about ways to optimize health. My family has a history of everything imaginable--diabetes, heart disease, glaucoma, high blood pressure, the list goes on. Being 30 now, I know that I have to take special care of myself in order to fend off these possibilities.
When a close and trusted friend related her experience with chiropractic, I knew I had to see for myself. I had heard a lot about chiropractic and wanted to make my own conclusions about its effectiveness----most of what I heard to that point was negative. My older brother, an M.D., thought chiropractics were loonies.
When I came in to your office, I immediately sensed the loving, warm spirit and presence. Maybe it was the smiles of all the beautiful ladies, or the burning incense, or the zen sand garden, or the Japanese script on the walls of the waiting room, whatever it was, I could feel it. Even the dogs and birds coming in for an adjustment seemed to feel right at home.
I'm still not sure exactly how chiropractic works. But I understand enough about the philosophy driving chiropractic, and after getting adjusted, my health and life condition have improved tremendously...it's hard to explain in words. I guess one way to describe it is, simply put, you feel better. I have more energy, my posture has improved a million times over, I walk taller and my confidence has improved. I feel healthy. And I know I can get even healthier.
-Alok G.
Disabled No More - RB's testimonial
Before I walked into Dr. Ptak�s office I had been to many physicians, a surgeon, physical therapists, psychotherapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, a yoga teacher, and a naturopath. I have felt less than 100% since I was a teenager. Over the years, my health got progressively worse as my ability to handle the stress of daily life diminished. After back surgery that made my pain worse, and physical therapy and cortisone injections that gave me no relief, I became hopeless. I had been poked and prodded by doctors and told nothing was wrong for so long. Meanwhile, I had less and less energy and more pain as time went on.
Since then I have refined my diet and lifestyle as a result of a consistent yoga practice over the past six years. I stopped smoking tobacco and pot and drinking alcohol and coffee. I even gave up sugar and wheat (at least 95% of the time- nobody�s perfect!) Yet my physical health continued to deteriorate. I tried to work full-time but was always exhausted and my body just gave out. I developed pain in my arms and hands that made it impossible to work and very difficult to manage the tasks of daily life.
I received medical treatment for my arms and hands through workers� compensation for a year. I was not getting better. The doctor told me the insurance company would not pay him any longer, and therefore he had to determine that my condition was �permanent and stationary�. This meant that he was releasing me from his care no better off than when I started and without further treatment options.
I was scared, but I had faith that this ending was the opportunity for a new beginning. Then a friend brought me to meet Dr. Ptak. I, of course, was skeptical after having been to 3 other chiropractors and numerous others whom I had hoped would heal me but did not.
When the doctor looked me over and told me all of the ways in which my muscular-skeletal system was out of alignment I burst into tears. My friend thought that he had scared me, but they were tears of immense relief. I felt that I had finally found the healer I�d been searching for all these years. He saw how much trouble I was in. He saw through a logical, mathematical system all of my pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and brain fog.
Within a week of seeing Dr. Ptak my body began an intense healing process that was clear as day to me. I experienced the symptoms of detoxification. I felt huge amounts of energy released with each adjustment. Deep-rooted anger that I had been working very hard to let go of finally literally left my body. My mom put it best. She said that my voice sounded �20 pounds lighter�.
Through all that I�ve been through I�ve learned how much my body, mind, and spirit are connected. I had made a lot of progress in healing my mind and spirit before I met Dr. Ptak. However, I still had a lot of anxiety and anger because my nervous system was so tweaked. Thanks to Dr. Ptak I am sleeping better, I am energetic, I am calmer throughout the day, and I am finally in a place of forgiveness with the people that I love. All this in 2 weeks! I am again daring to envision a full, productive life surrounded by family and friends in which I can work hard and play harder.
Ruth B.
Here is the experience I promised:
Over 30 years ago I herniated 2 discs in my lumbar area as a result of very heavy lifting work carried out over several weeks. In the years that followed, I suffered frequently recurring chronic back pain. It was always triggered by lifting something, whereupon my back would spasm, and I would be doubled over, unable to stand straight. I pursued a variety of approaches, treatment from a top orthopedic surgeon in London, osteopathy, and then chiropractic. Chiropractic generally alleviated the pain, however, in the last 2 years, treatment stopped being effective, and I was in constant pain to the extent that I dreaded going to bed at night knowing I would not be able to sleep. I became a candidate for spinal surgery. An MRI revealed the extent of the damage to my lumbar vertebrae, but I was absolutely repelled by the prospect of surgery. My reality was that I was unable to run or jog and even walking was painful.
I had known about Dr. Jeff but had resisted seeing him, feeling somewhat skeptical about his approach which required daily attendance, at least initially. I overcame my reluctance and started with Jeff in this year. Within a month, I experienced greatly increased mobility, and within another month I became, for the first time in years, pain free. For the first time in a long time I was actually able to run and I began to delight in my growing freedom of movement. I have continued to become stronger and stronger and am now able to lift heavy things without instantly becoming convulsed with spasm. There is no doubt that I have improved beyond anything I could have imagined, and it just gets better and better. In addition, I have always suffered from Migraine headaches with bouts occurring almost monthly. I have had no Migraine symptoms for at least 5 months.
I am so full of appreciation to have encountered chiropractic as practiced by the irrepressible and ebullient Dr Jeff.
Much love,
Ariel Levy
So since it's our one year anniversary since beginning my care I've thought about the year and how we've grown together. I've learned so much from you, it makes me cry with such gratitude. You were not only enlightening, but such a fun, optimistic, encouraging, person
to be around. You're one of those few people that I've met in my lifetime, who is not only special with charm and personality, but has an abundance of knowledge on how to live a healthy, joyful and loving life. They're hard to find. Your encouragement to keep on, keepin on, in times of trouble was very heart warming and greatly appreciated. And the sincerity of wanting the best for everyone really shines through. You really work WAY beyond the norm for everyone. Your energy is remarkable. Truly, a person who practices what he preaches.
I feel I've changed drastically, not only from the adjustments, but from all the information, you supply so generously to your patients. You are pretty amazing Jeff. Not many like you. So lucky to have fallen into the office that day, like I said a year ago. Love to keep learning. Ready for round two. Excited to be the person you always talk about I can be. Thank you so much.
LKTT
Hi Folks
Just thought I'd share.
I had received care from Dr. Jeff for 3 years, three years ago. I felt great and had a lot of energy. My burgeoning business began to take more and more of my time until alas...I had no time for me. I was in front of the computer for most of the day and was otherwise on the telephone. I worked 10-12 hour days consistently
I stopped receiving Chiropractic care and became exceedingly fatigued. Within 6 months of stopping treatments I felt my health decline rapidly. I developed a thyroid imbalance and a fibroid mass on my uterus. I had to begin weekly shots of vitamin B and take perspiration vitamin D weekly. I was totally worn out and began to look like a different person. I gained a lot of weight and no matter how many vitamins I was taking I felt like I was barely making it through the day. That lasted for two years
Finally I decided to go back to chiropractic and Dr. Jeff. I can honestly say that within the first hour after my first adjustment I began to feel like myself again. I began to remember how good I used to feel. I've now been going to him for a week and feel at least 75% better. I'm looking forward to "remembering who I am" with his help. I've had enough energy to exercise and have already dropped a couple of pounds.
I am ready for my thyroid to function again at 100%. I am ready to heal my fibroid.
Sincerely,
BF
I have been sitting here at my computer wondering and contemplating on how to start out this email!
I have put off writing to you because I have just felt such an overwhelming sense of relief after each adjustment that any rehashing of why I am in need of your healing hands simply just let's out the air in my euphoric balloon!
Life has been quite the ride for me, as I think you noticed when you first adjusted me . . . that was my "first" and I'm still talking about it with my closest friends! I want to say being adjusted for the first time was as emotionally charged as the first time was actually able to meditate.
However, the adjustment was more powerful . . . There was certainly an overwhelming feeling that left me beside myself - that left me truly speechless. It felt as if God's hands were on me for just a moment, and I was finally able to breath freely as all the heartaches, disappointments, and sadness were all lifted from my body and finally let go.
It felt unbelievable when you adjusted my subluxations - it was like years and year of smothered emotions that I have been unable to express or face were all finally set free for just a moment - and if I had not been lying down I probably would have collapsed to my knee's! And in fact, as soon as I got home, I locked myself in the bedroom with my journal, and a box of tissues and just let it all out.
I certainly feel better, and have more energy on a day-to-day basis. This is going to sound funny, but even walking and hiking were becoming bothersome as I always felt a tightness in my back between the bottom of my shoulder blades - here I was thinking that my breasts were getting too big and heavy, and now starting to bother my back! Ok, that was really personal, but I'm telling you what I was thinking! So seriously, I thought that was the reason, but I also knew that that spot in my back was also the same spot where I would beg my brother, or my boyfriend at the time, to bear-hug me to crack it. My mouth fell open when I looked at your chart on the wall and low and behold, it's the part of the spine that is connected to the stomach.
I have always known that my stomach problems have always been stressed related, and when I say "stress," that would be emotional stress, because work stress is much different from the emotional stress that I have been through. Emotionally, I have been put through the ringer.
I don't know if you believe in any of the astrology stuff, but I am a Caner. If you don't know anything about astrology, then Cancer's are the epitome of an emotional being. I am empathetic, extremely sensitive and loyal. We're just like our sign the crab - hard on the outside and soft on the inside. But enough about that!
So, I just wanted to touch base with you and tell you how thankful that I have found you! I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason. We walk into each other's lives to learn from one another or experience something that we can grow from. And it's obvious now why I went to the seminar with Mary that Tuesday night at your office!
I will write again soon as I have so much to say, I didn't even mention the sensations I have been feeling through the base of my skull, eardrums and jaw . . . but I find that I am tripping over my words and unable to make sense of them at this time!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, . . . Thank you for coming into my life - you have great timing! This new chapter I have started, the one I started when I moved out here in September, would be a special one!
Kiss, kiss, Carrie
Dearest Dr. Jeff,
So yes, just wanted to thank you again, Carrie really needed it too or she could have ended up like me. I feel like I am investing into my life now, like you said the other night, to bring out the people we really are and can be. You are relieving a ton of stress from both of us right now, and for me, to have this be the first day I could turn my head without mild to excruciating pain..well, I was a believer before I even met you in person, but now I really am. And again as you said, I am trying to VISUALIZE THE CURVE, SEE THE CURVE, FEEL THE CURVE!! No pain killers this week, no anti depressants, no allergy medicine, (only 2 advil cuz I did come down with a bit of a headache a little bit ago) just my vitamins and calcium, which brings me to some questions as I lay here with my new cushy cervical pillow.
It runs on my Mother's side of the family, Osteoporosis in the women. My Grandmother had it, my Mother now has it. I started thinking about this last night, I saw my Mother for the first time in 15 years this past Christmas, and she had shrunk considerably. Before this flared up I was doing Yoga regularly and always have gone to the gym and hoped that was strengthing my back to try to avoid being a victim of the Osteo as I age..this may be a stupid question, but, will my new life Chiropractic plan help me avoid this happening to me?
Do you think it is safe for me to start doing some light Cardio? I am dying to start exercising again...Also......is the injury still too tender right now to get a massage?
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mary
Chiropractic Care Helped Child's Asthma
My friend wanted to share her son�s Chiropractic story. She was one of my toughest challenges in convincing her to start Chiropractic care. She had a negative attitude about the effectiveness of Chiropractic �Wellness� Care. She challenged me and said, �This Chiropractic stuff has to be proven to me.� I told her, �Fine, you�ll see!�
My 7-year-old son started Chiropractic care 3 years ago at Dr. Jeff �s office. Chiropractic adjustments have allowed my son�s asthma to become a �symptom� of his past. This is his story.
His breathing problems began when he was 5 months old. He was wheezing and having great difficulty breathing. We promptly took him to the Pediatrician and this is when his asthma, nebulizer and steroid story began. He was immediately placed on steroids and nebulizer treatments 3 times daily for approximately 10 days. During his toddler years, medicating him was our only means to helping our son breathe. Our world changed when we started Chiropractic care.
Thanks to Dr. Jeff , he hasn�t used the nebulizer or any steroids. Prior to this the nebulizer remained out on the counter and was in constant use. Today, it is a thing of the past safely tucked away in its box in the closet. If his "seasonal allergies�, now what I call them (Dr. Jeff calls it hypersensitivity due to increased tone in a nerve due to stress ) , kick in, they are easily taken care of with an extra adjustment or two. Sometimes when the seasons change he may develop croup, but with prompt Chiropractic care, a once week long problem doesn�t even last a full day.
His general health has improved as well. Last year in first grade, my son was absent only 2 days. That was great for being in a classroom full of strep throat and constant viruses. My son�s well care schedule consists of weekly adjustments. He also knows when he needs an adjustment. His classic line is, �My cells are low! My batteries need to be recharged! I have to go to Dr. Jeff �s!�
I truly believe that without Chiropractic adjustments my son would not be the healthy child that he has become today. I would still be living in fear of the possible long term effects of steroids. I must admit that I was a skeptic of the need for regular weekly adjustments for Chiropractic wellness care for my family. Today, we could not imagine our lives without it.
Thank you all so much for all of your time and efforts. I urge everyone to seek regular Chiropractic care for the wellness of it.
Suzanne B and Family
Asthma, allergies, ADD and more gone
I had just arrived at the caf� of my favorite bookstore on a rainy Saturday morning. I was armed with a briefcase full of work and was looking forward to a couple of hours of light work and some recreational reading. I was only a couple of pages into the latest issue of Scientific America, when I noticed her out of the corner of my eye. She appeared to be in her late 40�s and was carrying a large stack of the local city newspaper. She also seemed to be staring at me as if she knew me. I looked up as she approached my table. �Excuse me, is your name Keith�? She asked. I replied yes. She held out her hand�I�m Ellen Farber, we met about five years ago��.I was in an auto accident and was required to attend a health class at the Chiropractor�s office�.you were the guest speaker at that class. I struggled to remember the lady, but had no recollection of her. �Ellen, I apologize, I do a lot of lectures each year and I meet a lot of people. She interrupted me and said��I have a son named Eric�. Eric�the light bulb in my brain went on and I immediately remembered this woman and her son. Eric had accompanied his mother to the class. He was small and frail. I estimated him to be 9-10 years old, but he was actually 13. He fidgeted throughout the entire class. I remembered talking with his mother after the class and she cited just a partial list of his health history including allergies, asthma, ADD, ear infections, sinus infections, digestive disorders, chronic colds, the list seemed endless. I was certain that he has a number of spinal subluxations, and I remember telling his mother that he was certainly a candidate for chiropractic care. �Ellen, I do remember you and your son Eric, how is he doing� She stared at me for several seconds. I could not tell if she was suppressing a smile or a frown. �Well, I certainly remember you Keith� she said. �There I was, a single mother working two jobs to make ends meet, I had just been in an auto accident and did not have a vehicle, I was already paying all kinds of money for Eric�s medical treatment and you wanted me to spend additional money and time on Chiropractic for him. I was really angry with you that evening.� Then, just ever so slightly she smiled and said �After we talked that night, I did sign up Eric for a Chiropractic exam and I went ahead and committed to the adjustment schedule that the doctor recommended� She paused again. �So how is Eric doing,� I asked, She took the top newspaper from the stack and opened it up to the sports page and laid it down in front of me. The top story showed a picture of a high school football player catching a touchdown pass. The headline read FARBER SELECTED TO FIRST TEAM ALL STATE. It was the same Eric, only instead of being a small, frail teenager; he was a 5�11� 185lb muscular athlete. I looked back at his mother. She said �Eric was never the same after he began chiropractic care. We saw the change in his health immediately, not only did he physically improve, but his attitude changed along with his grades, in fact he will graduate in the top 5 in his class and he has both athletic and academic scholarships from over 25 universities� she said proudly. She reached out and touched my shoulder �Thank you Keith� and she turned and walked away. There are literally hundreds of thousands�maybe millions of children like just Eric out in the world. They and their parents are waiting to hear the Chiropractic story and are waiting to see their entire lives change.
Keith Wassung
1-866-642-0916
Meningitis Scare Avoided in my 3 year old
Dear Dr. Jeff,
After receiving preventive treatment from you for more than 10 years, you'd think nothing would amaze me about chiropractic any more. Ah, but I was wrong. For the past three years my husband and I have come to you as a family, including our 3 year old daughter. We recently introduced our newborn son to the world of chiropractic, and he's been perfectly healthy until two days ago. It started when we fed him breastmilk in a bottle for the first time. When I later returned to nursing him, he started wailing and wouldn't latch on. I was distraught and thought "nipple confusion", until he threw up everything. Then I figured he'd just eaten too much. He slept for 4 hours afterwards then threw up again in the middle of the night after nursing. Concerned, I dropped by his physician's office later that morning, hoping she could ease my mind. But she was out, so we saw a triage nurse. After hearing my story and seeing his temperature was higher than normal, she ran off to ask the inhouse doctor's opinion. No doctor actually examined him. She returned and gave me the news. "Rush him to the local ER-- he might have meningitis!" The workup, she explained, would include blood samples and a spinal tap. Shocked, I responded. "WHAT?!" NO WAY was I subjecting my son to that. It all sounded completely wrong. I packed him up, drove home, and called my daughter's pediatrician for a second opinion. In the meantime my son was nursing a little better and had few of the meningitis symptoms. My husband and I took his temperature again. It was normal. So, we gathered the kids and headed to you. As soon as you reached down to adjust our newborn son, and without knowing anything of the past 24 hours, you asked if he was having trouble breastfeeding. Of course, he was. I nodded. Amazing, how you knew.You adjusted his neck and the rest of his spine and I'm happy to report he's nursing great and has returned to his normal self. Thanks again for reminding me how western medicine can often lead us to the wrong conclusions when we don't listen to our own intuition.
Patti Larson
Dr. Jeff,
I took my horse to be seen by the Chiropractic you referred me to and it was fantastic! We got to the barn and the owner was very nice to us and whatnot. The Dr. was there and she was going to adjust the Owner's horse, a 21 year old TWH (she looks and act like a 2 year old) to show Scout (the VERY kind lady who hauled us to the barn) what she looks for and what the adjustment will look like.
My Horse: She had Scout walk my horse away from her so she can see what the hips were doing. He still had that toe drag. She then had Scout walk him again to see how he moved from the side.
She then felt his spine and found this:
Subluxation in the right Sacroiliac and at apex of sacrum. C1 Atlas subluxation to the left (when she felt his neck). She adjusted him (and also gave him lots of treats) and his toe stopped dragging. She adjusted his neck also. My horse, OMG, melted into the grass. He was SO relaxed and so comfortable.
She felt heat so I am to do cyrotherapy over the sacrum and SI joints. She will see him next week.
It was an excellent experience. She explained what was up with my horse and she was really honest. She told me before the adjustments that this might or might not help him. She was VERY patient and laughed and talked softly to my horse. Very nice lady!
I got my horse home and the Barn owner, who ices his ankles and walked him, was blown away on how different my horse looked and acted . He moved freely and the toe dragging wasn't there anymore.
I am very happy! Thank you so much for helping with my search!
Sincerely,
Nikki Torchia
Two years ago, my son Zach, was diagnosed with Attention Deficient Disorder. What the doctors addressed was that although my son did not have the hyperactivity behavior trait, he still had ADD. They informed me that there were two types to this disorder: hyperactivity type children and inattentive type children. My son was diagnosed with the inattentive type because while in regular classes, the teachers and psychologists observed that he was inattentive to the events in class and lacked persistent task involvement.
Like any concerned parent, I sought advise through our family physician who, in turn, referred the case to a pediatrician and child psychologist. My son was prescribed Ritalin. Yes, the medication worked. My son turned into a Zombie. The once bubbly child who liked to tell stories was all of a sudden quiet. When asked questions, he would only reply with a brief answer and not add his opinion to the question. He stopped eating - as long as the medication was in effect, he was not hungry. He did not eat his lunch and the school did not care as long as he HAD a lunch with him. In the early evenings, when the medication had worn off, my son had an eating binge and, literally, had to be told that enough was enough with regard to the amount of food that he consumed.
Zach had a bedtime of 8:30 PM, which I believe is reasonable for an 8 year old. He would go to his room but could not sleep. Many nights at midnight, I found him playing in his room or downstairs watching T.V. as he could not sleep, he became a very agitated and angry young boy. He wanted more medication. He hated himself for being an angry individual who argued with his parents and siblings regardless of the consequences. He told me once, on the medication, he had no feelings; nothing bothered him. I sought assistance through the medical profession only to be told that they could prescribe more medication - their solution was one drug to help him eat and another drug to help him sleep. No way. Enough is enough!
As Faith would have it, I met a Chiropractor at a talk he was giving about children. He explained that sometimes at birth a child may suffer a trauma to the head or neck or sustain trauma during pre-school ages that could misalign their spine and the nerves could not transmit their messages to the brain or body appropriately. He further explained that with chiropractic care, the spine could be aligned and that many children in his office have been able to stop using Ritalin and many other medications as well.
I decided to give chiropractic a try. My husband had his doubts, but he supported my decision. In the middle of February 2003 my son Zach was taken off Ritalin completely. The first two weeks were horrendous, both for us at home and for the staff at school. All the teachers wanted him back on drugs. I would have given in if not for the persist enthusiasm and commitment of Dr. Jeff and his wonderful team who told my husband and myself that it will take some time to correct the years of stress and damage to Zach's nervous system. So we kept him off the medication and continued with Zach's Chiropractic care plan.
Well during week three things started to shift for Zach. His appetite came back for the first time in 2 years. He has been able to eat his lunches -NO MORE BINGING !! He now goes to bed at 8:30 PM and actually falls asleep. He is back to himself - bubbly and chatty at times - NO MORE ZOMBIE! He is no longer inappropriately angry and irritable. Zach has been keeping his weekly adjustment schedule since January 2003. In March, we received his second report card. His marks were mostly B's and a couple of C's; an average student . I recently spoke to his primary teacher regarding his behavior in class. She continues to be quite pleased and stated that Zach is once again on task. She has no concerns with his behavior or his focus on school work. He has even received a few A's in English lately. Imagine ! - all without the use of Ritalin. Thank you Chiropractic Care. Thank you Dr. Jeff and your amazing team. When it got rough you were all there for assuring us to never give up.
L.M.
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Wanted to tell you about my changes, cause it's so neat.
I think my brain ( or heart?) is opening up, don't know how to describe it.
The awareness of love is increasing and manifesting for everyone, friends, strangers,
puppies and nature. I see my friends mature and grow through their experiences, clearly, seeing god working through them.
I want to tell them how awesome they are, what warriors they are to stand up to the hardships of life and destructive side of the ego, change their thinking to positive mode and get something out of the experience, want better for themselves, now not putting any limitations on their goals or numbers. That's how it should be. I cried all over this. So impressed with my girlfriend and her interpretation of what was going on in her life, then reaching for the higher space, where god exists and living there.
I seem to be more emotional with my awareness's. Feeling lifted more and more.
There is such an awareness and appreciation for the magnificence of this perfection that flows from the inside out. It still overwhelms me to see it in nature, the awesome beauty and design of it all.
A friend of mine saw me this weekend and told me I looked different, good, asked me what it was I was doing? (of course I gave her the shpeel) Was I in Love? Yeah, I think I'm in love with LIFE..... My LIFE. Thanks, Dr. Jeff
L.L
The more I learn about chiropractic physically, helps me to connect with god more which just might be my process of healing and being at one, finding god, which ultimately is the goal.
Lisa Hall
Hi!!! Here is the letter I promised you!! Well, August 5th was a year for me and looking back it's so amazing how wonderful I feel and just how much coming here has changed my life. I remember sitting out in the waiting area going through all of the reasons why I couldn't do this and my friend, Alex who I am so thankful for for bringing me here, encouraging me and telling me how much it was going to help me. It's funny because now I'm her encouraging others to do the same. Even my baby pug who just turned a year old who I've brought here since he was 6 weeks old is the most healthy and happiest dog. He has the most perfect breathing. He sleeps on his back and you can't even hear him breathing at night and if you know anything about pugs, that's pretty remarkable!! My new name for Dr. Jeff is the "Pug Adjustor". I honestly can't imagine what my life would be like right now if I hadn't been lucky enough to find you!!! I am so thankful everyday!!!
It's so funny when you talk to some people about chiropractors and they say something like, oh, isn't that something that you have to keep on doing once you start? They get so used to being out of balance that they don't know what it's like to be in balance. Sure, it's something you need to do--just like brushing your teeth. Can you imagine what your teeth would be like if you didn't brush them for years? If you think about it that way it just makes sense!!! I know what I've done to my body over the years and looking back a year and seeing how far I've come and how amazing I feel I would definitely recommend chiropractic to everyone and so would my baby pug. I have to literally drag him out of the office when I leave which pretty much says it all!! Thanks so much to all of you!!!!
Love,
April & Mac
Depression, Insomnia, Hi Cholesterol and Hi Blood Pressure Gone
I Was Handed My Life Back
Thank you so much for all that you have done for me. Your encouragement and support have been invaluable and I am forever grateful for all the Chiropractic adjustments I have received from you; they have yielded amazing results.
As you know, I have been suffering from depression for many years. I experienced insomnia most nights and my concentration, focus and ability to think clearly were dimmed so much that I was afraid that I had lost my grasp on myself forever. Everyday blended seamlessly into the next, without much for me to look forward to, devoid of inspiration. All I had left was a bit of compassion to carry me through.
I came to see you because a friend needed help, and she would never have have gone if I couldn't tell her positive things about my experience, I thought. After asking questions and observing and attending your office orientation I decided adjustments would not hurt me, so why not. So I came by not really expecting much out of it for myself and to ensure that my friend would come because she had the horrible back and leg pain. Me - I had a medical condition that I had been taking antidepressants for and sleeping pills, anti-cholesterol and blood pressure medication for years.
Then something began to happen for me. I realized that I began taking my medication less often and I even began to sense that they were doing me more harm then good, so out the window they went. As I continued my weekly visits, I started feeling better about myself, and had a few creative thoughts (which hardly ever happened anymore...).
So as we proceeded through my first 2 weeks of daily adjustments and then as I graduated to 3 adjustments per week my life took a dramatic turn for the better. I started to read again - and actually understood what I read; my thoughts became clearer, and soon I was able to enroll in the full-time study program I just now graduated from (with honors).
I feel better than I had been in years-dare I say better than ever? It is as though my head had a reconciliation with my body: I feel more relaxed, at ease, and together. I am my old self again, only improved; connected and in tune with the world around me. I feel I was handed back my life. I appreciate the adjustments, the talks, and the workshops you give. Your cheerful attitude, your smile, and your presence in all that you do is truly inspiring. For all these things I am thankful, more than words could express. F.T.
Baby J - I would first like to share a miracle story which occurred in our office last night. We had a new patient brought in, a 3 month old baby boy. He has had seizures the last 4 days. Medical treatment - Phenobarbital. Needless to say this baby was lifeless when he entered our office. After a few minutes of educating his parents as to why chiropractic I examined and adjusted Baby J. I found subluxations of his atlas bone and sacrum on examination. His left leg was significantly shorter then his right. Before my hands were even off his body Baby J began to come out of his drug induced stupor. Within 5 minutes of his adjustment baby J was alert, happy, smiling and playful. He is due back this morning for a follow up.
His history was a very stressful pregnancy. Mom and Dad were actually told they had lost him at 11 weeks as she began to hemorrhage- but pregnant mom still was. The placenta never fully attached to mom's womb so mom was also told by her physicians that her baby was pretty much on his own throughout the entire pregnancy. The birth itself was traumatic, long and difficult with much hemorrhaging and again they believed they had lost him. Still Baby J beat medical odds. His seizures began shortly thereafter and are now increasing in both frequency and duration. His seizures increased 4 days ago and have persisted Yesterday at the ER he was given Phenobarbital and instructed to take it twice a day. Baby J was placed on 2 other medications before yesterday but they have been ineffective in controlling his seizures. One of our existing practice members brought baby J, mom and dad in last night after their day in the ER. It was a miracle to watch Baby J come back to life yet again. We all have no doubt that with consist Chiropractic care Baby J's seizure disorder will be a thing of the past. We have had much success in the past in dealing with seizures in both children and adults.
Adjustment Helped Relieve Repressed Psychological Stress
One cozy day while driving in my car about 1/2 hour after my adjustment I had a memory of being molested and I could feel the physical sensation almost as a witness. I do believe that adjustment moved my bones, nerves and muscles around which carry information and memories allowing a space to be opened to release a memory-event not needed. I can stand taller now. I know understand the meaning of retracing.
Thank you.
Yaunee
So the neatest thing is changing. First of all the pain in my abdomen is gone. That's incredible knowing I've had a chronic pain there for as long as I can remember. I just pushed it aside for so long. Secondly, I feel my femininity surfacing. That's been lost for a while also. I'm aware of men being attracted to me more. That's pretty cool. I feel like I am back into the land of the living (smile). Yes I have been to doctors and other Chiropractors. One gave me homeopathy, and still I hurt. One said it was all in my colon, never adjusted me and just prescribed supplements for my colon. And still I hurt. Thirdly, the dancing thing. I feel my body wanting to move more. I can really feel the music. So more points for my feminine side. I went dancing a lot in my twenty's and it feels like my old self coming back.
Thanks Dr. Jeff,
Jennifer
I would like to start this as "Once upon a time...", but this is a true story.
I'm a forty-five year old women who walks and talks just like you. I'm a person who was told fifteen years ago I would be deaf in my later years and would be wearing a hearing aid to help me in life. My family on my mother's side are all hearing impaired and so are a lot of my brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.
I would like to tell you about the last three months. My husband had a booth at a fair and met a Chiropractor. We started talking and he tried to tell me he could help with my medical problems, because I had a lot of pain in my back, leg, arm and had headaches most of the time. He noticed I was wearing a hearing aid and questioned me about it. Then he told me a story about how Chiropractic was founded-a deaf man was adjusted by a Chiropractor and he had his hearing restored. Well let me tell you I thought this man was nuttier than me!
I had been to see my family doctor, who of course could not find anything wrong with me. My husband talked to me and because he loved me asked if I would give Chiropractic a try. I said, "Yes."
By the end of my second week of adjustments I've been headache-free. By month 3 my back is feeling better, but my big surprise is...
As I got up this morning and got ready to see Dr. Jeff, I thought I would walk to the office. No big deal right? I put my hearing aid in my pocket because of the wind. As I was walking over I heard something I have not heard in 15 years without my hearing aid. I heard the birds singing and it has got to be the most beautiful thing in the world. Just so you know, I'm having a hard time believing this and I'm the one going through it.
I may never get 100% of my hearing back because of the damage done over the years, but to hear birds singing without my hearing-aid is a big step in the right direction for me. It's Ok if you don't believe this, but I know it is true as I'm living proof.
I think anyone out there can at least try to make themselves healthy and alive. It is a beautiful life; don't just throw it away like I almost did. Do something about it today! Just because you have been told there is no hope or help-do believe that sometimes they are wrong.
D.M.
P.S. "I know keep my hearing aid in my purse. It helps my purse hear better!"
Removing Subluxations Change Lives
Robert is a great example of what is possible when subluxations are removed and Life-force is restored - � I have been coming to see Dr. Ptak for two months. My girlfriend�s back was hurting and Dr. DiAndreas, founder of the 21 Day Detox Program, suggested she see him. While accompanying her for the first few visits, I was given a spinal exam and x-rays. The x-rays showed some major calcium deposits, created by stress due to an out of alignment spine. So it�s 2 months later and I don�t get so stressed out anymore, I quite smoking, I gave up sugar, I enjoy the simple act of breathing, and I�m not sure where my anger has gone. These adjustments have helped me finally take control of my life and become the person I had always dreamed of being.�
Forever in Gratitude.
Robert S.
Life-Long Struggle with Acne Cleared
Dear Dr. Jeff,
Thank you soooo much for your awesomeness ! Your loving energy and support are beyond compare. Thank you for helping me get healthy both physically and emotionally. I cannot tell you what a challenging 5 years it has been for me with my acne. With your support and help I can now go out and be with people. I can work again. Thank you for sharing your advice and thanks for your trust and genuine concern for my well-being. YOU RULE !!! My world is Healthier, Happier, and all around better with you in it.
Thank you to Patricia, Brigitte, Susan and Olga for all of your help, love and support during the worst times in my life. A life-long struggle with acne is clearing-up.
A gazillion thank you's to you all !
In loving gratitude,
Alex M.
Chiropractic Student's Testimonial
Dr. Ptak:
As a chiropractic student at Life University, I am constantly being told about the "Innate" powers of the body and how MD's are useful in emergency situations and in some co-managed situations but have yet to talk to a doctor that really act as a Primary Care Physician, trying to educate his/her patients about immunizations, natural childbirth and how to take the initiative to learn about health and take responsibility for one's self. Don't get me wrong, we do many chiropractors' sites that have this info but in the field I see few first hand. That's why I enjoy reading your material. It shows me that there is actually substance and vivification to it and not just philosophy.
It's one thing to hear it and say "Hey, that makes sense," and another to practice it and trust it enough to tell your patients. I have never been admitted to the hospital nor have I been to a MD for over eleven years. The only "drug" I take is an occasional Excedrin Migraine when the adjustment hasn't seemed to ease the Migraine. I live and breathe the fundamentals of chiropractic but as a student you tend to wonder how much worked for me because of me and how much what were taught is for everyone when you see so many PI and AUTO DC's practicing for quick cash and not much mention of the recuperative healing powers of the body.
So thanks. Thanks for the regular emails an newsletters with encouraging information. You are one of the many reasons why I stay focused.
Sincerely,
Jeff Schoeller
Dear Dr. Ptak:
As I related to you, I used to smoke for quite some time. I knew I wanted to quit, but after our first session, I got the courage to finally act-- and I have not had a cigarette since! I have been seeing you regularly for about three weeks now and I have just about completely lost the urge to smoke. Thanks!
Jeremy Mittman
Dear Dr. Jeff,
As you know my family and I have been to many different Chiropractors over the past 20 plus years. Now all 4 generations are so delighted to be served by all of you. You have left your "effect" on all of us. You, and your whole office staff, are the most friendly and positive people we have ever known. It is our pleasure and privilege to know all of you. Thank you so much for everything!
Love,
Rosesharon Hallgren
Creating A Safe & Healing Place
Dear J:
Thank you for creating such a safe space for me this morning to release that energy. What made it especially powerful, was feeling your incredibly loving and unconditional support right there with me. I didn't have to say anything, explain anything...all I had to do was BE! It was like swimming with the dolpfins....and you are the dolphin!
See you next week!
Melissa Noble
The testimonies on Chiropractic will go on forever because it works! I know when I came to you 12 years ago, I was so tight I couldn't turn my head without pain. I didn't sleep well, my digestion system was whacked and Depression was always a battle. It was a long process to heal and get back to proper physical adjustment. I am eternally grateful and completely convinced that healing is within and with the help of adjustments the body and mind connect. Whether you believe it or not that nerves play a significant part in the condition of our lives. And natural progressive methods of healing are the way to go.
May God continue to bless you Jeff and staff for all you do.
Mary Lee
Serious Car Accident Recovery & More
Chiropractic Changed My Life Forever!!
October 15th, 2000 changed my life forever. I was stopped while waiting to make a left hand turn into my neighborhood, when my vehicle was struck from behind by a vehicle going approximately 70 mph. The force threw me forward (with seatbelt on), then backward breaking my seat and leaving me lying down in the backseat area of my car. We later found out that the impact had bent the frame of the car and snapped the axel. Initially I felt fine, until I was able to get out of my car. As soon as I stood outside the car, my neck, back and hips immediately started to tense and spasm. I assumed it was only tension and stress from having just been in an accident. Over the next few hours it got progressively worsened until it was impossible to turn my neck or bend for anything. After visiting the emergency room and a series of x-rays, I was diagnosed with mild whiplash and that taking four Advil every 6 hours would keep inflammation down and help with pain. As I was scheduled to see my family practitioner that day, I then saw him. He agreed with the emergency room doctor, and also suggested that I see a Chiropractor. Now you have to understand that I had never been to one, so the thought of having my back "cracked" scared the heck out of me. That was pretty much the last thing I wanted to do at that point; however, I was in a lot of pain and great discomfort so I was willing to try anything. After having gone to visit my boyfriend, his mother decided that it was her Chiropractor I should see as he was the best, and has spoken at many conferences and written many articles. Seeing as I didn't know whom to even see for my Chiropractic care I decided to call the next morning.
On the morning of October 16th, 2000 I called the office of Dr. Jeffrey Ptak , Chiropractor. As soon as I introduced myself, they already knew exactly who I was. Margaret (my boyfriends' mother) had been there and explained the whole thing. They asked me to come that evening for an information session and made an appointment to see Dr. Jeff the next day. I was skeptical at first, who needs an information session to have a doctor's appointment? I learned so much that evening. I had no idea what Chiropractic care could do for you. I thought it was just for back and joint problems, but the fact that it actually starts with your immune and nervous systems intrigued me. You see, I was constantly sick with flu, cold, strep throat, fatigue, you name it, if it went around I caught it. What could I lose, I was in so much pain I could hardly walk at this point, and the handfuls of Advils were making me feel so sick. Little did I know what Chiropractic would do for me.
On the morning of the 17th I went to see Dr. Jeff. After my scan, x-rays, and a consultation he did my first adjustment. Wow! Although not cured what a difference. I was told I would need to come back each day that week, to stop with Advil, and once Jeff studied my scan and x-rays he would come up with a plan of care for me to get back to my pre-accident state. That seemed impossible to me, but I was willing to try if he thought he could help me. I needed to remain positive if it was going to work and I desperately wanted it too.
At my next adjustment, Dr. Jeff had examined my scan and x-rays in detail. I was to have an adjustment everyday for three weeks and then we would reassess. I was looking at approximately 18 months of care to get to my pre-accident state, which seemed like and eternity. Upon further discussion with Dr. Jeff, I discovered that he could not only help with my accident injuries, but also many other health problems I was having, primarily, my menstrual cramps and constipation problem. I had suffered from severe menstrual problems since the age of 16 and had always my entire life had constipation issues. This would be a miracle if he could help me rid my body of these problems. Doc also told me that most people find a "gift" after such a traumatic experience. I would just have to wait to see what that was.
After my three weeks of care I was reassessed and told I could graduate to 3 times a week for 12 weeks and be reassessed again. This continued and I felt better everyday. Still, I found no gift, Dr. Jeff said it would take a while, but I would find it, everyone always has. After graduating to twice a week, he declared me the poster child for 2001. I was sailing through my care and could only attribute it to my positive attitude and striving to get better. Another assessment showed I could graduate yet again to once a week !
The night before my next evaluation, almost one year to the day of my accident, I still had found no gift. I stayed up most of the night thinking about it. I was angry, had I missed it, could I be the one person who wouldn't get one? As I got into the shower the next morning, it came to me. My gift had arrived.
I couldn't get to Jeff's office fast enough to share it with him, how could I not have seen or known it. It was obvious, it was right in front of me the whole time. After my evaluation, I knew I would be graduating to maintenance as I had come to my pre-accident state. Finally I would get to tell Dr. Jeff my story. I proceeded to tell him that it had been 9 months since I was really sick. I had had a cold, but it only lasted 2 days. I hadn't had any severe cramping since my first adjustment and I felt fabulous. For the first time in years I wasn't tired. I had energy; I felt alive and was happier than I had ever been. My gift was my health and seeing the positive side to things. I could never have imagined how wonderful I would feel.
Dr. Jeff confirmed that I could graduate to maintenance. He was astounded that we were able to do it so fast, originally we had thought a full 18 months of care would be needed, but after only 49 weeks I graduated to a maintenance schedule. Positive attitude is what it was, you will never get better if you don't want to or try to.
M. S.
"I just herniated my lumbar disc."
Dear Dr. Jeff & Staff,
Although I am sitting here in incredible pain, I am soooo happy I walked into your office this week. The warm, loving environment was happiness to my heart. I hope soon that I will be at a minimum amount of pain, but I really trust each and everyone I met. Thank you for providing a safe place to hurt.
Love to all,
Michelle Johnson
Child's Chronic Constipation Alleviated
One of our mothers began bringing in her son because he suffered from severe constipation. The nerves that fuel the bowels, intestines and colon all innervate from the lumbar region of the spine. In this case there was nerve interference noted in the lower back and once those subluxations were cleared, this boy was able to return to regular bowel movements. In fact, just last week his mother reported to us that after he was adjusted, she had to stop on the way home because his adjustment got his body back on track right after he was adjusted! This is a fantastic testimonial to the impact that chiropractic has on chronic constipation. Instead of medicating her child with laxatives and suppositories this mom is able to offer her son a natural and gentle alternative.
There is no greater gift that we can give children than confidence in their own healing potential.
It starts them off to a life of healing from the inside out, instead of the outside in!
Last year I had a very unpleasant experience that led me to visit Jeff Ptak, the best kitty Chiropractor that ever walked the earth. I came in crying and a little scared, not knowing what to expect and after my first treatment I felt as good as new.
Well after a year I started feeling just the same way I did the year before. I didn�t eat or drink any water for over two days. I just didn�t feel good at all and all I felt like doing was sleep. My friend and companion told me that it was time to visit the kitty Chiropractor again.
I was still a little scared, but after seeing my friend Jeff for two appointments I felt as good as new. I know that all of you might think that a Chiropractor is just for people but let me tell you that a Chiropractor is a kitty�s best friend.
Now I�m feeling great I�m running around my house and having the time of my life because my friend Jeff cares for me and my animal friends.
Sammy � The Kitty
Lleyton Hewitt, Wimbledon, and Chiropractic
- Thanks Dr. Michael Dorausch, D.C.
There are no doubts that 21-year-old Lleyton Hewitt is the worlds top tennis player. His performance this past Sunday in the Wimbledon final solidified his No. 1 ranking in the sport. Lleyton Hewitt plays with power and precision; his body, mind, and spirit in complete communication. He won the U.S. Open last September, and has now added the most prestigious title in tennis to his resume and validated his legitimacy as the top dog in the game.
Andrea Bisaz, Hewitt's chiropractor, had this to say after Sundays victory... "There is a lot of work to be done, but Lleyton is just great to work with. He has almost got a boyish sort of figure, very lean and good muscle ratio which gives him his pace round the court." This young man is just getting started. Lleyton Hewitt is joining the ranks of other top athletes that utilize chiropractic care to maximize their athletic performance and longevity in sport. Whether it be Emmitt Smith, Evander Holyfield, Tiger Woods, John Stockton, Lance Armstrong, or any number of athletes with top rankings in their sport, top chiropractors are there as well. You name the sport, we'll name the chiropractor.
ref: Today's Chiropractic
One of the world's most famous chiropractic patients and global superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger was once again a featured speaker at the International Chiropractic Association's 10th Annual Symposium held in February in Columbus Ohio. A vigorous advocate of chiropractic care for people of all ages, Schwarzenegger spoke about his personal experience with chiropractic, crediting the care he received throughout the years for his success in bodybuilding and for his ability to maintain such a rigorous filmmaking schedule. He told the ICA audience, "Chiropractic is about health and fitness and there is such a strong relationship between the two. This is why I am so excited to have chiropractors here from all over the world, because they represent the same thing. Together we can help people understand how important fitness is to health and I want people to understand that fitness is fun. Fitness, for us, is everything in a naturally healthy lifestyle. So that is why it is great for us to be working together."
I wanted to thank you for the empowering energy I was infused with when I left your office on June 28th. You may not remember me, but I live in Colorado and my friend, Uzi, brought me in for my first adjustment. You saw a power in me that I'm sure you see in everyone because it's a reflection of your own evolution. But I was so affected! I felt like I'd met my long-lost brother, which I'm sure I did. It really gave a kick start to my week of spirit work in Los Angeles.
Regarding your newsletter, your sample affirmation is beautiful. I can feel your heart and light in the words.
I wonder if you can recommend anyone in the Denver area with an energy and intention like you shared with me. I would love to introduce my daughter to this form of holistic healing as well.
Thank you again for your contribution to Tikkun Olam, the repairing of this world.
Blessings,
Ronda Mangham
Herniated discs and migraines healed
Hi Jeff,
Here is the experience I promised:
Over 30 years ago I herniated 2 discs in my lumbar area as a result of very heavy lifting work carried out over several weeks. In the years that followed, I suffered frequently recurring chronic back pain. It was always triggered by lifting something, whereupon my back would spasm, and I would be doubled over, unable to stand straight. I pursued a variety of approaches, treatment from a top orthopedic surgeon in London, osteopathy, and then chiropractic. Chiropractic generally alleviated the pain, however, in the last 2 years, treatment stopped being effective, and I was in constant pain to the extent that I dreaded going to bed at night knowing I would not be able to sleep. I became a candidate for spinal surgery. An MRI revealed the extent of the damage to my lumbar vertebrae, but I was absolutely repelled by the prospect of surgery. My reality was that I was unable to run or jog and even walking was painful. I had known about Dr. Jeff but had resisted seeing him, feeling somewhat skeptical about his approach which required daily attendance, at least initially. I overcame my reluctance and started with Jeff in this year. Within a month, I experienced greatly increased mobility, and within another month I became, for the first time in years, pain free. For the first time in a long time I was actually able to run and I began to delight in my growing freedom of movement. I have continued to become stronger and stronger and am now able to lift heavy things without instantly becoming convulsed with spasm.
There is no doubt that I have improved beyond anything I could have imagined, and it just gets better and better. In addition, I have always suffered from Migraine headaches with bouts occurring almost monthly. I have had no Migraine symptoms for at least 5 months. I am so full of appreciation to have encountered chiropractic as practiced by the irrepressible and ebullient Dr Jeff.
Much love,
Ariel Levy
In 1998 I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, which is a psychological condition that consists of social, emotional and cognitive dysfunctions. Such problems have diminished greatly in recent years with my chiropractic care.
However such problems affected my ability to go to a chiropractor to have adjustments made initially. It might be uncomfortable with the direct physical contact with the chiropractor, but it is best to get the adjustment especially after an accident or fall or trauma. Thefunctions of the body will improve and recovery from illnesses and injuries will also occur more readily. Besides it will get emotionally less uncomfortable to get the adjustments needed after a series of sessions of adjustments. I encourge you to bring your son to the chiropractor it helped me tremendously.
Sincerely,
David Penso
Thank you so much for all your tireless work. Your healing gift and dedication to bring harmony and balance to this planet inspires me to reach for the highest star and to dive down into the deepest Ocean.
God Bless you and your family.
Much love
John Smith
Thanks for your commitment and devotion. You've been instrumental in my body's awakening. I have started to do yoga, and the whole raw foods thing is about my body wanting nourishment, enzymes, minerals, etc. For the first time in years, I don't believe I have Epstein-Barr anymore, and I know I'm going to be physically strong and healthy. Five months ago, this was my heart's desire, but still so far fetched. I had no idea how I'd be able to manage without my herbs and immune boosting vitamins. I was still feeling sluggish at best. Now, even when I'm detoxing, I feel like a strong person releasing toxins, as opposed to a week person trying to make it through the day.
I love and appreciate you and your staff, and all the time you take outside of your practice to inform us about health. It's literally taken me a lifetime ( I was sick with bronchitis and tonsillitis five times a year as a kid) to remember who I really am, perfect, whole and complete.
I hold you and Patricia in my heart and prayers as you embark on this miraculous rollercoaster of giving life. I'm sure all your friends have told you, go every where you can NOW. The baby will only be quiet for another few months, at best, because it will start to kick pretty soon.
I can't wait to meet your child. I know he/she is God's miracle. You're going to make awesome parents. Don't worry! Life takes care of everything.
Love,
Odette
"When the student's ready the teacher appears"
I work in the field of Early Childhood and currently coordinate programs for parents of children 0-3, including teen parents. I am, also, adjunct faculty at SMC (Santa Monica College) and teach Psychology 11, which covers child growth and development. The cornerstone of my teaching has always been to help parents and students discover how vital the first three years of life are to the developing person. Even more to the point, is that if every infant is born healthy and nurtured well from birth through adolescence, our communities would reap benefits of having young adults who are healthy, happy, and connected to one another in positive ways. It would prevent the host of negative issues that are currently plaguing us.
To that end, I have instructed pregnant couples to prepare for their
infants by attending birthing classes, making childbirth as natural and
drug free as possible, and enrolling in parenting classes as soon as
possible. So what has all this got to do with Chiropractic? EVERYTHING!
I did not include in my instructions for parents, especially parents with
difficult or unusual deliveries, that their infants might benefit from
adjustments made by a principled and reputable practitioner. I had never been to a chiropractor and knew little about the benefits, and nothing about subluxation. My husband, on the other hand, had found Dr. Jeffrey Ptak and chronic back problems that had plagued him since Vietnam were finally relieved. His panic attacks, for which he has been taking medication for years, have become manageable and he no longer takes any medication.
My personal involvement with Dr. Jeff began in January 1999 when I was told that I must have surgery to remove part of my cervix. Surgery was in my mind a last resort. I have always felt that there must be a less offensive way to restored health, and wanted an approach that included connection to the Source of all being. My husband convinced me that I was looking for Dr. Jeffrey Ptak. I was ready for what for what Jeff was imparting to his patients. The teacher had appeared! So I began the trice-weekly routine that has greatly altered and enhanced my teaching and my life. More importantly, it has also worked wonders on a little person who is very special to me.
Last January, as I began 'adjusting" to a new way of living, I became
very concerned about my grandchild, a lovely baby girl named Nayelli. I was present at her birth and witness to interventions that were deemed 'medically' necessary. My daughter's 'labor' began... artificially
induced with Pitocin, and ended 36 hours later with a 200 pound doctor pulling on Nayelli's skull with a vacuum aspirator. Nayelli's head was badly misshapen with a very large cone-like swelling. Having witnessed many births, including 5 of my own, I was shocked at the sight of this tiny person. My daughter did not fare too well either. She began
hemorrhaging about an hour after giving birth, and spent the night being worked over until the bleeding was brought under control.
Once Nayelli was safely home, everything appeared normal; mother and daughter were adjusting nicely. However, around three months of age,
when babies usually become very social and love looking at and connecting with faces, Nayelli seemed to avoid connecting to people. It was almost as if she was overloaded and had to disconnect. She would look to the side, rather than directly at any one. She did this, even, with the people who loved her.
At first, I, alternately, worried about possible autism or a genetic
disorder. My daughter checked with her pediatrician, who recommended a specialist: and my husband and I advised our daughter to take Nayelli to Dr. Jeff.
Just prior to her sixth month birthday, Nayelli visited the chiropractor.
Within two or three adjustments, Nayelli began to connect continuously, and her smiling little face was the first thing I saw when I made my usual visits. Her grandpa was so relieved and overjoyed with her progress that he made sure she saw Dr. Jeff regularly, by taking her himself. In just one month's time, Nayelli's has changed from a somber, cautious child to an exuberant little mass of humanity. I couldn't be happier. My family and I feel fortunate to have found Dr. Jeff in time to change the probably difficult future my grandchild might have had to endure. My belief in beginning at the beginning, by helping parents get what they need to raise great kids now includes working to remove those first subluxations.
Chiropractic is great for kids!
Now my college and high school classes include references to the drug
free chiropractic side of LIFE. Just as I have special guest speak regarding the conventional side of child birth and child rearing, I, also give equal time to Dr. Jeff to present the case for chiropractic adjustments which opens us up to the Wisdom that made and maintains our body, if we once get out of the way.
Marilyn McGrath
There is no doubt about the miracle of chiropractic working. After years of anxiety, aches and pains, I am actually experiencing an overall sense of well being through my treatments with Dr. Jeff. I have learned to listen to my spirit and body (at the same time) and I believe chiropractic has helped to make this possible because of the principles of this health practice. Thanks Dr. Jeff.
Mary Lee
When I first met Dr. Jeff Ptak, I had suffered what was diagnosed as devastating " Seizure Disorders" that had originated in my brain and spine. It kept me house-bound and practically bed-ridden for 6 years. This produced all kinds of distressing physical breakdowns and weakening of my heart, lungs, kidneys, and spleen. I suffered from terrible stresses and burning sensations throughout my nervous system, chronic fatigue and dramatic schizophrenic episodes.
In a total panic, I sought help from different neurologists--including UCLA Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital. Tests upon tests, anti-psychotic and anti-depressant medications for years were prescribed as the solution but nothing seemed to help. Years of psychotherapy did not help me cope. I continued to feel worse. But still I would experience as many as 40-60 seizures per day.
Friends told me to seek out famous psychic healers. I went to see two "world famous" psychic healers, and then two faith healers who told me that my problems were in fact "spiritual" problems and that they would " end them upon our meeting." But what they termed to be "demonic shuddering," and not seizures, continued to plague me daily. In desperation, I sought spiritual help from Buddhist and Hindu mystics who told me the same thing. A "bad karma thing," they said, "from another life." Nothing they did, or had me do, spiritually, helped. They told me that they had never seen anyone so demonized. I began wondering how long I could endure without going totally insane. I thought I was burning and mortifying in hell. After years of heartbreaking disappointments, I found myself in a severe suicidal depression. I lived in a totally helpless and hopeless state, aloof, afraid to tell my family and friends because of what it might do to them.
Then one day, it was suggested by a friend that I visit Dr. Jeff Ptak. I had been developing a new ailment that was very acute, pain and numbness from my neck down to my left hand. At first I rejected the idea but then the pain got stronger the numbness more pervasive, and I began to have weakness in my left hand. I finally submitted.
One my first visit Dr. Ptak and his staff began by educating me as to why and how chiropractic was unique and different from all other forms of health care that is available anywhere today. He then did a diagnostic test (EMG and thermal scan) on my spine, and told me that I should be in extremely poor health, as the results showed that my Atlas vertebrae (1st bone, top of the spine) was 289% in a crisis state. Jeff showed deep concern and explained again how the life-giving currents originating in the brain, that would normally flow down my spine and throughout my nervous system (to give healing power, strength, and health), were being severely blocked at the Atlas where the brain stem is housed.
I asked him if that might cause "seizures," and he explained that it is only logical to assume that contained and restrained energies would discharge in the brain being blocked from traveling their normal pathways down the spine. Dr. Ptak told me that I should be extremely fatigued and in poor health from the "Atlas problem" (subluxation) alone. With much hesitation I began to tell Dr. Jeff all of my symptoms and all that I have done from the demonic shuddering and chronic fatigue to the neurological problems and my seizures. "No wonder you are having constant seizures, fatigue and mental imbalances. No wonder you've been incapable to heal over the years from the least little thing," said Ptak. "Together we are going to end all of your problems." I thought he was "way over the top," making such a bold statement to someone in my condition. Heal me? After all I have been through? A "chiropractor" is going to heal me of my problems? "No way," I thought.
Then after listening and hearing Dr. Jeff's simple teaching and looking closely at my own diagnostic tests, I realized that every major body problem I had had showed up on my diagnostic tests as a "crisis" on the EMG and Thermal Scan. Then Dr. Jeff's "lighted spinal nerve chart" verified all the suffering areas of my body, showing that they stemmed from the Atlas vertebrae. That impressed me very much, and Dr. Ptak's Law of Health in relation to life-force energy made total sense to me. Then I was shown my spinal X-Rays, and they looked really bad. Total arthritis, with sharp protruding bones that had grown, like teeth, with spurs joining my neck vertebras--causing nerve damage. It made me ill to look at it, but Dr. Jeff boldly and confidently told me, "I've healed worse. So don't you worry." So I went back every day for 2 weeks and 3-4 times per week for an additional month. I was in total pain in my neck, wore a neck brace per Jeff's instructions, and even did home traction as he suggested. I really had my doubts and I was in much fear. My arm was numbed, my hand was weak, my neck hurt, and my seizures continued. And all the while Dr. Ptak remained confident of my healing, encouraging me each visit and reminding me that time, repetition and effort was the only way.
After still a few more weeks I started to think that I am not going to go back. It was a little traumatizing, and my mind started telling me that no "chiropractor" was going to end my problems. That same morning I went to my mailbox and there was a letter from Dr. Ptak not to let the trauma and thoughts keep me from coming back. He told me that the best and quickest way to heal, to end all the pain, and gain my vibrant health once again, was to unceasingly put myself through it. "Continue to come 4 days per week, ice and endure it," he told me. And his letter was WAY too synchronistic, so I figured he must know what he is doing. So I hung in there, and after another month and a half of many weekly visits I awakened one morning to the thought that I hadn't been awakened by seizures in a couple of days--as I had been each morning for years. I had slept passed 6 AM, for the first time in 6 years. Then a few more days passed and nothing, no seizures. Shortly after this time, I began feeling strength in my body that I hadn't felt in years. My neck pain was gone. The numbness and weakness in my arm and hand and resolved. I was truly a new person. It was at this time that I felt that I could reduce the frequency of my visits. Dr. Jeff disagreed but I felt great and wanted to live my life. Over that next 2 months my seizures began to return. I had 2 or 3 in March and April. Dr. Ptak assured me that I was not starting up with my seizures again I just needed to stay consist with our care plan, and given time, my seizures would in fact not return and the frequency of our care will lessen. He told me I was still under corrective care and that my maintenance program was still down the road.
After 6 years of devastating everyday 40-60 seizures, misdiagnosed and turned away unhelped by medical experts, completely overcome with fear and with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness and brought to a desperate suicidal state, and "a few neck adjustments" ended my problems? I would have never believed it. I now have joy, energy and hope that I thought I would never have again. Today, I am out of my neck brace and healing nicely. I no longer have to take megadoses of vitamins each day just to get out of bed, and I can now function like a normal person.
In closing I would like to say that I cannot give enough praises to Dr. Jeff Ptak. It was his sincere concern and confidence, along with his outgoing kindness and love, that engendered an enduring trust that allowed me to go the distance. He has brought me from the depths of despair, pain, and depression, to joy and health and has made me a believer in his expert ability to diagnose complex problems, that other doctors cannot, and his remarkable method of healing. To all of you that are struggling, please hang in there. If I had stopped when I thought I should have I never would have been able to re-experience good health, joy and happiness again. Please follow your plan and see it through. Thank you Dr. Jeff. Thank you chiropractic.
Sincerely,
"Name Withheld"
Thank you for the gift you have given me. When I first came to you, it was because I thought I was going to die. It sounds awfully dramatic but it was the real truth. I was not able to sleep at night, was chronically affected by allergies and generally stumbling through life barely able to crawl from day to day. It is hard to even relive how horrid I felt so won't try to. After coming to you regularly for the past year and a half, the change in my life has been huge. Friends have noticed and commented, and life has a sweetness that I had given up on seeing again. I can only hope you have the opportunity to touch and help as many people as possible.
With Love,
Susan Shaw
Here's a little story about how chiropractic care opened up a whole new way of life for me.
About a year and a half ago, I was living with excruciating back pain to the point that it took me an hour in the morning before I could stand up straight, and I had trouble physically picking myself up out of bed. I could not sit for more than 5 minutes throughout the day, making a night out to the movies or a visit to a restaurant almost unbearable. Even driving was very painful. I also suffered migraines.
Notice that I am using the past tense. These things are no longer issues for me thanks to the loving and intelligent care of Dr. Jeff Ptak and the staff at Ptak Chiropractic. Lucky for me, after a referral from a friend, and against the doubting opinions of family and friends, I sought to open up the life-force in my body and begin healing through chiropractic care.
From the very beginning, Jeff warned me that the pain might still be around for a while, and that it could get worse as my body readjusted itself. It got worse. But I kept up my commitment of receiving adjustments as many times a week as possible, icing my back and neck, becoming aware of my posture, and reducing the stress in my life.
Without warning, the pain disappeared, the migraines stopped, and I feel great!!! I continue receiving adjustments to fully heal. Many times I come in to the office grumbling, but I always leave with a smile when the life force is allowed to flow through my spine and out to the rest of my body.
Thanks from my heart to the always cheerful staff and of course to Jeff for helping me help myself.
Living well-adjusted,
Corena Bahr
When I was 15 1/2 I suffered a horseback riding accident which left me in a coma for two weeks as well as completely paralyzed on the right side of my body!
It took months to recover and I still had a limp on my right side. I had headaches too, and accepted that as the way it was going to be for the rest of my life.
After much procrastination on my part, and much nudging from a friend of mine who sees Jeff, I began getting adjusted by Jeff late last August.
Within a couple of months, I not only felt much better (less headaches), I realized MY LIMP WAS GONE! All these years it was just a matter of adjusting my hips!
"I GET IT" Having everything in alignment has given me more energy and affected my whole attitude. I feel quite fortunate. (Aside from the fact I love coming to the office).
Thanks,
Jeannie Jefferds
BEAR'S FIRST AND ONLY TESTIMONIAL EVER
My name is Bear. I am a 4 year old Australian Kelpie who just started to see a chiropractor. His name is Jeffrey Ptak. He asked me to write this . Let me start at the beginning.
I've lead a rather adventurous life. I was found wandering on a desert mesa in New Mexico when I was a puppy. All my problems started there. I've broken my leg and was electrocuted with a lamp cord and once I even ate some rat poison. I was always getting into some trouble somehow. It's left scars; I have been a little fearful about life due to such an eventful puppyhood.
When I am riding in the car if I hear any sudden noises I dive onto the floor of the front passenger's side-- I don't care whose legs may already be there-- it's the safest spot in the car in my opinion.
And here's my testimony: since I have been seeing Dr. Jeff I am braver. I now sit up in the seat when traveling in the car-- I don't get so scared anymore. This is the biggest change in my life since experiencing doggie chiropractic. I hear I may have relieved some pressure on my nervous system, I'm not sure. All I know is-- bing, bang, Dr. Jeff moves that vertebrae-- no more annoying subluxation to slow me down and I'm ready to go.
I like the office visits too. There's always nice people who make a fuss over me-- I like the dog treat part at the end and once I saw another Australian Cattledog there. He looked happy too.
I want to thank Dr. Jeff for all the help and attention he's given me. He's very gentle and is always glad to see me.
Dr. Jeff, you are okay, you really know how to treat a dog right! Thank you!
Many wags and wet kisses,
BEAR
I am 42, 5'9", 170lbs. and in pretty good shape. I am a red belt in karate which I study 4 nights a week for the past 2 1/2 years. When I'm not coaching my kids basketball or baseball teams then I'm right there playing with them. I really use and abuse my body. I have suffered from back and neck pain for most of my adult life.
I was told that my "condition" was inherited. My father explained to me that back pain was as much a part of our family as receding hair and blue eyes. He said that no matter how much we exercised we men would forever be doomed to a life of recurring back pain. As proof he pointed to his father, brothers and their male offspring all of whom seemed to suffer from some form of back pain. They also had the difficult family trait of having "one leg longer than the other." Who could argue with that!
Having been treated by a myriad of MD's and Chiropractors promising "sure fire" approaches which in the end never really seemed to help, I heard about Dr. Jeff. Having sustained injuries in a high-speed rear end car accident I literally hobbled into Jeff's office. His high energy, quick and to the point style was disconcerting. I soon learned that there were to be no drugs, that ice was to become my friend and that my recent injuries had only exacerbated pre-existing ones which Jeff said occurred over a long period of time. The poor posture, rotated hip, lower fused vertebra, sore spasmodic muscles, recurring headaches and the "longer leg" could all be corrected. Dr. Jeff and his staff really took the time to educate me as to why I was suffering so much and why I had suffered so much in the past. He really helped me see how and why people get sick.
Not being able to workout or engage in regular activities has seriously affected my life. I could no longer do the things that I cherished and felt less confident and certainly heavier. It was a negative spiral that seemed impossible to break.
I began a course of care which would last for insurance purposes only 4 months, but in reality will continue for some time until correction is achieved. I am now in my 5th month of care having religiously attended my appointments 3 times a week. This is the first time in my entire life that I am pain free. Let me repeat that: "I AM PAIN FREE!"
I have only now returned to karate twice a week but I do so completely pain free. I have lost 5 pounds. I actually sleep more restfully at night and engage in all sorts of activities which previously I would have given 2nd thought to. I feel 10 years younger and start my days with a confidence and enthusiasm not seen in years.
Is Dr. Jeff responsible for all this? He tells me no, but I say "you bet!" When you live in pain it affects every aspect of your life. Dr. Jeff relieved me of the physical encumbrances, and left the rest for me to do. I will continue to see Dr. Jeff as now that I am finally experiencing a greater life and health potential, I want to maintain that lifestyle always. My kids and wife love their new lives as well.
If you are reading this you have either made or will make the right choice. A life without pain, a life of peak performance, is a whole lot more satisfying. Good luck to you!
Sam Rosenberg
I have been involved in 2 accidents, which resulted in disc compression and a broken hip, causing an imbalance and discomfort, as well as a limp and restricted range of motion.
When Jeffrey first evaluated my situation, he requested a minimum of 3 adjustments a week for a 2 year period. I am presently about 4 months along and therefore hadn't originally thought to write a testimonial like this "early" but, to my astonishment, I am already experiencing considerable benefit.
To begin with, my eyesight has improved to the extent that I am using glasses about 1/3 of the time that I had been previously. My energy has greatly returned, as well as clarity of thought, and I feel greatly empowered with optimism, which had been dwindling.
To my astonishment, I continue to improve noticeably, even though I have not been adjusted this past week, as this is the time of the Panama Mission.
This experience is a miracle in my life and I am so grateful for your great gift, Jefrey, and the generosity with which you share it.
Oh, I forgot to mention that friends are continually commenting about how much better I am walking already. I can hardly wait to experience what the next 1 2/3 years will bring.
Thank you Jeffrey and Patricia and the wonderful staff for my continuing education and improvement.
Love,
Josey Roth
2nd Installment from Josey Roth (Month 9 of care)
I am continuing to heal from both a broken hip for which I declined the surgery recommended which would have given me a plate and 2 pins as well as compression of vertebrae in several locations along my spine.
What I am noticing with more frequency and great delight is that there are times when I walk with absolutely no pain and it feels as though I am not limping. These incidences occur with more frequency and are giving me a bodily felt reference point for feeling great in my body once more...for where I'm headed.
I also notice my ability to focus mentally and hold that focus for greater amounts of time. My eyesight is strengthening and I am absolutely delighted and very grateful.
Oh, did I mention... I'm in a good mood, really a great mood much of the time.
Thank you. My love and appreciation to you all.
P.S.
Even on those days when I experience pain as my body is being re-educated, I know that all is going in the right direction and that the balance I was lucky enough to be born with is coming back.
In April 1998 I brought my seven year old son to the chiropractor. He
had suffered from chronic ear infections since birth, as well as
peritonsilar cellulitis twice in 1997. Due to diminished hearing, Andy had also experienced retarded speech development.
After 3 surgeries to install eustacean tubes in his ears and endless
rounds of antibiotics, a 4th surgery had been scheduled to change the tubes
and remove his tonsils.
Every time the tubes were implanted the ears would drain, stopping the
infection. But as soon as the tubes were removed, the infections would
return. His tonsils were swollen and inflamed.
After 3 months of regular chiropractic adjustments and eliminating
dairy from his diet at the suggestion of my chiropractor, the tonsillectomy
and surgery for the fourth set of tubes was canceled due to clear ears and
no inflamation or swelling of his tonsils!
We will continue with weekly adjustments and continue to monitor Andy's
diet and his progress! Chiropractic Works!
Robin Goldsworthy
When Haley was born she was a normal, healthy baby. Or so I thought.
One morning, before she was 2 years old, she awoke and came into my
bedroom. When I looked into her face, to my shock I saw her eyes were crossed! She had developed a lazy eye on the left side. She is now 6 and though we have tried patches, exercises, and special glasses, nothing seems to make much difference.
A few months back Haley and I were involved in a car accident which we
were rear ended by another car. We were hit so hard that my windshield was
cracked and my engine was pushed into the radiator. Though Haley did
not complain of any pain in particular, I noticed a marked change in her
attitude. She was irritable, quick to anger. She just wasn't my
little girl anymore.
After a few weeks of medical care, many pain pills and muscle relaxants
plus physical therapy, I just wasn't getting any better so I sought
chiropractic care. When I told him about Haley's change in attitude
since the accident he told me to bring her in and he'd check her out. He
used his diagnostic machine and found that she had subluxations and she
needed to have them corrected.
A few weeks later I had my little girl back! What is even more
incredible are Haley's eyes. While her left eye was crossed over 80% of the time before we started care, after only 8 weeks of chiropractic care her
eyes are straight at least 80% of the time now! All the time and money
spent on the treatment of her eyes only to discover that she could heal herself
when the subluxations were gone.
Carleen (Haley's mother)
Reason for the visit is that our 11 1/2 month old daughter Zoe has a
history of seizure disorder, chronic ear infections and overall delayed
development. Her delivery was 2 weeks early and it was a forceps
delivery. Zoe had surgery at the age of 10 days to open her nasal passages
(Nasal Atrision). At first she seemed healthy. But almost overnight Zoe began
to be sickly. Her coordination and muscle tone was almost non-existent.
Her arms and legs were flaccid. She could barely hold her head up, it was
like our daughter was a rag doll, she just flopped over in my hands. She had
no grip strength or the ability to close her hands. She could not sit,
crawl, stand, or walk. She began to be sickly with constant ear, sinus
infections. She took in a 6 month time frame 10 doses of antibiotics.
Her medical doctors placed her on maintenance doses of Phenobarbitol,
Dylantin and even morphine.
Her appetite was poor; she barely ate. Zoe was feed Simlac from day
one.
Her sleep was always disturbed and she never made it through the night
without getting up and crying.
Within hours of her first chiropractic adjustment her mother and I
could tell she was different. After her second visit she actually slept
peacefully through the night. After each visit more and more
improvements are happening. After 2 months now Zoe can sit almost on her own, holding her head up stronger, using both hands and arms to grasp things, she can even put a pacifier up to her own mouth.
Mom says her appetite is ever increasing, she says she has never seen
her eat like this. In between visits Zoe becomes lethargic, but bounces
back with more energy after sleep. Grandma cannot believe the progress over
the past month. Zoe averaged 2 pediatrician visits per week prior to
chiropractic care. Since beginning chiropractic she has not been back.
Her medical bills were in excess of $150,000.00.
Lastly, Zoe was a twin. Zoe was the weaker of the 2. The other twin
died 2 weeks after her first DPT shot at 3 months of age. Zoe was scheduled
for her second DPT shot next week. We have cancelled that appointment.
Thank you.
Named Withheld.
Now I will give you my testimonial:
My eight year old son, Alex had suffered numerous ear infections from the
time he was born. In addition, there was something wrong with his
breathing, causing him to snore very loud at night and when he would talk,
he sounded as if he had a cold. In other words, he couldn't breathe through
his nose. Some people that knew us suggested it may be his adenoids and that
he might need to have surgery.
I was just getting ready to schedule an appointment with an ear, nose and
throat specialist and later, that same week, Dr. Ptak came to the office
where I work to give a seminar about chiropractic. He convinced me that
chiropractic could eliminate many other health problems and urged me to
bring my son in before scheduling the appointment with the ear, nose and
throat specialist. Of course, this sounded like a better option to me than
having surgery performed on my son, or giving him any sprays or medications,
so I thought I would give it a try.
Alex and I began our adjustments approximately two to three times a week.
We have been seeing Dr. Ptak regularly for a little more than six months now
and since then, we have stayed very healthy, I have been feeling much
stronger and more positive, but best of all, I have truly noticed a major
difference in Alex's breathing. Last night I watched him sleeping and his
breathing was so silent, his mouth was closed, I couldn't believe it was the
same kid! Alex feels comfortable and loves seeing Dr. Ptak. When we leave
his office, we both feel much happier and more clear.
Thank you for making our lives better!!!!!!
We love you!
Allison and Alex.
I write this testimonial after receiving Chiropractic adjustments 4 times a week for 6 months. I am a 37 year old female. My life experience includes being an award winning athlete, I am a registered nurse, and enjoying a career as a model and actress. My spiritual awareness has journeyed through continued exercise and sports, juicing, psychotherapy recreational chemotherapy, vegetarian turned vegan for 2 1/2 years, yoga, juggling, and the avid reader of self discovery and spiritual expansive literature.
I am writing this testimonial because I have found nothing in the past decade of self discovery and growth that has created so profound a change in so short a time as the chiropractic experience. I began chiropractic care in the winter of �97. I came because of an increasingly debilitating pain in my back. The pain, located between my shoulder blades and right shoulder, began slowly 5 years before. The pain was intermittent and I could usually �work it out� during the course of the day. I thought I was in very good health, so I assumed the pain to be STRESS and TENSE muscles. Gradually the pain became constant and I was spending more and more time trying to relieve the PAIN.
My first chiropractic adjustment was the day following my boyfriends first adjustment. Seeing my suffering he insisted I go get checked out chiropractically immediately! A baseline X-ray revealed Vertebral Subluxation at the top of my spine. The atlas bone of my spine, on which rests my head, was out of alignment!
The following is a list of changes that have occurred since I began chiropractic healing!
1. The pain in my back, especially where it was radiating deep into my right shoulder and neck, decreased by 70%. the pain has never returned to the intensity that existed prior to my first adjustment.
2. I walked out of the office and noticed my feet were landing on the ground differently. I had no idea at that time, but this small sign was the beginning of a whole new orientation to the planet- and to life as I knew it!
3. The next amazing transformation occurred literally overnight. Up until my first chiropractic adjustment I lived in near continuous pain for many months. One of the many unfortunate side effects of pain is unrestful, sleepless nights- of which I had many. This, of course, effects the body�s ability to maintain its health. As a result I was digesting and assimilating nutrients poorly and was developing a low grade, chronic diarrhea. This, like the pain, I was accepting trying to live with. I did not see the intensity of this downward spiral into disease. This, thankfully, was about to change forever! As all my digestive organs got a surge of electricity the morning following my first chiropractic adjustment, the diarrhea was gone and I have never experienced this digestive dis-ease since!
4. My breathing has become deeper, slower, calmer. For me this is essential for relaxation. My sense of smell, for that matter, all of my senses seem to have become more sensitive. I feel like a different person than I did 6 months ago!
5. My yoga practice has benefited enormously from my increased ability to stretch and relax. Yoga and the chiropractic experience are similar in that with each, as one goes deeper into one�s practice, one�s true nature and 4 fold energies (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) are allowed to bubble up through one�s being. Information is available, and there is opportunity for growth and healing KRIYA-SIS.
6. Over the past 5 years I slowly developed ROSACEA; a reddening and thickening of the skin on my cheeks and chin. Since beginning chiropractic care the condition has gradually decreased and now my face looks clearer and brighter than it has for many years! 7. I�ve never felt better! I feel like I�m in the best physical shape in years- maybe ever- and my energy level has increased tremendously! The pain is all but GONE HALLELUJAH! There is now available a whole new space and time that use to be occupied by the pain. Joyfully and thankfully I am taking better care of myself and embracing a new self and new outlook on life.
I conclude by saying I AM a much happier person now that I enjoy chiropractic care in my life. For me, the chiropractic experience is the most dramatic conduit to change, Healing, and Growth I have ever discovered! More to come!
THANK YOU! Love , Gretchen Eichholz
MY previous experience with chiropractors was healing but the healing was only temporary. I felt good while I was being treated but not for long. I felt like a drug addict who needed a fix from my pusher for a temporary high. The next step in my life was physical therapy. That was a better experience because I was being taught how to make myself better. I was taught exercises to strengthen my muscles which in turn made me feel better and gave me more energy. It was at this time that I thought all chiropractors were quacks. They had done silly things like testing the strength of my muscles with and without vitamins under my tongue. I felt like I was going to a witch doctor with out the voodoo magic. A few months ago I was introduced to Jeffrey Ptak. I was quite resistant to being adjusted by him because of the history I had with four other chiropractors who treated me. After several meetings I agreed to have him adjust me and bring my x-rays current. My opinion has changed drastically; Jeffrey doesn�t give me a fix, he adjusts my spine so that my life force flows more freely through my body. I am quite grateful for the healing with which he assists.
Thank you, Jeffrey.
Natalie Temkin
I having been seeing Dr. Ptak about 5 months now. I originally came because my neck hurt so bad I could hardly turn it, had constant really bad headaches, got sick every time a cold or flu went around (and even when they didn't), was tired all the time, and kept getting these really annoying "female" problems.
After 1 month, the pain in my neck had decreased considerably. After 2 months, my headaches were noticeably less frequent and severe. After 3 months, I had practically no headaches and my neck didn't hurt at all ! And I noticed that, while people around me were coming down with colds and flu and such, I wasn't getting them for once.
Also, after about 3 months, I noticed I wasn't so tired all the time. I woke up feeling good, so this allowed me to take my morning walks and jogs again. Plus, I enrolled in an aerobics class, and that feels really good !
I still get some of those "female" problems, but less often, and I trust they will completely go away in time as the cells in my body get clearer messages from my brain and become able to heal themselves properly.
It feels wonderful to start feeling good again. It makes all the difference in the world in your day-to-day activities. We weren't designed to feel crummy, and my body is responding to this like it always knew this is the way it was supposed to be.
Thank you, Dr. Ptak ! The only thing I have to do is be better at showing up when he tells me to !
Name Withheld
Originally I brought my 7 year old son Anthony to see Dr. Ptak after some instance by several friends. My son is in private school and was doing poorly both academically and behaviorally. He has had workups by 2 psychiatrists at the insistence of the principal of his school. He was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and prescribed the drug Ritalin. I decided that I did not want to place my son on drugs knowing somewhere in my heart that there most be a better way. The school gave me an ultimatum either place him on drugs as recommended or Anthony would be expelled. I did not know what to do. I decided to at least go meet Dr. Ptak since I do trust the families that referred me to him.
Let me add that I am a divorced mother of 2 my youngest is 4. Chasing around 2 kids is hard enough but add a very hyperactive 7 year old and you can imagine the stress on all of us
After our initial consult I decided to place Anthony in his care. Dr. Jeff told me that the best way to help Anthony was not to define him as "the patient" and insisted that both myself and my daughter start care as well. Money fear came over me but I decided to follow Dr. Ptak's advise.
It has now been 2 months since we started under chiropractic care. What a difference. From failing in math, science and spelling to now getting outstanding on his last 4 tests. I have noticed a difference in his attitude and so has his teacher (who by the way just started care after seeing the amazing difference in Anthony). As for myself well I could not be happier. I feel so much calmer and I am feeling so much better about life. It is no longer fearful to get up in the morning wondering what new difficulties were awaiting me. I feel physically healthier then I have in the longest time. I notice that my daughter is not as fearful with strangers like she was before getting her adjustments. She has only had one cold since she began care and it went away in one day instead of lingering like it always did.
At Dr. Jeff's insistence we are all eating much healthier as well. Its hard but less sugar, fat and starch. Even at school the kids are rewarded with candy when they perform well every friday. We are working on that one.
Well I am convinced. So much so that I am taking Dr. Jeff to my son's parent-teacher conference next week so he can speak to the school's principal about chiropractic. There are so many kids that are on Ritalin at this school. Thanks Dr. Jeff for all your time and efforts.
H.A.
For years my condition was diagnosed as a lung infection. As time
went on I noticed I had a constant chest cold. Doctors prescribed all kinds of
drugs for what they diagnosed as chronic bronchitis. No matter what
medication I took I would feel better only for a short time and then my
symptoms would return. This pattern continued for three years, during
which time I was prescribed one antibiotic after another.
Finally I told my medical doctors I couldn't take the constant
congestion anymore. After being treated for three years, I thought I
should feel better. I was then referred to a specialist who, after extensive
tests diagnosed me as having asthma. I was prescribed several inhalers I used
twice a day. Again, I would feel better only for very short periods of
time. My congestion made it difficult to sleep at night.
My lung problem really affected my daily life. I was out of breath,
it was difficult to climb stairs, and any kind of exertion was out of the
question. People who have never experienced this truly don't know how
lucky they are just to be able to breathe normally. It is something easily taken
for granted.
Along with my asthma, I had severe neck problems as a result of a
helicopter accident. My problems began as a stiff neck, then gradually
worsened. Driving was most difficult.
I also had high blood pressure most of my adult life. My wife was
seeing a chiropractor for years and always attributed that her female
problems improved through chiropractic. As a last ditch effort I finally
decided to listen to her and went.
The first thing I noticed was that my neck pain and chronic stiffness
improved. I used to have to turn my entire body to look left and right.
With each adjustment I get better and better. After three months my neck
pain was totally gone and I have full mobility. I am very pleased with
this progress because for years I had just learned to live with pain and limited motion.
My high blood pressure is now under control without medication and my
asthma is 95% better. I no longer need inhalers and I haven't had an
asthma attack in over a year. It was the gradual differences that made me realize I was getting better.
Today I can do things I could not do before. I can work in the garden
and the pollen doesn't bother me. I no longer have difficulty sleeping.
Before I received chiropractic care, I always woke up around 3AM to clear
out my lungs, then try to get back to sleep.
I can honestly say that chiropractic has changed my whole life. I am
enjoying my life more now with better health at 62 years than when I was
younger. I don't even like to think about my life before I began
chiropractic care. I recommend chiropractic to everyone I know and to people I don't know. I wish I had tried it years ago, rather than just suffer and learn to live with health problems. I am know a part of the "chiropractic family" and I look forward to having my spine check for subluxations and corrected if I'm subluxated.
Thank you all so much.
M. Deneen
In speaking with your mom at Greg's party, I mentioned my chiropractor
as a truly exceptional healer who I recommend you check out regarding
your headache symptoms. I started going to him in March after a nerve
problem I was experiencing down my left side, which many other potential
solutions were having little result in shifting. I consider him to be
really special, and this is coming from one (me) who has extensive
experience as my back was broken when I was 19 and I have experienced
just about everything over these 27 years, including chiropractic which
turned me off, other that was pretty darn good, and this - Jeff Ptak -
which is exceptional.
I spoke with Jeff this morning about what I knew to be going on with
you, and that you are a dancer, and he said, "Send her to me," that he
would be more than happy to talk with you/see you... Good news, is he's
right here in the neighborhood which makes it very easy to get there.
310-451-5336. 1127 Wilshire (between 11th and 12th). He has office
hours on Monday, Wednesday, Friday (9-12, 3-7) and Saturday (9 to 12).
I hesitate to do this suggesting thing, as everybody and their
brother/sister has notions in this arena in our extended community. Yet
I had a really strong impulse to do so, and to go to this extent, so I'm
trusting there might be something of real import here. Jeff is also one
of the singularly most uplifting people I know. Everyone who works
there is similarly upbeat. (could be the chiropractic) The office is a
wonderful model of a familial atmosphere. Many of my friends it turns
out go there, to no surprise. He treats babies, dogs and cats, goes to
Panama to treat people down there in mass, has pictures of everyone on
the wall, give out free vitamin C tablets, has a wall to draw on and
toys to play with while waiting, though I've never had to wait for more
than five to ten minutes, and that only once or twice.
below is today's daily quote which Dr. Jeff sends out...
Blessings,
Frankie Lee
Our first testimonial is from a 70 year old gentleman who has been battling prostate cancer for the past 6 years. He has gone through the usual and customary medical procedures without much success. Drugs and radiation therapy made him quite ill. Back in early October of 1999 he asked his doctors what his chances were. His oncologist recommended surgery and also stated, and I quote Richard "you have a one in a million chance." Mr. Richard said in response and to this day is unsure from where his words came "Thanks doc I'll take the One." Richard appeared in my office the following day at the insistence of one of my long time practice members (patients). On January 24, 2000 Richard returned for a routine 4 month checkup and was told by his doctors that he was PROSTATE CANCER FREE ! 4 months of chiropractic care and surgery is no longer his recommendation. When asked what he had been doing the past 4 months Richard replied I have been getting chiropractic adjustments 4 days per week since you gave me the one in a million chance. "I decided to take the one." His doctors only answer was to keep doing what he is doing and return in 4 - 6 months for a re-evaluation.
After checking into the infant mortality numbers in the US and Japan last week it reminded me of an experience I had with "Baby Ashley" on my first Chiropractic Mission to Panama.
About 2 years ago 23 chiropractors went to Panama to share Chiropractic with that country. In a town named Chorera, Panama I had the opportunity to adjust several thousand people each day. We adjusted people in a shack no larger then 10 x 10. On day one of the Mission, Baby Ashley was brought in by her mother. Baby Ashley was around 2 1/2 years old at the time. She had absolutely no movement in her body and no expression in her face. She was like a lifeless piece of flesh.
An interpreter told me that she became lifeless shortly after being immunized at 2 or 3 months of age. Before that time her mom said that Ashley was a normal, healthy and happy baby. The Mother heard through the community that chiropractors from the United States were in her town take care of all those that would come and see us. So she came. She had absolutely no idea who we were or what we did but she came and brought her daughter anyway.
I checked Ashley's spine and found that her first 2 bones in her neck were extremely subluxated. So I adjusted her. Ashley immediately let out a loud groan and moved her arms and legs. Her mother (Dilsa) broke down in tears. I thought I had frightened the mom but the interpreter said this was the 1st time Ashley had moved or said anything in over 2 years. I looked at the mother and said "manana" (tomorrow) and she said "si" with huge tears of joy. I adjusted Ashley (and mom of course) all that week, Monday through Friday. By Friday, Ashley was moving all of her arms and legs and making facial expressions, which included a big smile on Friday.
I never saw Ashley again after that day. It taught me alot about our innate abilities as human beings. It taught me about non-attachment.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to remember those moments and get to share this story with you. There are lots of Baby Ashley's out there. I would love to have them all in my office. I would love to be thought of as the Baby Chiropractor.
Back in April of 1999 I brought my seven year old son Andy to see Dr. Jeff. I did so after much prodding by several of my friends who have seen seeing him with there families for some time. My son has suffered from chronic ear infections since he was born. He suffered from what was diagnosed as peritonsilar cellulitis twice in 1998. Because of his frequent and chronic ear infections Andy has also experienced retarded speech development.
After three (3) surgeries were performed to insert eustachian tubes in his ears and endless rounds of antibiotics, a 4th surgery and removal of his tonsils was recommended. Andy's dad and I could not put him through that again (or ourselves through that again). Each time the tubes were implanted, his ears would drain and the infection would clear up. But as soon as the tubes were removed, the infection returned. His tonsils swelled up to the size of golf balls.
One of my friends finally brought us to meet Dr. Jeff. Dr Jeff explained what he was going to do and educated us into the nature of what symptoms are. I never knew that a symptom was a good thing. I was always told that symptoms were bad. And we have been trying to take care of Andy's bad for almost 7 years now.
Well after almost 6 months of regular (4 days per week) adjustments, at first 2 times each day, Andy's infections cleared and no more antibiotics, no more tubes and no surgery for his tonsils !
Our family is now on maintenance at Dr. Jeff's. We are all feeling healthy and happy. Andy is doing so much better in school these days. I never would have believed it possible to have my son and my family this healthy. Thanks Dr. Jeff for insisting that my husband and I become patients as well. We felt fine (or so we thought). I never realized how stressful my life was until I stated chiropractic.
I must thank my 2 friends who insisted we go to Dr. Jeff's in the first place. Thank you Susan and Judy. Thank you Dr. Jeff. Thank you to your wonderful staff. You all made a scary situation into something truly wonderful.
I urge every parent to try chiropractic. It has changed our lives. We will keep up with our weekly adjustments!
Your intention and commitment to heal is inspiring. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be healed by you, the healing environment around you and the force that creates us. Even though I've only been seeing you for 5 months, I can already see and feel big results. Although I came to see you for a knee injury, which quickly subsided, my overall healing has exceeded anything I could have fathomed. My hips which have been ailing me for the last 3 years don't anymore.
When I first met you it was difficult for me to comprehend how a blockage of my "blowhole" was preventing my true voice from reaching its potential. Now, I am utterly amazed at how much more powerful my voice is due to chiropractic sessions with you. I feel a great push towards the upward spiral.
May all beings share the ease and joy of true health.
I am forever grateful,
Mariko Philips
I wanted to take a moment Jeff and let you know just how valuable your chiropractic work has been with me. On February 25th, I took a fall in which I banged my knees very hard. The next day, I was limping, my neck was out and I couldn't lift my arms above my shoulders and my back frequently went in and out. This situation was a major shock to my reality. The day before, I had been taking a polo lesson.
I went to 4 chiropractors over a period of 8 months and was basically suffering from the same limitations, though the intensity of pain I experienced had decreased. Though these chiropractors gave a quality of life which was far superior to not having gotten their assistance, I still limped and ached, though to a lessor degree. Few could adjust my neck, as it requires a firm hand and a double adjustment.
I shall always thank Triva Ponder for getting me to you with speed and grace. I believe we have been working together since September. The first time I sat in your office, I watched people going into the adjusting rooms stooped over or moving slowly. When they came out, they were smiling and frequently there was a lightness of step that definitely did not exist as they entered the doors of your domain. All right, I thought, all right, finally.
On that auspicous day when I got my first adjustment, I noticed that from the time I put my money in the meter, walked into the office, signed in, had my adjustment and walked out, 12 minutes passed. Since then, we actually had adjustments which took less "real time". The record, I believe, was 6 1/2 minutes. I thank you for speediness and competency from the bottom of my little tippy toes.
Fine you say, well what happened in the adjustments? I can tell you I was no different from your patients who came before me. I got adjusted well and my life began occur as a possibility of vitality, rather than pain to endure. You skillfully and consistently adjusted my neck, as well as the rest of me. The difficulty with my arms and hands has diminished greatly. You regularly cherished and gave love to me and those of us around you in a way that is generous and very nurturing. I imagine you are a delightful father and a delicious husband and I know that I and many others, bless the day you decided to express your profound talents through chiropractic.
I love you dearly Jeff and am honored to know you as my friend as well as my cherished doctor.
Valerie
Here is my testimonial to the person who has positively changed my life like no other.
First, a little background. About 5 years ago I hurt my shoulder and neck playing basketball. I suffered through pain, sleepless nights, etc., for the next 5 years. Never, did I do anything about it. Being as active as I was, I just thought, play through the pain. I did, but it wasn't very fun.
Then, about 8 months ago I hurt my lower back playing tennis. It was so bad that I literally could not straighten up let alone engage in any sporting activities. A few days after I hurt myself, my friend Jody told me that I had to see her friend Jeff Ptak. I initially said no, thinking that I could work through the pain as I always had before. However, by the next day I was willing to try anything as I was miserable. So I called Jody and said HELP!!!!! Immediately she called Dr. Jeff, and within 1hour he was at my house. Yes, you heard right, at my house to help.
By the time he left, 1 hour later, I was 75% better and eternally grateful to him. He would not take any money from me for the house call. He simply told me he was glad to help.
Needless to say, I was "hooked." Starting the following Monday I became a regular disciple of Dr. Jeff. I think that I have missed only one session in the 8 months or so that I have been seeing him. Moreover, I have never, and I mean never, felt better. For the first time in 5 years my neck and shoulders feel great. My back is terrific. I can play all of the sports that I have always played, but with one big difference, no pain!
Thank you Dr. Jeff. Thank you, Thank You, Thank You for restoring the health to my life. I will never stop seeing you. And if you ever move, I will move with you....
Your friend,
Steve Sitkoff
I am a registered nurse and I worked in the hospital setting for several years. I was very discouraged, to say the least. It just didn't seem I was able to really help many people in that setting. All too often I couldn't believe what doctors were putting their patients through. I would always joke I would be the worlds worst patient because I wouldn't let a doctor do anything I wasn't positive I needed. I wanted to help people prevent illness, not try to nurse them back to health using inadequate methods or comfort them to their death. Later, I worked at a clinic for non-life threatening emergencies and routine office visits. Several things amazed me and stunned me during that time. The first was the number of adults and children who came to the doctor for a cold or flu, and who were given antibiotics for those viruses. Doctors and nurses know antibiotics don't help these conditions, yet they are still prescribed for these conditions. The second was the number of unnecessary x-rays and treatments that were done right before my eyes. As a chiropractic patient for over 5 years, I know chiropractic works because it helped me with my headaches and back pain. More importantly, it has helped me with my overall health. It has also helped my children and my husband in similar ways. I firmly believe that through regular chiropractic adjustments, my family and I will live longer, healthier lives and be able to deal with stressors that are so common to our daily routine. Thanks to Dr. Jeff and his staff for all that they do. I recommend chiropractic to all of you.
Joan, RN
Through the torso Runs a channel Dense and solid/ Slim and fragile, Balance lends omnipotence To keep us running Powerful/ Yet agile. Through the office Runs the healer Rushed and mobile/ Still in blessing, Measured by his ink-crowned child To keep things running Structured/ Yet unstressing. Through the meadow Run my children Open, leaping/ Creeping, stealthy Running in omnipotence To keep me balanced As you keep us Healthy.
L.S. Cohen
For the past 30 years, I have suffered with Herpes Zoster a form of Shingles. It has reoccurred in the same place 4 - 5 times per year. The pain is so severe because it runs down a nerve. Also, it burns and itches so much that I just want to tear and scratch it until it nearly scars. I have been coming to Jeff Ptak on the advise from a friend for spinal adjustments mostly for my neck pain, which I have had forever, and for a general sense of well-being. As Dr. Ptak puts it "to stay well and to be the best you can be." I have been coming for 6 months now. Well something amazing has happened that I never dreamed possible. Two weeks ago I began another outbreak of my Shingles. The good news is that this was the first outbreak I have had in 6 months. Usually I would have experienced 2 and sometimes 3 outbreaks over that period of time. Well when I mentioned to Dr. Jeff that I having another outbreak he immediately offered help in the form of special vitamins along with my regular spinal adjustment. I followed Dr. Jeff's recommendation and I got results literally overnight. The very next morning the pain was gone and the affected area on my arm began to clear up. Nothing has ever helped this condition in the past. Thanks to Dr. Ptak's positive, caring and knowledgeable healing skills I know now that I can not only control my Shingles but heal from this supposedly incurable problem.
Gratefully Yours,
Roberta Kerr
It is my pleasure to relate to all of you what an incredible life changing experience I have had through chiropractic and specifically with Dr. Jeff.
For months and months I suffered with severe spasms of my tongue and throat. I could hardly eat or drink. I would have moments of relief but then out of left field I would go into spasm and have excruciating pain. I went to 5 medical people. I was prescribed a variety of medications. Not only did the medication not help but I felt so much worse from drug complications.
My son has been seeing Dr. Jeff for some time now. He originally had neck, arm, low back and leg pains. Those cleared up and now he is on a maintenance program to assure his healthy lifestyle. I mention him only because he told me to go see Dr. Jeff several years ago. I have had the usual neck and back and headache pains. I would get ear infections and sore throats 3 - 4 times per year. I was always told and I always thought that was just a part of living.
But this tongue and throat thing. Constant, day and night. It kept getting worse no matter what medications I was taking. One day Kenny finally drove me to Dr. Jeff's office. No appointment (as I found out once I arrived), no notice, just in we walked. We were joyfully greeted by several of Docs lovely and loving staff. They attended to me as though they had been expecting me.
Dr. Jeff took time to explain to me what he does in the office and why he and chiropractic are so different then medicine. He explained why I was having these symptoms and even how beneficial they were to my life. I did not quite understand what he meant but I could hear his belief and enthusiasm coming through loud and clear. He took x-rays and did some computer tests and assured me that he had found the cause of my problem and that it was correctable. How long he could not say but he did say that it had been building for some time now.
Well all I can say is that he was right. My tongue and throat have been pain and spasm free for several months know. I am able to eat and drink hot and cold fluids. I have increased the times I eat per day and lessened the amount. I am drinking much more water and eating healthier then I ever have in my life. All those old age pains I was having are improving daily and I have not taken any medication for any reason in the last three months. I am sleeping better, have more energy, and I just started to walk for exercise. I thank Dr Jeff and his staff for all that they have taught me and the love they give to so many each day.
I am so thankful to all of you. I recommend Chiropractic to everyone I meet. I am a true believer.
With gratitude,
Dana R.
I had my first adjustment when I was 9 or 10 years old and thereafter until today. I have worked in Chiropractic offices since 1982.
My son was born in 1978. A natural, drug free birth and he has been adjusted since then. He never had a cold, headache or any other illness until he was 17 years old - his first cold -. He never missed one day of school from illness.
On June 6, 1999 my now 22 year old son was involved in a near-fatal auto accident. As a result, he sustain 11 fractures to his pelvis and a right leg spiral fracture. He spent 10 days in the hospital and had a four hour surgery. His Chiropractor at that time adjusted him in the hospital, assuring his speedy recovery.
Upon his release from the surgeon he went straight to the Chiropractor and is now walking and smiling to be alive and well.
Dr. Ptak was privileged ( and so was Mykka) to deliver the first lower back adjustment to my son since the accident, which as I witnessed, was a tremendous benefit for him mentally, emotionally and physically.
I am honored to be a part of the Ptak Chiropractic Life Center family. I look forward to meeting each of you very soon.
Yours In Health,
Denise Medina
All I can say is UNBELIEVABLE ! I have been an asthmatic for 20 years. I was referred by a friend to Dr. Jeff because she said that Dr. Jeff was an asthmatic since he was a young child and was cured after 30 years. So I just had to go. Well you know how it goes. I was like yea, right. Thank you but no thanks. I know more about my disease then any doctor. I have been to them all. Specialists. So what can your Dr. Jeff say that I never heard or have done over the last 20 years ?
Well what I learned was, EVERYTHING !
During my health history with Dr. Jeff I was able to remember that I had experienced a major traumatic fall when I was 5 years old. I remember I broke my arm and some ribs. It was not to long after that incident that I developed asthma. No one ever helped me put that together before.
During my initial visit we also talked about other complaints I was having, numbness in my arms and hands and chest pains that I had recently been experiencing. I remembered numerous falls from horseback riding and I have been in several car accidents.
As we talked more I began feeling more comfortable. I found myself telling Doc things I never thought I would say out loud to anyone. I started to express to him how I was actually feeling, which was that my health was deteriorating. How over the past 6 months I was developing kidney problems, my asthma was getting worse and I was also developing all kinds of new allergies. I told him that I was taking a variety of medication for my lungs, kidneys, and my chest pains. That I was nauseous most of the time from the medication and I was constantly tired. I began to cry (I never cry) as I related to him that I was at the end of my rope. I felt like this was my last resort.
With confidence and a huge hug Dr. Jeff told me that it was going to be alright. That all I was going through was a benefit for me to fight for my life. I had an opportunity to take my life back. For some reason I believed him. He said together we will win.
Its been 7 months now and as I said at the top UNBELIEVABLE. My kidneys are functioning perfectly and those new allergies are gone. My asthma is so much improved. I cannot believe I did not know about chiropractic sooner. I admit that in the beginning of my care I experienced more nausea, dizziness, and some pain. But with Dr. Jeff's encouragement I hung in there. My asthma still acts up a bit, but I am able to work with it and through my regular adjustments and by doing the few things Doc showed me to do at home and at work I am able to work with it without medication. I have no doubt that soon I will be completely asthma-symptom free.
Chiropractic has been a blessing in my life. Illness free and free from the side effects of my medication. Dr. Jeff and his incredible office staff are the most caring people I have ever meet. I urge everyone feeling bad or feeling good to go and get checked by Ptak. For LIFE. Do not wait. Waiting was one of the worst things I have ever done to myself.
Good Luck,
Charles W.
thank you for that letter and for sending these emails full of wisdom. I really appreciate your adjustments and the effect they have made on my life. Remembering my condition when I started last year, the immense pain that I had all over my body, and then gradually starting to have "windows" of being pain free, and knowing the difference between pain and no pain.
Your life opens up and you begin to breathe.
Thank you,
Silvia De La Torre
What a benefit to have you in our life. To be guided and reminded of our priorities to ourselves.
Thank you. In that regard I hope that the summer hours are a priority to yourself and your family life over the week-end. Tell me it is. You and they deserve it.
I love you very much I am grateful for your friendship and presence in my daily life.
Daniele
My dog Kenu is an 8 year old Akita/Chow mix. I have had Kenu since she was a pup. We are both quite active. I ride horses 4 days per week and I bring Kenu along. She has the run of the place. She loves all the horses and they her. She also has lots of dogs that hang around the stables to run around with as well.
Well one day I noticed Kenu was not her usual vibrant, excited, alive self. Something must have happened to her while I was on my ride because when I returned she would not and could not get up. She winced when I tried to touch her. Her back was in great pain. She would not even let me lift her to place her in my truck. She could not walk.
I took her to my Vet, who I respect very much. He x-rayed Kenu and found that her hips were out of line and said there really was not anything that he could do. He gave me pills for pain for her and told me to help keep her quite for a few days and the pills should make her more comfortable. I suddenly remembered that Dr. Jeff adjusts animals so maybe he could help Kenu. So I asked my Vet for the x-rays and off to Dr Ptak's office we went.
I carried Kenu into his office and brought her x-rays. Dr. Jeff looked at her films, saw her problem was in her hips and her lumbar spine and despite her intense pain and Ken's resistance he adjusted her. Well, she definitely didn't exactly like her adjustment but you could she that she soon was in less pain and became more playful. She slowly started to walk around. Jeff's staff gave her a dog treat (they always have them around behind the front desk), and within 15 minutes she was looking and acting much better. Dr. Jeff recommended I bring her every day for 1 - 2 weeks to get a handle on the acuteness of her pain.
Dr. Jeff said that Kenu has quite a bit of degeneration in her lower back. He showed it to me on her x-rays. Dr. Ptak told me that was causing weakness in her nervous system which lead to the weakness of her muscles and ligaments and that is why her back and legs went out of control on her and that is what lead to her tremendous amount of pain.
It has now been 9 months since I have been brining Kenu to see Dr. Jeff. She was out of her real acute pain within 2 weeks and her chronic pain and residual discomfort and weakness took 3 or 4 months. Since then Kenu comes to maintain her health. She is so active that she is on a maintenance program of being checked and adjusted weekly. Being so active its important to relieve the spinal nerve stress so as to prevent injuries. She is always excited to go to the chiropractor's office. They are always glad to see her and she them. She gets a treat most every time.
I highly recommend chiropractic to everyone with a pet. Not only has her back and hips improved but her overall health is great. She has not had any medication since her initial visit. A few times she has had some stomach problems and felt run down like she was coming down with something put after her chiropractic visit she was back out there playing.
Both myself and Kenu say thank you so much for taking such great care of us both.
By the way. Dr. Jeff adjusts my horse as well. That will be my next testimonial.
Jeannie Jefferds
I am a 62 year old gentleman who has a Ph.D in history and I am an adjunct professor at UCLA. I have been under care for Ankylosising Spondylitis since 1965. For those of you who are unaware ,this is a debilitating arthritic condition of the spine and pelvis which causes all ligaments of the spine and pelvis to calcify and ossify causing everything to fuse. So the spinal joints fuse and the major support ligaments of the spine and pelvis turn to bone.
I have been cared for with medication and physical therapy since 1965. Physical therapy has helped keep me somewhat flexible but my pain has gradually been getting worse over the years.
In September of 1998 I was in a high speed auto accident as a passenger and I have been disabled ever since. I have problems with concentration and dizziness, I am unable to sleep more then 2 - 3 hours a night, I have blurred vision in my right eye, I have severe pain in my neck, middle and lower back, I am unable to walk more then a few steps before my calves get weak and painful. I cannot drive. I am weak in both upper extremities that I have difficulty holding a pencil. I have been unable to work. I have been in physical therapy at UCLA and under care for my eye at Jules Stein Institute at UCLA.
I am getting progressively worse and have no idea how I keep going. One evening I met a man in a restaurant who told me of Dr. Ptak. When I explained my condition to him he still insisted I meet Dr. Ptak. One night Mark took me to Dr. Ptak's home so we could speak.
Dr. Ptak told me the benefits of chiropractic but I kept insisting that my spine was fused so there was nothing he could do for me. Dr. Ptak disagreed. He instructed me to come to his office for an examination and new x-rays of my neck and that we would talk more after that appointment. After 2 more weeks of waiting Mark drove me to Dr. Ptak's office.
His findings revealed no fusion between the base of my occiput and the first 2 bones in my neck. He told me that is exactly what he had expected to find since he has had 2 other patient's under his care for this same spinal condition. He proceeded to explain to me that he wanted to adjust my atlas bone which had subluxated to the right and was interfering with the transmission of my mental impulse to my body. This was why I was suffering greatly. By removing the interference on my brain stem there was no reason for me not improve in all areas of my life.
After much coaxing from Mark and Dr. Ptak I consented to his care. Something happened although I do not know what. He told me to return daily for the next several weeks and then we would re-evaluate my situation.
Well I have been coming as often as I can now for 3 weeks and just yesterday people were commenting on how different I looked and how much better I was getting around. When I told them what I was doing not one person could believe it. Some were actually horrified. That surprised me since they had just commented about my improved health yet something about chiropractic scares people. I then remembered that it also scared me and frankly it still does. But there is something about Dr. Ptak that I trust. So I intent to continue to tell everyone I know about Dr. Ptak and about my chiropractic care. I am committed to driving them to see him as Mark has been driving me.
I have no doubt that as I continue my care with Dr. Ptak all of my many problems will become things of the past. Thank you all so very much at Ptak Chiropractic Office.
Dr. D.N.A, Ph.D.
This one is from yours truly about a new patient who came in this week. I tell this story and share the ones above because the theme is basically the same. These are situations that an educated brain would say that only mass quantities of drugs and surgeries can help. But thankfully I see things differently. And I guess what I am saying is that we all probably know someone out there who feels that their situation is hopeless and helpless. They have been to them all and they have done it all but I must say there are no limits to what we can overcome if we are allowed to be in a safe place which promotes healing.
So a 37 year old female comes in on Wednesday of this week at her wits end. She has had 3 lower back surgeries. The first to fuse L4/L5 and L5 to sacrum. The second 2 to try and fix the first one. She is still miserable and getting worse. You should see these films she brought with her. They must have weighed 15 lbs. easy.
Her history is that she grew up with chiropractic. At 8 years old her chiropractor told her parents that she had a spondylolesthesis ( slippage of L5 on sacrum) which was an incidental finding in her case and never to worry because it was stable.
Then comes an auto accident 1987. Taken to emergency. They see the spondylo on x-ray and say they must fuse her spine. She tells them the accident did not cause it she has had it all her life. She asks they call her chiropractor in Boston and he will tell them about her spine. She tells me that they literally laughed at her. She is caught in a weak moment and they do surgery based on her x-ray findings. She tells me she has not had one pain free day since. 13 years of hell.
She now takes 5 different medications multiple times per day. She has been to chiropractors (her most recent was some guy here in LA that treated her vs. adjusted her for 2 years and no doubt contributed to her present downfall), acupuncturists, physical therapists, massage therapist, orthopedists, physiatrists, a psychiatrist and neurologists.
They all want epidurals and a 4th surgery. I freaked out. Her acupuncturists says it is all in her head and she needs to think differently since it is only a muscle problem. Her last chiropractor did all this stupid stuff to her with weight belts and weight training and a special torque bike to lose weight. It hurt her. Orthopedists want epidurals and surgery to fuse L3 to L4. So do the neurologists and physiatrists. I am not sure about her psychiatrist who has her on antidepressants.
One of her teachers who is a member of our practice has been trying to refer her to our office for the past 3 weeks . I finally called her and spent 1 hour with her on the phone before she remembered her chiropractic benefits from her Boston days.
Well to shorten this up she limps in. Can hardly stand. I adjust her upper cervicals and L3. I do flexion/distraction on L3. She gets up and most of her pain is gone. She sleeps through the night for the first time in 13 years and does not take a vicodin for the first time as well. Comes in day 2 still doing incredible better. Walking tall, slight pain and spasms. She does not have to crouch down every minute or two from her tremendous pain. Adjust, flexion/distraction and off she goes doing great. I await her return today for visit 3. My concern is that she has been so abused for so long by so many she will talk herself right out of these positive experiences as merely a fluke. I hope she gets lots of great spouse support.
She cancelled her acupuncturist forever. Cancelled the epidurals and no way surgery. She spent her first reasonably pain free day telling her doctors her experience in our office and canceling all procedures. Not one thought what she was about to embark on was a good idea. Let alone safe.
We will keep you posted.
I am a 6 1/2 year old German Shepherd. I now weigh 105 lbs. 18 months ago I was rescued by my now owner Susie. I was very sick when she took me in. I was beaten all the time by my previous owner. I was in tremendous pain. My rear legs would cross. I could not walk very far. I could not control my bladder or my bowels. I would just go all the time. I had diarrhea and nobody wanted to be around me.
My last owner left me in the yard and never feed me. I was all skin and bones. I had to eat anything I could find. One day I ate this really long and thick piece of rope that was tied to this large piece of wood. That is when my intestinal problems started. Susie help pull 25 inches from me. My veterinarian took out the last 30 inches plus the wood fragments.
Because of my leg weakness and incontinence my Veterinarian did everything he could for me. He even tried chiropractic to help my hips and legs. I do have hip dysplasia as well and my vet tried so hard but I was still so sick. I could not eat. I felt so bad.
Well Susie decided to bring me to her Chiropractor because she knew he took care of animals. She was confident he would help with my hip and leg problems. Dr. Jeff looked over my x-rays and not only said he could help me walk better but also said he would help with my bladder and bowel problem. When he explained it all to Susie she sought of understood why Dr. Jeff said he could help bladder or my bowels but I do not think she believed him. Susie has been to other chiropractors and they never mentioned they could help with anything except back problems. She knew he could help with my hip and legs though.
Well I have got to tell you all that I have now been seeing Dr. Jeff for 4 months 2 times per week. Every thing is improving. I have much more control over my bladder and my rectum. I walk so much better. I still have some trouble controlling my bladder and rectum but it is so much better. I have gained 18 lbs. now and feel much more confident then I have in a long time. I can eat everything again.
I sure do recommend Chiropractic. When you allow your spine to be subluxation free and allow your nerves to work properly then your entire body works better. Just look at me. Thanks Dr. Jeff. And thank you to the entire staff at Ptak Chiropractic Life Center. I have no idea what I would have had to have done if my mom never took me for my spinal adjustments.
With Gratitude,
Susie Spector Santa Monica, CA
Prior to my Chiropractic Care with Dr. Jeff I had bodily problems. Here is
a list of what they were --
- Severe Asthma causing me to always be on medication and inhalers.
- Pain up and down my entire spine.
- I would crack my neck and back constantly out of habit to relieve some of
the pain.
- Could not comfortably sit up straight or comfortably in any chair or
couch.
- Had to crack/pop my elbow upwards of 10 times daily to keep it from
locking up.
- Walked with a slight limp due to one leg being shorter then the other.
- Woke up often during the night, never getting more then 5 hours of sleep.
- For a long time felt sluggish and tired from lack of sleep and effects of
medication during the day.
Since beginning Chiropractic care 5 weeks ago --
- It is much easier for me to breathe, medication-free.
- I have a pain free spine except when I sit to long.
- The urge to crack my neck and back is greatly diminished.
- I pop my elbow 1 or 2 times a day now.
- My limp is gone.
- I slept 9 hours yesterday.
- I feel so much more energized and excited about each day.
Thank you so much for the great chiropractic care !
D.S.
I had my first adjustment when I was 9 or 10 years old and thereafter until
today. I have worked in Chiropractic offices since 1982.
My son was born in 1978. A natural, drug free birth and he has been
adjusted since then. He never had a cold, headache or any other illness
until he was 17 years old - his first cold -. He never missed one day of
school from illness.
On June 6, 1999 my now 22 year old son was involved in a near-fatal auto
accident. As a result, he sustain 11 fractures to his pelvis and a right
leg spiral fracture. He spent 10 days in the hospital and had a four hour
surgery. His Chiropractor at that time adjusted him in the hospital,
assuring his speedy recovery.
Upon his release from the surgeon he went straight to the Chiropractor and
is now walking and smiling to be alive and well.
Dr. Ptak was privileged ( and so was Mykka) to deliver the first lower
back
adjustment to my son since the accident, which as I witnessed, was a
tremendous benefit for him mentally, emotionally and physically.
I am honored to be a part of the Ptak Chiropractic Life Center family. I
look forward to meeting each of you very soon.
Yours In Health,
Denise Medina
What are you expecting in the year 2000. For some of us who are moms-to-be, the wonderful answer is - "a Baby!"
Like other women experiencing a first-time pregnancy, I am having new physical sensations my body has never felt before. And I have to say now more then ever do I appreciate what chiropractic care does for helping my body maintain health naturally.
From the moment of conception, the body undergoes a series of remarkable changes preparing for the development and birth of a child. The additional weight - especially in the abdomen - can exert a downward, forward pull of the lower spine setting the stage for backaches, sciatica, ankle swelling, and pelvic and sacral discomfort. In addition, the body secretes a hormone which loosens ligaments. Some women will experience more headaches. These factors may exaggerate the effect of a spinal problem that might already exist.
I personally have not been experiencing any back pain during my pregnancy. I know that my regular chiropractic adjustments are preventing such a problem. However, I have had pelvic discomfort and a few headaches at various stages of my pregnancy as my body was adapting to the changes. I can honestly say that getting chiropractic care made a big difference for me with the variety of discomforts my body felt. Even that intense morning sickness never happened to me.
Here I am now 8 months pregnant with a "textbook" normal pregnancy. I believe that my chiropractic care has greatly helped ensure that my nervous system is functioning properly, making it easier for my body to respond accurately to all the changing requirements of pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and are not receiving regular chiropractic care throughout your pregnancy, you have no idea what you are missing. It has made a world of difference in my body's ability to handle change. I feel very blessed to know the difference chiropractic can make in helping my body to be healthy - naturally !
I encourage all moms-to-be to investigate the benefits of chiropractic care in enabling an easier and more comfortable pregnancy. When you have a growing child inside you, the most natural and drug-free approach to health management should always be of first consideration.
Thank you so much.
Anne Ribley-Czajka
My Whole Family Is Healthier --
As the mother of 2 young boys who seemed always "sick" and on some kind of antibiotic, I was ready to try something new. I wanted to help them build stronger bodies for better health, but I just didn't know how to break the habits of illness and medications. I decided to try chiropractic at the urging of a friend. Well now I understand how the brain, spine and nervous system work together to send messages to and from the organs, thus creating a body that works at its best without interference. What a difference this knowledge and care have made not only in our children, but also in myself and my husband ! We have never been healthier, our attitudes are more positive, and we are sleeping better. My husband no longer suffers from excruciating leg cramps, we both get a full night's sleep, and are able to fight off illness much better now that we are receiving chiropractic care.
Now that I am pregnant with our 3rd child, I've noticed how much better I feel this time compared with the last 2 pregnancies. What a difference !
Thank you chiropractic and thank you all so much for giving us a healthier way of living !
Temple, Scott, Sam & Seth Graham
I feel like I have recently re-discovered chiropractic. For a long time I suffered with stiffness, pain and soreness in my neck and back with weakness on the right side. This was a daily health problem. It interfered with my ability to exercise, walk and relax, and I took over-the-counter medications to help alleviate these problems.
I had experienced some positive chiropractic contact several years ago, and after my son started receiving regular chiropractic care, I decided I should return to chiropractic and let it help me again, too.
As a result of my now regular chiropractic care my overall health has improved, I am more flexible and I have better balance. Another plus happened recently when I had the flu. My Chiropractic adjustments helped me feel better and recover faster.
Thank you !
Frances Miliate
Talon was calmer and told me he felt better after seeing you, in spite of the tears. Thank you. You are one in a billion. I have great admiration for your clarity and unique vision. Now, if I could just wrangle my husband David in to see you..hmmmm.
Thank you again for this morning.
Thanks for your daily inspiration! Here are two thoughts that a friend passed to me this morning, I thought I'd pass along to the WisePtak.
'The past does not equal the future' - Tony Robbins
'Live out of your imagination, not your history' - Stephen Covey
Thanks also for being one of the driving forces guiding me to LA. It's hard to live in Florida when your Chiro is in Santa Monica
I just want to say thank you so much. My husband and I have tried for several years to get pregnant. I had heard how chiropractic was helpful for women who were pregnant and I had read something once about a chiropractor in Northern California who had helped a women with a pregnancy/infertility problem. But I never in my wildest dreams ever expected chiropractic to help me.
But after just a few months, Oh my god. We are pregnant. I will keep up with my wellness care, I promise. God bless you Dr. Jeff
G & P
Well its been 6 months now that I have been coming to Dr. Ptak with my daughter Micki who is now 4 1/2. One of my friends had been urging me to take her to Dr. Jeff for months before I finally gave in. I just never could understand how a chiropractor could help Micki. She had real medical problems. Micki was seeing her doctor for kidney and bladder problems. She does not have back pain. She suffers from frequent headaches, has a sleep disorder and suffers from eczema.
When I finally realized that Micki was not improving with her medication I finally went to an orientation at Dr Jeff's office. Well it all made sense, and I did feel different after I was adjusted that first night, but my 4 year old daughter ? I just didn't know what to do.
Well we came back the next day and Dr. Ptak checked her spine and adjusted her. He told me that he could feel where her nervous system was being interfered with and that was why she was having all of these many problems. Well one thing was certain Micki loved her adjustment and really enjoyed her visit. So we came back. Each time Micki would laugh and each time she seemed to feel better.
After a few weeks she was finally able to sleep through the night. She was never able to do that before. She has not complained about her headaches and has not developed any new patches of eczema and the older patches are slowly disappearing. The original problem with her bladder /frequent urination has greatly improved. Her kidneys are functioning much more efficiently. We have not had the need to go see her pediatrician since we started chiropractic (we went weekly).
I have also noticed that Micki's overall outlook on life has improved. She seems so much happier and seems generally much more relaxed and confident. A mom just knows these things. I have no doubt that my daughter will continue to improve both physically and mentally with her continued care. Thank you all so much. You are all one in a million.
Micki & Morgan (Micki's Mom)
I just want you all to know that chiropractic has done so much for me as far as maintaining my health and wellness from a preventive standpoint. I to started chiropractic due to a spinal injury. I have kept up with my care now for 5 years. Not only is my back stronger then ever but I have had much less sickness over the past 5 years. When I do feel run down or like I am coming down with something I bounce back in literally one day.
I have more strength and stamina, my attitude is much more positive and I have a tremendous amount energy to tackle my days. My stress-filled lifestyle is so much more under control with my weekly and sometimes bi-weekly adjustments.
Thanks Ptak for assisting me in experiencing the Power of Chiropractic.
R.M.
By know I am certain some or all of you are aware of the recent victory by Lance Armstrong in the Tour de France. This is probably one of the most grueling tests of stamina and endurance a human being can subject themselves to. Let alone being a cancer survivor.
If you visit the website the greatoutdoors.com you will find an article by Tyler Hamilton entitled "Life on the Road."
He talks of the training regiment for the participants. Part of that regiment includes DAILY CHIROPRACTIC CARE. Lance Armstrong, two time Tour de France winner, stated that he could not have won without the assistance of the teams chiropractor.
Chiropractic and Athleticism - The perfect marriage.
PASS IT ON !
Dr. Jeff
My herniated discs have healed --
First let me start by saying that I am a registered nurse and I work for neurosurgeons at UCLA. I have been suffering from back pain for the past 2 years secondary to herniated discs at L4 & L5. They have been demonstrated on MRI. I have gone to many doctors, neurosurgeons, physical therapists and acupuncturists. I have been taking many strong pain medications while still going from one doctor to another. Not only did I not improve, I have continued to get progressively worse. Finally, after much time, money and effort spent the suggestion by all my doctors, my physical therapists and my acupuncturists were for me to have surgery. I made an appointment to have a nerve block because the pain was becoming unbearable when, as faith would have it, a friend introduced me to Dr. Ptak one evening.
Well, being an RN and working with the best doctors in the best center of health science in Los Angeles (and possibly the world) I was very skeptical to see Dr. Ptak. I thought it was going to be another waste of time and money and energy. But with the encouragement of my friend I decided to give myself one last chance before surgery.
When I first entered Dr. Ptak's office I was in severe pain despite being on a number of pain medications. It was so bad that my sister helped hold me up against the wall so I would not fall down. After Dr. Ptak did an assessment, physical examination, an extensive health history and x-rays he told me " You will not need surgery. You will be well after a period of adjustments."
I still remember my very first adjustment. It was December 1, 1999. It was powerful. I was able to walk back to my car without my sister's help and with much less pain. I was so happy that this miracle had happened that I cried all the way home. But slowly the pain began to return, as Dr. Ptak said it would. But I was determined not to give up. Somehow I just knew that Dr. Ptak would be able to assist me in my healing.
After seeing Dr. Ptak for a few months I just could not believe it myself. I could walk, sit, I could go shopping. I could lie down and sleep just like a regular healthy, normal person. I have now been seeing Dr. Ptak for 8 months. I can honestly say that I feel better now then I have in a very long time. Better then I felt even before my back crisis began.
If I was going to tell you what the greatest miracle has been in my life, I would say that it is Dr. Ptak. His care giving and his encouragement, along with the fact that he looks at me as a whole human being not just as a person with back pain kept me going, even when I was close to giving up on myself. I am so thankful to him and his loving and caring staff. They were there for me all the time, even when the office was closed. Dr. Ptak's actions and guidance made me again a healthy person with a regular and normal life, that I could never have had, if I had not meet him.
I recommend everybody, whether you are healthy or sick, to have adjustments by Dr. Ptak, for as he always states, "that he is not there to cure the disease or even prevent the disease but that he is their to assist people in maintaining health and wellness. He is there to release the greatest healer and doctor in the world, yourself. To allow each of us to express and experience our lives as we were intended. To free the nervous system and watch our bodies work." For me he has done all of the above.
Thank you Dr. Ptak for your expertise, your love, care, guidance and encouragement. May God bless you in serving more and more people.
Ettie Lahooti
Gracias for taking care of me....I really appreciate you, and that you are always kind to me, plus you make me laugh......
Silvia
READING THIS TESTIMONY TOOK ME BACK TO THE VERY FIRST VISITS I HAD AT YOUR OFFICE WELL OVER TEN YEARS AGO. I WORKED AT IBM AND WAS A MESS IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD. I WAS ALSO IN A WHOLE LOT OF PHYSICAL/EMOTIONAL PAIN. THE PHYSICAL WAS IN CRISIS AND THOSE ADJUSTMENTS BEGAN TO STRAIGHTEN ME RIGHT OUT.
I REMEMBER THE PAIN LIKE YESTERDAY BUT I AM SO GLAD TO SAY THAT A GREAT PORTION OF MY HEALING CAME THROUGH THE PROCESS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE. I AM SO GRATEFUL TO KNOW AND BE CARED FOR BY SUCH A CONSCIOUSIOUS AND CARING HUMAN BEING. YOU STAFF IS LOVELY TOO.
HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND AND I'LL SEE YOU SOON.
ALL IF WELL AND KEEPS GETTING BETTER.
MARY LEE
With permission from Dr. Marilyn we are cleared to tell you her amazing healing experience. Marilyn was diagnosed with cancer of her cervix/uterus in early 1999. Her medical option was surgery as it was determined her condition was quite advanced. So advanced that her doctors were extremely concerned about her and frankly scared her to death. Determined to heal on her own she began Chiropractic in February of 1999.
Her determination came from within. Her faith was built on actual proof
after her husband, granddaughter, son, and a son's friend all healed from a variety of ill health while under chiropractic care in our office. Since beginning her care Marilyn has been a very out spoken proponent for Chiropractic. She has referred countless families for well care, and postnatal care. She has referred more newborns then anyone I know. I have been a guest speaker at several of her college and high school classes about chiropractic.
At my insistence Marilyn went for a follow-up evaluation last week. Guess what - NO MORE CANCER - COMPLETE CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH. Throughout her chiropractic care Marilyn continued to work her normal work schedule.
The power of innate. The power to alter matter from within. Without drugs, without chemotherapy, without radiation and without surgery. Just no interference.
I am continually in awe of the universal power which is exists within each one of us.
Thank you Marilyn for sharing your story with us.
Stay strong. Pass it On !
I have been a patient of Dr. Ptak's on and off for 14 years.
When I first starting seeing Doc, I was 17 years old and I was in a horrible car accident. I thought then that chiropractic was just to eliminate my pain. And it did over a period of time. But through the years I have come to realize the wellness concept of chiropractic. My all around health has improved. I am able to deal with the stress in my life much more easily. I sleep better. I never get headaches anymore. I find that I am able to focus and think more easily and clearly. I am much more active and my eating habits have improved.
I just feel better all the way around. The world looks brighter. Thanks Doc.
Dana Rubenstein
HI DOC! JUST A BRIEF REPORT--I WAS SITTING INDIAN STYLE TONIGHT, CHANTING DAIMOKU, SO HAPPY TO BE SURROUNDED BY MANY GOOD AND CARING CHANTING BUDDIES IN SOMEONE'S SMALL AND HUMBLE GOHONZON ROOM AND I REALIZED, WOW HOW STRAIGHT AND ALIVE MY PRECIOUS SPINE FEELS. AND STRONG. I FEEL SO MANY PARTS OF MY BODY COMING BACK TO LIFE. LIBERATED LIFE FORCE IS INDEED A WONDEROUS THING. THANK YOU DOCTOR FOR YOUR HAPPINESS SHARING. KATHLEEN SLATTERY
I just have to share this experience with anyone who will listen. My 4 week old son developed an acute lung infection with congestion this past Thursday morning. Out of nowhere Jackson's temperature reached 102.8 and climbing. I could see how difficult it was for him to breathe. I held him and took him into the shower all day and all night to steam his chest. It did not help.
Friday morning his fever hit 103 degrees and I took him to his pediatrician. He and his nurse practitioner were so concerned at his high fever that they wanted to admit him into the hospital right then. They told me how such a high fever was dangerous in an infant under 2 months. They said it is not as dangerous when they are older the 2 mos.
I am not sure why but I left there and drive directly to Dr. Jeff's. He had already checked and adjusted Jackson's spine once after the birth so I just had to have him check Jackson. Jackson is my third child, and my to girls, myself and my husband are all patient's of Dr. Jeff. I just could not recall any of my kids having this much trouble this early on.
Well Dr. Jeff happened to be standing by the door when in we walked. He could tell something was up with Jackson. He took him from me and went directly to an adjusting table. Dr. Jeff checked his spine, found his atlas bone and his sacrum were subluxated. He adjusted him and wow ! Jackson responded almost instantly. His eyes opened and he squirmed about. Dr. Jeff did some cupping over his lungs on his back and sent us home.
No sooner did I arrive home, I checked Jackson's temperature it had dropped to 98.3 in less then one hour. His breathing was labored but I felt hopeful. Dr. Jeff told me to call him that evening and again on Saturday morning and forget that it was the Labor Day weekend. Dr. Jeff and I spoke on Friday night and he told me to call in the morning and that he wanted to check Jackson at his home. I really did not want to disturb him but he insisted. I reminded him that I did not want to expose his child to Jackson but he said not to worry.
Jackson finally got some sleep Friday night and his temperature stayed at 98.3. On my way to Dr. Jeff's on Saturday I stopped in to see my pediatrician because I wanted him to be aware of what transpired over the last 24 hours. Both he and his nurse practitioner were ecstatic about his sudden turn around but could not understand why I took him to my chiropractor. I gave them Dr. Jeff's phone number so they could talk and went to Dr. Jeff's house for his next checkup.
Jackson's atlas was in a much better position, his sacrum held the adjustment and Dr. Jeff adjusted his atlas once again. We stayed in touch the rest of the weekend. Dr. Jeff assured me his infection would clear and that since infant's cannot cough it up and out it would take about three weeks. I felt so much better hearing that. Even though I have 2 other children it is amazing what you can forget when a child becomes ill.
I that Dr. Jeff from the bottom of my heart for his love and caring, his dedication and his efforts. As an aside my 3 year old daughter, the middle child, was playing doctor on Saturday night with her older sister and when we all said you want to be Dr. so and so. Melinda said "NO. I am Dr. Jeff."
Jeff again thank you so much for who you are and what you do. Thank you Patricia and Ian for letting us into your home and into your family.
With Love,
The Rozelle Family,
I just want to say a quick thank you Dr. Jeff and staff. Thank you for your
commitment to our lives and for your no nonsense approach toward health and
well-being. I have been to other chiropractors over the best 12 years. But
never have I been told "the story" before. No wonder my neck pain comes
back.
Well I have been seeing you for 9 weeks and, are you all ready for this, I
have lost 14 pounds. I am exercising. I am eating healthier then I have in
many years. I meditated twice this week,. I am a NON-SMOKER now after 15
years (day 9) . I released my not so wonderful relationship with my fianc�
after 2 1/2 years. I am moving forward. And yes my neck pain is gone and I
know its gone for good this time. I am sleeping better and I feel
energized. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect anything like this.
I just wanted my neck cracked that first day.
What will come from our next 9 weeks God only knows. But I am ready.
Thanks for telling me the story. Thanks for taking a stand for my life.
Thanks to all of you at Ptak Life Center. You all have truly given me my
Life.
May God continue to bless and watch over all of you.
Your most grateful and outspoken advocate,
Sherry Hines
It is so lovely to hear from you on a regular basis. Your affirmations continue to give us inspiration. A breath of America right here in Africa and we appreciate it.
Bless you all.
From MAUREEN & GARETH
History is 70 year old man who has been experiencing excruciating deep
thigh/femur pain for many, many years. He traveled up from Mexico at the
insistence of a friend and has lived in her home for 8 weeks. He has been
walking with a cane for over 1 year. After 8 weeks of Chiropractic care in
my office, Charles is pain-free and handed me his cane for safe keepings.
He leaves for home today !
Dr. Jeff
Testimonial Poem -
I took the pain to my HMO.
They said, "Take two Tylenol and call us next year."
I took it to my orthopedist.
He offered me two new hips for the price of one.
I took it to my podiatrist.
He trimmed my nails and gave me the boot.
I took it to my neurologist.
He got on my nerves.
I took it to my my dermatologist.
He skinned me, but it didn't go away.
I took it to my herbalist.
He handed me an acorn and said, "Eat this."
I took it to my acupuncturist.
He stuck me for a couple hundred.
I took it to my psychiatrist.
He said it wasn't in my leg, it was in my head.
I took it to my proctologist.
He just gave me a pain in the butt.
I took it to my paleotantric faith healer.
He didn't believe me.
I finally took it to Dr. Ptak,
Who hooked me up to his leatherette rack,
And just when I thought my bones would crack,
He took away the years of pain.
And - just for good measure -
He took my cane.
-----C.B. Griffith
Ensenada, Mexico
What gems Dr. Jeff. I will save these in the treasure chest of your writings
for exploration later and to be shared by all--as I refer a good and true
doctor with others, I realize people need the fortune to recognize the
benefit of the good medicine your care provides. I don't think it's just
chiropractic, I think it's your heart and your prayer that expresses in your
hands that then penetrates the lives of those whom you adjust. Healing is in
caring and believing. That's my humble guess. K. Slattery
Good to be on a first-name basis. Was just about to report in, when your messages turned up. I have given the leg a thorough workout, wrestling my gear on the busses from San Diego to Maneadero and Punta Banda, marching around downtown Ensenada and - the acid test - descended and climbed my stony, rutted, dust-clogged 45', Baja mountain road. The leg has not twinged, throbbed or tingled once, so I am now a confirmed believer. Interesting to note, Kaiser Permanente has now opened a chiropractic department. I suspect they see it as a relatively low-maintenance way to divert their patients from more expensive procedures, such as high-colonics,heart transplants and wart burnings. So, anyway, I don't miss the cane at all, though it was my first line of defense. It you push the button under the seemingly-useless velcro strap, give the handle a quarter turn left, then a one-third turn right, then slowly and CAREFULLY withd- Ooops; gotta call coming in! Catch you later! Kiss all the girls hello! Thanks again, Chuck
P.S. I'll change it from "Faith healers and Chiropractors" to "Faith Healers and Orthopaedic Surgeons."
...Here's a bit of my history, so you can understand why I'm making a point of sharing Dr. Jeff with you all. I'd say, I actually consider
this to be a necessity in terms of my personal integrity, as I feel when any one of us finds value that can bring benefit to others, it's our responsibility to share the information and be encouraging...
Interestingly, with all the healers I've gone to over the years (largely due to the challenged which arose after my back was broken at age 19), I didn't really understand how chiropractic serves to enliven the inner healer until I found Ptak Chiropractic. I think that's also because many chiropractors simply fall short of Dr. Jeff's standard.
In March 1999, I was producing our first annual Women's Day
International Event, and I'd developed a numbness in the pointer finger of my left hand as well as buzzing and a pinching pain throughout my left arm. I'd tried several healing methodologies to little result, when my friend Thomai recommended Dr. Jeff.
What I didn't know, is that chiropractic - when it's really done "right" -aligns the bones so the nervous system is free to do its work - which is to relay all the communications that are necessary for our inner healers to function optimally so we can be in the best possible health.
Over the two years since I've been going to Dr. Jeff regularly, I've
been fortunate to come back into my body on a level that hadn't been possible for many of the years preceeding. And the positivity has extended beyond the physical to an easier, more relaxed sense of myself, psychologically and spiritually.
Again, you can check out the website, or go in for a meeting completely free of any commitment. Then you'll be able to make an informed decision for yourself. To reiterate, the number at the office is: 310-451-5336. Use my name and I'll get it written on a little
blackboard on the wall which will make me happy. This is a real family environment. I've run into all sorts of neat people I know there. Heck, you can even bring your pets in free of charge. Little babies also. And there are stuffed animals and colored pens to draw with, all of which I've indulged in at one time or another. The prices are also very fair.
thanks jeff.
i am thankful that you are in my life.
see you soon.
barry
I have been a Chiropractic patient for a couple of years now. I sought
Chiropractic care for several health related problems. In a passing
conversation with a mutual friend I was told that your son suffers from
chronic asthma and is controlling this condition with medication. This has
been bothering me for over a week and a half now, so I felt I should write
you this letter.
I was afflicted at the age of 6 with chronic asthma, hay fever, a stomach
disorder and severe allergies. I was unable to play sports without
medication. I was unable to eat many foods such as pizza, chocolate, ice
cream, and peanut butter. I was allergic to molds, grass, pollen, wool and
rubber products.
I had been receiving medication, oral and by injection mostly, from 6 - 27
years of age. I then refused all medical treatment for several reasons -
unbearable side effects and I couldn't afford the astronomical medical
bills. The severe rashes, which occasionally resurface were caused by large
doses of medication doctors said were safe. From this I became allergic to
penicillin and all of its derivatives.
Then my mom spoke to a women who was taking her son to a Chiropractor for
allergy and asthma problems and she referred us to her him. So that is why
I feel compelled to send this letter to you now.
After a few weeks of care I felt better then I had in 27 years. I no longer
take any medication for my allergies or my asthma. I no longer suffer with
digestive problems. I still continue with a maintenance program to stay
healthy.
I cannot promise that my chiropractor will be able to help your son, but if
he does, maybe next time 'your' son will be writing this letter to someone
who was ill with similar conditions. You can reach Dr. Jeff Ptak at 310 -
451 - 5336.
I wish you both a life of wellness.
Jonathon
You're the best Doc! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and caring so
deeply for us all.
I love you, Merrill
You have certainly affected a widening in perception amongst your patients,
kiddo. Looks like we get it, heh? It occurred to me that not so long ago,
the percentage of patients in for "car accidents" on many a chiropractor's
list would have been more than 70 %. This really is encouraging...that
more and more humans see the connections BEFORE they are in red, blinking
lights. Have a good one, Doc love,k
While I believe that modern medicine has made some progress, I don't believe
that it has done enough to help those of us with FSH dystrophy to live the
best life we can.
I was diagnosed with FSH muscular dystrophy in 1972, at the age of 22. Over
the past 28 years, I have gone to hospitals all over the United States in an
effort to find a way to alleviate the symptoms of my disease and perhaps
retard its natural progression. I've tried many approaches, including
physical therapy, exercise and various "muscle relaxers" and pain
medications. It wasn't until 3 years ago when I couldn't get out of bed one
morning that a friend of mine brought me to his chiropractor.
For 3 years now I have been under the care of 2 chiropractors who have given
my life back to me. Through a wonderful husband-and-wife team, I have
learned about wellness, nutrition and a wholistic approach to health. I
have had a light turned on in my body that has given me the ability to not
only "live" with my disease, but to "live well." Through the 3 years of
continual care, I have been given relief from the constant, lack of energy
and, most of all, pain.
While I pray the a cure is found for the disease, I know that there are
hundreds of people like me that will never partake in that cure. I cannot
offer chiropractic as a panacea, but I can testify to its benefits.
Belinda Barker
Centerville, Va.
I wanted to thank you for completely going out of your way to help me in my
health.
I know that everything is a process and from where I was over a year ago to
today, it is a complete difference......
Thank you very much.
Silvia
Congratulations on your entry into Cuba. I continue to applaud your
commitment to the wellness and wholeness of people.
And yes its your Birthday month. Happy, Happy in advance.
Have a great day.
Mary Lee
My Entire Family Has Better Health
Our entire family experienced a variety of health problems before we came to
Dr. Jeff. I suffered from low back pain, leg sciatica, headaches and
stiffness in my neck. My daughter Lauren (age 9) had mid-back pain,
irritability, stress in school and chronic sinus infections. My other
daughter Brittany (age 6) had headaches, sinus infections, back pain and
school absences due to sickness.
We were taking anti-inflammatories, pain medication, decongestants, nasal
steroids and inhalers for health problems. I knew Chiropractic worked since
it helped some of my friends but I did not now if it would help my family
with all our health problems.
Since beginning Chiropractic my own awareness has greatly expanded and
understanding my body has greatly increased. I really did not understand
previously what can happen to the human body when subluxations (misaligned
vertebrae) occur in the spine. My ability to "tune in" to my body and to
the symptoms of my children is growing greater every day.
I am so happy to say my family is no longer taking drugs or medications
because we no longer need to do so. The severe back pain is gone and my
activity level has increased. My children have become calmer and more
joyful. Their school performance has improved, and we now have almost no
days of missed school. We all have fewer headaches, less back pain and are
less irritable. Overall, we have better health.
Thank you Dr. Jeff and your beautiful staff for taking the time to educate
us and care for us. Thank you Marilyn for making sure we finally got there.
Tamara Reynolds
Having studied the violin since the age of 5, and then playing
professionally for many years, the toll on my right arm and spine has been
enormous, eventually forcing me to give up the profession I loved so dearly.
Jeffrey, I would like to thank you publicly for enabling me, not only to
resume playing, but also for relieving me of the unrelenting, excruciating
pain, pain, I might add, that was impervious to medical or other treatment
methods.
I feel very fortunate to have found you, a man of real talent, sincerity,
generosity, and depth.
God Bless,
Jim Holmes
Thanks boyfriend...i love you too and i feel that love all the time from
you.....you are one of the first people to help me love myself and
appreciate who i am....life has given me unique challenges on spiritual,
relationship and all levels....you have been one of the lights i navigated
through my darkness with...in fact when i was totally broke and just starting
out in Taos...if someone came to me with no money i did their hair anyway
because of the fact that you gave your art to me so freely when i literally
had no money to pay you....I'm still a financial wreck but persevering and
ACTUALLY moving forward....if it wasn't for you BABe i wouldn't be here and
the loving space that i feel responsible to hold on earth would not be
shared with others if it were not for you champ!!!
I also love Patricia the same way and your relationship to others is so
beautiful to witness..i only hope that god will grant me someone who adores
me and supports me the way i see you two doing it!!! So glad i got to go
trick or treating with you....you are the big brother awesome father and
lover in my life that makes me believe in humanity, god, brother
hood.......
Thanks again for taking the time to email me your sentiments...it could not
have come at a better time...I'm driving up the hil to play the piano in
twenty minutes and i will dedicate tonight's performance to you, Patricia and
Ian....soon you'll be getting email photos of me and my parade ciao for now
with love always! J.R.
Tyler - 11 years old. Diagnosed Autistic at age 4.
Before Chiropractic - Included countless hours and $ on speech,
occupational, physical, integration and auditory integration therapies with
minimal results.
It has now been 9 months since Tyler began Chiropractic care - These are
the changes reported by family and school personnel -
Tyler no longer exhibits self-injurious behavior. He no longer bites his
hand and pulls his hair when frustrated. There is a decrease need for
supplementation used for calming purposes. He is easier to reason with when
upset. Tyler is more physically coordinated and blends easily with other
children. The most beneficial and far reaching benefit has been reduced
hyperactivity and increased focusing ability. For the first time he has
experienced academic success with huge gains in reading, writing and
spelling. Overall he is a much happier and more relaxed child who is now
able to enjoy the things most kids take for granted.
As you know, for one reason or another I've had the opportunity of attending
several of your new patient orientations. I was amazed that even on my 4th
time of hearing your talk I was hearing things that I had'nt heard before.
The information that you give us in your seminars is of a new health
paradigm and that is possibly why it takes reapeted attendance to fully
absorb the information.
Your teaching illuminates the path to optimum health.
THANK YOU
Alfredo Urso, DCN, PhD
Holistic Personal Trainer
I have had many serious illness since childhood. My not so healthy history
also includes 3 major car accidents and several other serious falls and
injuries so I do have a lifetime of accumulated traumas.
When I first came to Dr. Jeff 3 months ago I was totally drained and
fatigued from insomnia, migraine headaches, constant neck pain just to name
a few. I have been to other Chiropractors over the years but none ever
educated me about health and why I was hurting. They would just see me when
I was in excruciating pain and that was that. But somewhere deep inside I
always knew that I needed something more. A dear friend referred me to Dr.
Jeff telling me how extradonary his office was and how unique he is in his
approach. I thank her so very much for my life has been undergoing an
incredible transformation since coming to Dr. Jeff.
The spinal adjustments I have been receiving have opened my body up for
healing and I have at times become aware of retracing through some old
injuries, releasing them, and constantly feeling new energy and enthusiasm
every step of the way. This process is miraculous.
I am so thankful that I have been guided to this path of healing and I know
that if I stay with this process things will continue to get better and
better.
Thank you,
Lynne Morvant
We sure do miss you up here in Washington State. Happy Easter. We cannot
believe we have been gone 3 years now.
Today our family is celebrating our son David's 4th birthday. With this
celebration of life, we thought it would be great to write to you and remind
you how much we appreciate you and what you did for our family. You really
saved David's life. He almost died that night.
David was born in our home with our midwife and assistant, Dr. Jeff and a
few good friends in attendance. Susan had a great pregnancy. She ate
well, exercised regularly, and received Chiropractic care right up to going
into labor. Pretty much we did everything right. Thank God.
Labor was none the less long and hard. 15 hours of repetitive contractions.
We all coached her through it. She was amazing. With your encouragement no
painkillers and no epidural. No doubt, looking back, that played a major
role in saving David's life.
During the birth the midwife noticed large amounts of merconium so we all
knew the baby was extremely stressed. As the head presented we saw that he
was blue. After he was born, the umbilical cord was not pulsating so the
baby was not receiving any oxygen during the later part of labor.
Immediately after his birth he laid totally lifeless in the midwife's arms.
She worked at stimulating his body so he would start to breathe. When she
went to place oxygen over his face you stepped in. You said nothing but
moved swiftly and powerfully. You checked his neck, said his atlas was off
and before any of us knew what had happened we all heard and felt that
adjustment. We still feel it.
David struggled for breathe after that for what seemed like forever but in
reality was but 1 or 2 minutes. The blue slowly left his face, his hands,
and his lips. His heart, which was racing, began to settle. We had our
son.
Chiropractic is miraculous. It is a gift from God. We love our
Chiropractor here but we sure do miss you.
May God bless you and your family this Easter.
The Cornwall Family
My wife has been recommending that I go see Dr. Jeff for over 2 years now.
I have suffered greatly from lower back and leg pains. Nothing has helped.
After 2 weeks of Chiropractic care my home and work life have improved. I
am an office building maintenance worker and my days are filled with
strenuous physical work. I wish I had come sooner.
Gracias.
Noe Lopez.
Thank you for entering into my spinal life force. I went home after the atlas-axis adjustment you did and studied the foramen magnum, and the C1/C2 joint and how the vertbrae slide into one another. As I slept on this energy last night I had some dream revelations and I woke up this morning seeing the symbol of the Tai Chi and hearing a Voice repeating everything comes from the One and feeling the open space created by your magic hands under my occiput. I understand what you mean now when you say the origin of my spinal blockages is at the atlas/axis junction because this is the point where the Divine Energy first pierces the body and fills the channels, organs, muscles, tendons, bones, marrow, etc. with Consciousness. I now see what it is you are doing and I will do my best to facilitate this realigning process.
Thank you,
Cofe
I had not been able to work for 5 years. I was diagnosed 5 years ago with
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Fibromyalgia. The PTSD left me
with disabling anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia. The Fibromyalgia caused
chronic pain, fatigue and digestion problems. It affected my concentration.
Each moment of my life was a struggle.
Several friends that were patient's of Dr. Jeff encouraged me to go and see
him. Instead I was hospitalized 14 times over that 5 year period and I was
subjected to many invasive medical tests, and placed on a wide array of
medications ranging from anti-depressants to painkillers to God-knows-what.
Nothing helped and some of the drugs made me so very sick.
Well my friends finally stepped in. I had been to a chiropractor years ago
for a car accident but I saw him for a few weeks and felt ok so I stopped.
I never heard the Chiropractic story until now. I never realized how
powerful and how beneficial Chiropractic can be for one's life.
Since beginning my Chiropractic care with Dr. Jeff I have experienced a
dramatic decrease in my pain, anxiety, fatigue and insomnia. I am now
working part time and I look forward to working full time again real soon.
I encourage all not to wait one more minute. Chiropractic and Dr. Jeff have
transformed my life.
Thank you,
Ann Phillips
Top of Page
My son TJ has always had problems with wheezing from asthma since he was
born. It was a difficult birth, TJ was born caesarian. The Kelly family
has been urging us to bring TJ from the very beginning to Dr. Jeff to have
his spine checked. I just never could understand why and I was so afraid
Chiropractic would hurt him. My pediatrician urged my husband and I not to
go to a Chiropractor for infants. So we did not.
Well TJ's health just kept getting worse. At times he would need 6
breathing treatments a day. He was on several different antibiotics at a
time as he started to develop ear infections. We just could not stand to
see our son suffer any longer so I went along with the Kelly's one day and
watch them all get adjusted. Their children are 3 boys, ages 7, 3 and 1
month. I was impressed with the entire office experience. Dr. Ptak's staff
were warm and caring and explained how Chiropractic works. I went right
home and brought TJ back.
Its been 10 weeks now and TJ has not been on any antibiotics to date. His
ears drained just 7 days after he began Chiropractic care.
TJ now (and finally) has a more active life. He is so much more comfortable
and playful and we are all sleeping much more soundly.
Thank you all so much,
Lezley Koutlas and TJ
It was such a pleasure seeing you recently. As of
now, you have adjusted four generations of my family,
including my mother, all three of my children, three
of my four grandchildren, and of course myself. The
best part is that you have adjusted not only our
spines, but also our way of thinking about about our
bodies, health and Life in general. I really thank you
for that.
Thanks so much for your newsletter, affirmations,
daily quotes and other information and motivation to
get and stay healthy. I share all this good stuff
with my friends and family, and I'm sure they pass it
on, also.
Margaret Mitchell
Top of Page
Dear Jeff
Thank you for the good info, and always for your help, support and
friendship. Love ya.
Regards,
Gary G.
Thanks for all you do to get information out to everyone all the time. I
really
enjoy reading the e-mails that you send. Thanks for taking care of myself,
my sisters and my grandbaby.
Baby Demerise had a difficult birth but because of your commitment and
dedication she is now a healthy and happy 3 month old.
See you soon.
Much love,
Pat Abdullah
As you know, I'm a big proponent of the chiropractic care I've been
receiving from Dr. Jeff Ptak and the group at Ptak Chiropractic in Santa
Monica. What you may or may not know is that my back was broken in a
car accident when I was 19 - a catalyst which redirected me into the
beautiful alternative world of natural healing, and has brought me and
my body up close and personal with many profound healers and
techniques. This makes me somewhat of an authority from the inside
out. One thing I've held true throughout these many years is that "what
got in there can get out" - in other words, there are no (or as my
friend Paradise would say "zero") absolutes or conditions. This said, I
am experiencing daily progress with my back and my overall outlook on
life.
I want to SHARE A BIT OF JOY by sending you the url for Dr. Jeff's
website. If you click here and then again once in the site on CUBA,
you'll see some WONDERFUL PHOTOS of the good doctor administering to
children from the School for Autism on a recent trip down there. This
kind of missionary work is very present in Dr. Jeff's TAOist knowing of
the Innate Intelligence which Heals in Love.
Whether you're moved to go in for chiropractic or not, the photos will
do your heart good.
http://www.ptakchiropractic.com/
office telephone: 310-473-7991
11545 W. Olympivc Blvd.in West Los Angeles
Blessings,
Frankie Lee
The Art of LIVING Coalition
Hi Dr Ptak!! Greetings from Alaska...
I don't come in very often and when I do its always with my sister June
Polin. I really appreciate everything you have done to help her. She is such
a wonderful person and I know that she loves her visits with you...
My name is Cesear an I am 8 years old. I have had headaches my whole life. My mom says the others doctors call them migraines. I took lots of pills. I have been to see Dr. Jeff for 1 week and today is the first day that I do not have a headache. My mom is a cook and could not work because she was always in pain. My daddy is a car mechanic and he could not work, but now he can too. My mom and dad are not fighting anymore and they stopped yelling at me too. I am very happy. They said I do not have to take pills anymore. Thank you.
Today one Isabella Levy paid me the nicest compliment. Isabella, age 6, has
been under care in my office for the past 3 weeks as part of her family's
chosen wellness lifestyle. Dad and Isabella stopped by Thursday afternoon,
forgeting that our office now closes at 12:30 PM. This morning she related
the story and told me how dissapointed she was that I was out of the office.
"I really wanted to come yesturday." " I was very dissapointed that when we
got to your office it was closed." I could not hold back the tears.
Isabella missed her adjustment, not becuase there is something wrong with
her, but because there is something right within her that might be
interfered with and she wants a powerful, healthy life. Age 6 how
extraordinary. It moved me, it touched me, it inspired me. I would like to
encourage all of you to bring the kids to be checked for subluxations. If
you do not have kids I hope you will share Chiropractic as a possibility with
your friends that do !
One other encouraging story. I have been adjusting the Executive Director
of Internal Medicine at UCLA for the past week and a half. She has been on
numerous medications since March relating to intense spinal pain. Thelma is
know drug free for 1 week and is making steady progress. Thanks for the
referral and confidence Nora.
Damaged Nerves and Necrotic Hip - HEALED !
I am a sixty years young, semi-retired women. I have worked at several different jobs over 45 years. One of those jobs was the U.S. Military Post Office. This was the beginning of my back problems which went unnoticed. When you are young the last thing you think about is the effects of picking up mail sacks and stacking them as high as you can. Over the years back problems have caused me to seek relief from some of the best so called specialists in the field in several states. Two years ago I was hospitalized with 104 degrees of fever and severe pain on my right side to the point that my entire right side was numb. I was unable to move. I was given a battery of tests and diagnosed with several damaged nerves in my back and hip. After 3 opinions, the consensus was major surgery to replace my hip and have surgery to repair the damaged nerves in my lower back. They said my hip was dying, it was necrotic, meaning no blood flow at all and the bone. I asked each doctor if there was any alternative to surgery and the all agreed, No !
The possibility was mentioned that I might not be able to walk again after back surgery. This greatly concerned me as you can well imagine so I declined the surgery. My problem just kept getting worse. While talking to a friend one day about my back and hip problems she recommended this wonderful Chiropractor, Dr. Jeff. After our talk I began to become very excited about the possibility of being pain free without surgery and without any more pain medication which I had now been taking for the past 6 months.
I have know been seeing Dr. Jeff for 3 months. I live in Long Beach, I do not have transportation other then public, but I made the determination to be healthy and pain free.
Well thanks to Dr. Jeff and his wonderful staff who always have their patient's well being at heart I am pain free, drug free, & surgery free today. I cannot thank them enough. Without Chiropractic and Dr. Jeff the outcome would have been very different.
With all my love and appreciation always. I am praying for your success at helping humanity becoming pain free.
Mary Walser
I am beginning to see a small transformation in myself through small acts in my daily life. Not wanting to blow things out of porportion I'm excited only because I know that little daily decisions can turn into life changing patterns. I travel down 4th Ave. that connects N. Venice and Santa Monica almost daily. Yesterday a car stopped in front of me for apparently no reason, then it began to back up. I'm thinking okay what's this idiot doing. But he was moving around acat in the middle of the road, which I could only assume was dead. So I manuvered around the cat as well and went about three blocks when something in me wanted to pull over and check on the cat or at least move it to the side of the road. Normally I would have ignored that voice saying "what can you do" or "what's done is done", but today I pulled over. The cat was dead. But another woman and I were able to move it to the side of the road and she called the pound. Today I'm driving along the same stretch on 4th when I see a fallen American flag drapped over a brick wall. This time it took me only a few feet to decide to pull over and prop it up. The point of these two stories I guess insignificant as they may appear to be, is that I decided to do the right thing in my mind and acted on it. I know 9-11 has changed us all, but hopefully the tragedy and example of others has birthed a resurgence of pride in what is good and right and the faith to act upon her gentle suggestions. Without a doubt this connection of body and spirit comes from the work you have done with me. Thank you for loving, serving, giving, teaching and healing and now that I am on that I am making great strides on the path of healing I too am better able to love, serve, give, teach and heal.
Thanks again, the nork
Jewel came to our office for the first time this past Monday suffering from Asthma, inability to sleep due to chronic cough and snoring, has chronic sinus and ear infections, is unable to have a bowel movement but once per week and that after mediciation. This has been getting steadily worse for the past one year.
Alley has been speaking to Jewel's Mom for nearly one year. The motivation for this visit on Monday was that Jewel was recommended to go back on her steroid medication.
My evaluation revealed subluxations of C1, C2, T1 - 4 and Sacrum. I adjusted Jewel. Mom and Jewel return the very next day. Mom is crying, Jewel calls me the magic doctor. That in and of itself was a miracle since it was not an easy first visit for Jewel. That little girl has seen many medical doctors and has had many injections and swollows many pills. Mom tells me Jewel slept through the night for the first time. Coughed a total of 5 times, went to the bathroom on her own and is feeling great. As of her visit this morning (4th total) Jewel has had 4 bowel movements in 5 days (a first), is breathing with greater ease, is sleeping without snoring and has much more energy to play at school.
Mom's friends have noticed how well Jewel is doing so 2 parents are allowing their kids to have sleep overs at Jewels house, one tonight and another on Saturday. A tremendously big deal for this family.
To my dear friends receiving this, Dr. Ptak's office is close by on Olympic Blvd. in West Los Angeles and the office number is (310) 473-7991. He and his sweet wife, Patty, welcomed a very distraught me into his office last week with incredibly open, loving arms -- literally! Of course I took my 78 year old mother on my very next visit (later that day!) and he's done wonders with both of us in the past week. Mother's walking with less pain (sometimes no pain at all) and I feel like a different person - much more me actually. If you think chiropractic will serve you, Dr. Jeff and his friendly staff are here to "Love, Serve, Give Teach, Heal" as stated on his card. That has certainly been my experience. xx/h
jeff - you are way up there on my grateful list!!! Not only are you my
chiropractor but you are one of my oldest & dearest friends in this town...I
can't thank you enough for all your support through my many tough
years...I've come out on the other side - and many thsanks go to you..
love to you, Patty, Ian & the pets ...happy thanksgiving !!
Me too . . . I hope. You are such a sweet man. I truly didn't think (and honestly still am not sure) you do exist on this planet. Thanks for all you do to keep us connected. xx/h
I have been seeing Dr. Ptak for adjustments for some time now. When I first
came to his office, I thought it was to correct a recent back injury, but
soon discovered that the source of misalignment went back to a birth trauma.
I have gone through much cleansing in the last 2 years and I kept thinking
that someday when I no longer felt any pain, I would write a testimonial for
Dr. Ptak to put in his book. Now I realize that experiencing pain,
especially emotional pain, is a sign that I am getting better, and that Life
experiences include some pain as well as other emotions. I was using
misalignment to cut off. And what I didn't realize was all those cryptic
comments that Dr. Jeff made to my various complaints were acting as a kind
of attitude adjustment, for me the most important adjustment of all.
I realized this pointedly during recent experiences with a serious illness
in my family and how I am coming to handle it. The doctors told my relative
that she had inoperable cancer and only a few months to live and she began
putting all her affairs in order and began to wait for the endstage. As I
struggled with grief and unresolved issues and regret, I began to see
gradually that no person can know with absolute certainty the course of
someone's life or death and that an all-knowing attitude can itself create a
self-fulfilling prophecy. I began to do what I could, seek alternative
healing, pray for her, go to see her and talk with her about this gray area,
that small space of uncertainty that allows for so-called miracles to
happen. I found more and more a sense of strength and purpose in taking
positive action towards increasing the area of uncertainty, or at least not
to remain a helpless grieving victim.
People began to tell me I was in Kubler-Ross's stage of denial, that I was
engaging in magical and unrealistic thinking. Other people talked of the
possibility of miracles. Miracles are for me now only what we cannot yet
explain. But while there may be denial, it feels more like the giving up of
the idea of lack and limitation, giving up constricted and constricting
thinking, daring to believe and think we have more power over our own
destiny than we have been made to believe. Much of my new way of thinking
comes through the subtle and sometimes not so subtle influence of Dr. Ptak's
Chiropractic philosophy, that we can indeed heal all or at least many scars
of our past, that we can extend our own lifespan through rejuvenation of
that which is considered to be in inevitable decline. That inevitable
decline, however, is often brought about by believing in conventional wisdom
rather than in going not only with what our own experience tells us, but
also with possibility.
But that is not a safe journey along well-worn paths of traditional belief
or "common sense", nor reliance upon authorities who themselves may not know
really, but a venture into the unknown, opening up to potentially unlimited
and uncharted possibilities for growth and renewal.
Peggy Caton
All of us are facing obstacles in our lives. Some of us on a regular basis, others only once in a while. However, how we deal with these obstacles is our choice and also how we let these obstacles affect us. Admitting to pain, no matter if physical or psychological, is not a shame. It is a shame if you don't.
When my husband and I came to Dr. Ptak we both were at a point in our lives where we missed being the positive and cheerful people that we once were.
It seemed to us as if we had lost something that could not be brought back. My husband suffered from back pain and lack of focus and concentration. I myself felt so stressed out ! Every day I woke up wishing that the day would already be over so I could go back to sleep again. Lack of energy, headaches, back pain and emotional instability were only a few symptoms I had experienced throughout a period of at least one (1) year. Life did not seem beautiful to me anymore, instead it became a race of things I had to accomplish without the energy for it all. After a long day my back and shoulders were killing me. Depressed and restless I went to bed, feeling as if I was 85 and only being 23 years old.
We were both skeptical if a Chiropractic Doctor would be able to help us. After only the first visit, I walked out of Dr. Ptak's office and my vision was clearer, I could role my shoulders again and I felt as if someone woke me up. I was awake until 2:00 AM and I felt so good, like I have not felt in months. My energy started coming back and my husband and I were talking and laughing all night.
Now that we have been visiting Dr. Ptak on a regular basis it is hard to imagine our lives without him, his wife and his wonderful team. We have our quality of Life back, our sense of humor and our willingness to move on and create something great out of our young lives. We leave today for our home in Austria and look forward to the day when we meet again. Thank you so very much.
Tyrone and Pia Valdivia-Ronacher ( Attorney-At-Law and Masters Candidate )
A 31 year old patient had a diagnosis of Chron's disease with which he had struggled with for 15 years. A portion of his intestine had been removed and he had been taking an antibiotic and prednisone. From the time his symptoms began, he never experienced a normal bowel movement and constantly suffered from abdominal cramps. He also complained of extreme weakness and an inability to put on weight.
Chiropractic analysis showed a subluxation of the axis. His spine stabilized on the fifth visit. By the sixth visit, he started feeling better and his medication was reduced. He started to have normal bowel movements by the thirteenth visit, and all medication was stopped. This patient is examined every three weeks. He has no abnormal gastrointestinal symptoms and his weight and strength have greatly improved. Along with adjustments, it was also necessary to alter his diet by removing certain foods that are known irritants to patients with this condition.
Dr. Jeff
I wanted to share the story of Bob & Mary with you. When I first moved into my current office 12 years ago I met Bob & Mary, who turned out not only to be amazing people but two of the best huggers I have ever met. Bob started coming in first with acute low back pain. Like many people, this was his last resort as he had exhausted every other approach and still had no relief. Often the most common cause - nerve interference, is the last to be considered. He was very much his own doctor and had done his reading on what chiropractic could offer him. He was in great pain the first few weeks and I remember us all encouraging him to hold on, see past his pain, to not fight it and believe that he would get better. Within two weeks he reported amazing results and was looking, feeling and living better. The true beauty of who he was really came out in those couple of weeks and he began to open up more about his life. We learned that his wife suffers from multiple sclerosis and needed a walker to get around and he was her primary caregiver. He decided to bring Mary in and they became regular patients and are still on a wellness schedule today. Mary experienced great results with chiropractic and found that it helped her immensely to know that she was functioning at her best with a free and clear nervous system. Even though her function was not 100%, she got the most out of what function she did have. Their daughter also started on a wellness schedule and they became like family to us all. I still see Bob and Mary and am so grateful to have gone through the tough times with Bob all the way to seeing the end result - a happy, healthy family.
My son Mitchell has cerebral palsy and for the past 6 months has had seizures which last all day. Prior to chiropractic care, Mitchell had no previous treatment or results. We never gave him medication as we believe it is harmful to the brain.
Upon reading an article about chiropractic helping a person with epilepsy, we decided to see a chiropractor. We had our doubts that chiropractic would work; however, our first impression of our chiropractor and his office was wonderful. Our chiropractor recommended to continue the adjustments on a weekly basis and the seizures stopped IMMEDIATELY!!
Presently, all four of us in our family are chiropractic patients for backaches, headaches, arthritis and prevention of illness. As a matter of fact, our daughter had chronic ear infections and her adjustments have helped her almost instantly. I would recommend to anyone sick or suffering in pain to try Chiropractic and see whether it works for them. I have told everyone I know that Chiropractic helps with many conditions and is a great preventive measure.
Hi Jeff, I just wanted to take a minute to put into words what I was feeling
so strongly the last time I came in for a treatment. I have been coming to
see you for over 3 years and I am so grateful that you have made
chiropractic care available to me.
The thing I am most struck by is how steady you are in your commitment to
everyone's health and growth. I see it in your generosity in everything you
do. I was remarking to you how your newsletter is just the latest in a long
list of things you are involved in and make available to people. You give
and give and give and find ways to do more in all the time I have known you.
I feel your Heart so strongly and I so appreciate the thought you hold for
me to be the best person I can be and all the ways you support that. Thank
you for being there for me all these years. May your Heart and care touch
many others; I know it is the thing that brings you true joy. Thank you
again for all the ways that you Touch. much love, Nickki
Gabrielle fought off one heck of a flu this past week. Mom and dad had loads of pressure from family members and co-workers to have Gabrielle seen by a pediatician (they do not have one and this is child #3 brothers are 7 and 2 1/2) and placed on antibiotics. The family was most definately tested, mom in tears on several occassions last week thinking she might have to resort to antibiotics for the first time. With our encouragement and her strength, Kelly took us all to the next level. Gabrielle is healthy and drug free today.
William had an unstopable cough for 2 days this week (They call it Croup). Mom and dad wanted to medicate with codiene to repress his cough in the fear he would recreate the asthma he once suffered from when we all first meet back when Will was but 3 months old. Well 2 days of steam, adjustments 3 times each day, and mom and dad's commitment to stay drug-free paid off. William, as of today, has but a slight weeze and a glorious smile.
Madeline, age 1, arrived last week with a non-stop cough as well. The Larson's now live in Huntington Beach and continue to drive up for their regular weekly wellness visits. The cough began in the car on the drive up and was relentless. I checked Madeline's spine and found that her Atlas, Sacrum, and T1 - 4 were subluxated. I adjusted her, and within momnts her cough surrended. I recommended she return twice more within the week to check her progress, she did and she and family are all doing well.
Three magnificiant beings, three incredible families, tested and won ! All 3 kids, stronger and more vitaly alive because of it. WHAT STRENGTH !
From Nikki - Hi Jeff, I just wanted to take a minute to put into words what I was feeling so strongly the last time I came in for an adjustment. I have been coming to see you for over 3 years and I am so grateful that you have made chiropractic care available to me. The thing I am most struck by is how steady you are in your commitment to everyone's health and growth. I see it in your generosity in everything you do. I was remarking to you how your newsletter is just the latest in a long list of things you are involved in and make available to people. You give and give and give and find ways to do more in all the time I have known you. I feel your heart so strongly and I so appreciate the thought you hold for me to be the best person I can be and all the ways you support that. Thank you for being there for me all these years. May your heart and care touch many others; I know it is the thing that brings you true joy. Thank you again for all the ways that you Touch. Much love, Nikki
Hi, sweetness. Happy Valentines Day!
Thank you for all the wonderful thoughts, words and deeds that you share so abundantly!
You, dear Dr. J, are more than a beatufiful flower, you are a complete garden, and I am forever grateful for you. Loving you greatly and appreciating your wonderfulness more than words can express.
Love, Hanna
Have a truly heartfull day.
Speedskater Derek Parra Wins Olympic Gold, Sets World Record
Salt Lake City, Utah - Speedskater Derek Parra became the first double
medalist at the Olympic speedskating oval when he broke the world
record and won a gold medal in the men's 1,500 meters event earlier
this week.
"You give up so much, hoping for a moment like this, and it happens,"
Parra said after the race, his voice overcome by emotion.
Parra stunned the crowd with a record time of 1 minute, 43.95 seconds
- more than a second lower than the pre-Olympic record of 1:45.20
held by South Korea's Lee Kyu-hyuk.
Parra has said he helps keep his body at its peak performance by
receiving regular chiropractic care. "I've always been a proponent
of chiropractic care," Parra said. "I've used a lot of other
treatments for injuries and pain, but the problem doesn't get fixed
until I go to a doctor of chiropractic."
The previous week, Parra zipped his way to an Olympic silver medal in
the 5,000 meters event. At press time, he was still waiting to
compete in the 10,000 meters speedskating race. Parra, along with the
other world-class athletes representing the United States in Salt
Lake City, has had regular access to chiropractic care throughout the
duration of the Games.
How Dr. Jeff Helped Me Be a Better Mother!
Oh My JEFF! I was that little boy when I was a kid! I didn't even realize that that problem was with me until I met you! I never got drugs or went to the doctor, I just really thought it was okay that I only had a bowel movement about once a week. No problem now, with seeing you, exercise, and a great diet..... no problems
Love, Gayle
Heather, our 23 month old daughter, seemed unable to hear sounds other children responded to. The entire family was worried. We saw audiologists, neurologists, child development specialists, speech therapists and occupational therapists. At 23 months, Heather had a full developmental evaluation and was diagnosed with auditory neuropathy. This is a condition in which neurons do not move sound well, causing impairment of sound transmission in the brain. At the same time, she only recognized eight words and didn't respond to sounds such as music, the telephone, a siren or the cat meowing. I was under Chiropractic care but never brought Heather with me. At docs encouragement I decided to see if Chiropractic could help a problem like Heathers. After one month Heather could recognize 22 words. We could tell she could hear music in stores, car noises and other everyday sounds. After 2 months, her vocabulary increased to 47 words and she began combining words into two-word sentences. The progress she has made in sound and speech recognition since starting chiropractic care is absolutely amazing. After 4 months now Heather says 80 words. She hears almost everything and is begining to turn around to identify the sounds almost all the time. What chiropractic has given my daughter is priceless. Thank you, we are completely amazed.
Trisha Vais (Heather's mom)
3D Spine Simulator
Launch 3D Spine Simulator