Category Archives: Blog

Do You REALLY Need X-Rays Before Chiropractic Care? (Most People Don’t)

Category : Blog , Chiropractic Education

One common question we hear from new patients—or those considering switching to our practice—is: “Do I need X-rays?”

Many people feel nervous about changing chiropractors because they worry they’ll have to start over with new X-rays, adding extra costs and time. At Collard Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we understand that concern, and the good news is: No, you don’t automatically need X-rays for everyone.

Dr. Collard doesn’t believe in routine X-rays for every patient. While some practices use X-rays as a standard step (sometimes as a way to visually “prove” the need for care by showing spinal misalignments), Dr. Collard takes a different, more patient-centered approach. With 28 years of experience, he relies on his clinical expertise, thorough history-taking, and hands-on examination to assess your condition. He can often determine the best path forward through conversation and evaluation alone.

His philosophy is simple: keep healthcare costs low while delivering effective, personalized care. We focus on addressing your symptoms and promoting prevention—goals that don’t always require imaging. Interestingly, some of the most dramatic-looking X-rays show no symptoms at all, while people with significant pain may have relatively normal images. X-rays aren’t always the full picture.

That said, Dr. Collard never guesses. He’s highly skilled and experienced enough to know when imaging is truly warranted. If you’re not seeing the expected progress after a few adjustments, he’ll be the first to recommend further diagnostics like X-rays or MRI to rule out anything more serious. He’s also quick to refer when needed—he doesn’t try to handle every case himself.

When imaging is appropriate, Dr. Collard refers patients to RAYUS Radiology. He chooses them because of their convenient locations (especially helpful here in the Salt Lake City area), their kind and knowledgeable staff, and the detailed, thorough reports provided by their radiologists. This ensures you get clear, reliable information to guide your care.

At our practice, you’re never just a number. Dr. Collard tailors every treatment plan to your unique needs—whether that’s chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, or a combination. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” here; each patient’s schedule, frequency, and approach are customized based on how you respond and what works best for you.

If you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or simply want to feel better without unnecessary tests or expenses, we’d love to help. Many patients are relieved to find a provider who prioritizes smart, efficient care over routine procedures.

Ready to get started? Contact us today 801-569-1141 to schedule your consultation—no strings attached, and no automatic X-rays required.

We look forward to helping you achieve lasting relief and better health!

— Dr. Chad Collard & the Collard Chiropractic & Acupuncture Team

Schedule your appointment online here

Learn more about chiropractic here

Watch Dr. Collard adjust on YouTube

Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy and Trigeminal Neuralgia

Tags :

Category : Blog

Dr. Collard has recently treated patients for each of these unique facial conditions and has seen great improvement in patients who use acupuncture to treat their symptoms.

About Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s Palsy occurs when a facial nerve becomes inflamed or compressed, and shows up as a weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, often affecting just one side of the face. Common symptoms include sudden facial drooping, difficulty closing one eye, loss of taste, ear or jaw pain, sensitivity to sound, or headache. This condition is often linked to a viral inflammation (such as herpes simples virus—which is what causes cold sores).

Bell’s Palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis. About 1 in 60 people will experience Bell’s Palsy at some point in their lifetime. It can occur at any age, but most commonly in those ages 15-60. Those who are most common to get Bell’s Palsy includes pregnant women (especially in the third trimester), those with diabetes, people with upper respiratory illnesses, those with compromised immune systems, and people under high stress. Most people recover fully from Bell’s Palsy, especially when treated early.

About Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal Neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve in the face, which controls facial sensation. It is a very painful condition characterized by sudden sharp or electric-shock-like facial pain. This pain is often triggered by chewing, light touch, or brushing teeth and can last up to a few minutes. Like Bell’s Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia typically affects one side of the face. This condition may be caused by nerve compression or trauma, or conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Trigeminal Neuralgia most commonly affects those over the age of 50, is slightly more common in women, and is more common in those with blood vessel abnormalities that compress the trigeminal nerve. This condition is more rare, affecting up to 100,000 people in the US at any given time. While it is more uncommon, it is very intense sensation.

How acupuncture can help

Because acupuncture targets specific points in the body to regulate the nervous system and improve circulation, it is a very effective treatment for relief from both Bell’s Palsy and Trigeminal Neuralgia. Acupuncture helps treat each of these conditions by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to the affected area, improving nerve function and enhancing communication between the brain and facial muscles, regulating how the brain processes pain and calms overactive pathways, as well as relieving muscle tension by relaxing affected muscles.

Because acupuncture is so safe with minimal side effects, it can be easily combined with other medications or treatments recommended by primary healthcare providers. Using acupuncture to treat these conditions brings reduced pain intensity, faster recovery time, improved muscle symmetry, reduced muscle tightness, and an overall improved quality of life.

What treatment looks like

At your visit, Dr. Collard will ask you a few questions such as how long you’ve had your symptoms and evaluate your facial movement or pain patterns. Very fine, sterile needles are inserted into various points on the face, scalp, hands, and sometimes arms. The needles then stay in place for 20-30 minutes. If treating for Bell’s Palsy, 2-3 visits per week is ideal near the beginning. Improvement is noticeable after 4-6 visits, and full recovery should be expected in around 8-12 visits. Starting early significantly improves treatment outcomes.

For trigeminal neuralgia, 1-2 visits per week at the beginning should help to reduce pain and prevent flare ups. Depending on the case, about 8-15 treatments is common to see significant improvement. For each condition, consistency is key to seeing results.

In closing

While not everyone will experience these conditions in their lifetime, those who do know how important it is to seek treatment. Dr. Collard is passionate about bringing relief and confidence to those facing these problems and loves helping his patients return to a normal and healthy way of life. Word of mouth is the most powerful resource when it comes to helping those facing these specific problems find out about how we can help. Your referrals mean the world to us and will help those you know and love find healing.

Read more about acupuncture here

Watch Dr. Collard explain acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy and Trigeminal Neuralgia here

Ask us your questions

Schedule your appointment here

Ready what our customers are saying here

Watch about treating other conditions with acupuncture here and here

Costa Vida Customer Appreciation Day

Tags :

Category : Blog , Patient Appreciation , Uncategorized

We are so grateful for our patients and the trust you place in us with your health and wellness. To show our appreciation, we’re excited to host a Customer Appreciation Day on Wednesday, February 11, 2026!

On this special day, every patient with a scheduled appointment will receive a $10 Costa Vida gift card—our way of saying thank you for being part of our practice and prioritizing your health.

Our patients are the heart of what we do. Whether you visit us for pain relief, maintenance care, preventative or focused acupuncture, or overall wellness, we value the opportunity to support your body and nervous system so you can feel and function your best. Customer Appreciation Day is a small way for us to give back and let you know how much we appreciate you.

If you already have an appointment scheduled for this day, you’re all set and will receive your gift card at your visit. If not, now is the perfect time to get on the schedule. Appointments are required to receive the gift card, and availability is limited, so we encourage you to book soon.

To schedule your appointment, simply visit us at https://local.demandforce.com/b/collard-chiropractic or call us at (801) 569-1141. Be sure to reserve your spot for Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 so you don’t miss out.

We look forward to celebrating our amazing patients and continuing to support your health and wellness. Thank you for trusting us with your care—we can’t wait to see you on Customer Appreciation Day!

Want to visit but don’t know where to begin? Read and watch about the treatments we offer and find what’s right for you:

Read about acupuncture services here

Learn more about acupuncture for cold and flu season here or watch here

Watch a video about acupuncture for chronic headaches here

Read about chiropractic services here

Read about chiropractic adjustments for kids and babies here or watch here

Read about adjusting for shoulder pain here or watch here

Prioritizing Protein For a Healthier Year

Category : Blog , Nutrition , Uncategorized

2026 is here and you may have a few intentions or goals in mind that you’d like to focus on this year. With many goals revolving around overall wellness, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of incorporating a healthy amount of protein into your diet. Hitting your protein intake needs will contribute to your ability to reach your other health goals! Understanding that protein is essential for everyone is the first step in learning how to prioritize it in your daily diet, why it’s so important, and the overall impact it has on wellness.

Why Protein Matters So Much

Protein is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks your body uses to maintain and repair muscles and tissues, support joint, ligament, and tendon health, produce enzymes and hormones, support immune function, and maintain stable energy and blood sugar levels. No wonder Dr. Collard feels so passionately about emphasizing the importance of protein! It’s also necessary to note that protein’s importance becomes greater as we age. Over time, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass. This process can accelerate without the proper protein intake—leading to weakness, joint strain and damage, slower recovery, and increased risk of injury.

As a chiropractor, Dr. Collard is obviously very invested in the health and maintenance of muscles, joints, recovery, and pain levels. Ensuring that the body is not fighting a lack of protein in addition to any injury or problem is essential to getting the most out of your chiropractic care and keeping your body at its best.

How Protein Supports Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Chiropractic adjustments help improve joint motion, proper muscle function, spinal alignment, and nervous system function. Acupuncture supports circulation, tissue healing, regulating the body’s systems, and more. Protein provides the raw materials that your body needs to respond to these treatments. With an adequate amount of protein, the body works to repair tissues more efficiently after an adjustment, allow muscles to better support the spine and joints, build strength to maintain support between visits, and recover faster from physical stress.

Simple Ways to Fit More Protein Into Your Day

Being intentional about incorporating protein into your diet doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or overly expensive. Small and sustainable changes can make the biggest difference. Here are a few easy ways you can squeeze a bit of extra protein into your day:

  • Add cottage cheese or Greek yogurt to breakfast in your pancakes, waffles, or muffins
  • Keep protein-rich snacks on hand so you don’t turn to sugary or processed options. Boiled eggs, meat sticks, and white cheese (yellow cheese is higher in fat) are great options
  • Incorporate bone broth into your diet in soups, to cook with, or to drink
  • Add leftover chicken or steak to salads and quinoa
  • Mix tuna fish or chicken with Greek yogurt and pickles to make an easy lunch
  • Blend whey protein powder into a smoothie or other foods

Protein, Movement, and Long-Term Wellness

When paired with movement and proper nervous system function, protein has the maximum potential to do good in your body. We understand that wellness isn’t built on a single habit or extreme practices, but through consistent support. If improving your mobility, strength, and long-term health are amongst your goals, paying attention to your protein intake is a powerful and often overlooked step. Combined with chiropractic and acupuncture care when needed, your body will be set up to function better today and for years to come.

We are here to support you in your wellness goals! Pay us a visit and let’s talk about how we can help you get feeling your best and help you reach your goals.

Dr. Collard’s Favorite Protein:

Kirkland Signature Whey Protein

Watch our other videos about protein here:

Dr. Collard’s Daily Protein Shake Recipe

Understanding Daily Protein Intake Needs

How To Tell if a Protein Product us Quality or Junk

More on our website: Read about prioritizing protein in this blog article

Book your chiropractic or acupuncture visit today and help maintain your overall wellness: https://local.demandforce.com/b/collard-chiropractic

Acupuncture for Cold and Flu Season

Tags :

Category : Blog , Uncategorized

When cold and flu season hits, many of us find ourselves battling congestion, sinus pressure, headaches, and fatigue that can linger for quite awhile. While rest, hydration, and healthy habits are key, a powerful tool for relief is acupuncture.

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to support the body’s innate ability to fight illness, reduce inflammation, and restore balance. Today, it’s backed by both tradition and modern research as a safe, natural way to ease symptoms and speed recovery from sinus-related illness.

Reduces congestion, sinus pressure, and aches

Sinus congestion is often caused by inflammation and blocked pathways in the nasal passages. Acupuncture stimulates specific points that help open the sinuses, reduce swelling, and promote healthy lymphatic drainage. Patients often feel their nose start to clear right on the table and report easier breathing for days afterwards. Because acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the body shifts out of stress mode and healing can begin. This results in less tension in the body, fewer aches, and more energy.

Some benefits of treating the sinuses with acupuncture are:

  • Fewer sinus headaches
  • Less facial pressure and pain
  • Improved airflow
  • Reduced post-nasal drip
  • Clearer head
  • Less coughing

Acupuncture supports the immune system

Acupuncture’s benefits are twofold: it treats symptoms while also supporting the body’s natural defenses. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and encourages circulation, promoting the body to increase immune cell activity to fight off illness more effectively.

Acupuncture has the power to help you:

  • Get sick less often
  • Recover quicker when you do get sick
  • Reduce the intensity of symptoms when sick
  • Support the immune system throughout the year, not just during cold and flu season

Acupuncture can address underlying triggers that might be causing you to get sick more often than normal. By addressing underlying contributors and treating the root cause of certain symptoms, acupuncture can help build your immune system to allow less frequent symptoms of sickness.

What to expect during treatment

Most patients find a sinus-focused acupuncture session gentle, relaxing, and highly effective even after just one visit. Dr. Collard uses pressure points on the hands and on the face near the nose and above the eyes. Acupuncture can be safely combined with common cold treatments such as antihistamines, antibiotics, or nasal sprays.

You don’t need to start acupuncture once your symptoms are unbearable! Come in and get treated to strengthen your immune system ahead of peak illness season.

Book your visit here.

Read more about our acupuncture services here.

Watch Dr. Collard administer sinus acupuncture here.

Gratitude’s Impact on Overall Wellness

Category : Blog , Uncategorized

This time of year, we all tend to take a little extra time to reflect on our blessings and show gratitude. We’re especially thankful for each of our patients who choose us to be part of their health regimen. Don’t forget to book your appointments for November 26th, pumpkin pie day! To show our gratitude for you, each patient with an appointment on November 26th will take home a Costco pumpkin pie.

Speaking of gratitude and health, research shows that cultivating gratitude can have measurable effects on your health, happiness, and even longevity. We dove a little deeper into gratitude’s impact on the body and mind, and want to share a bit of what we’ve learned.

Physical Health Benefits

A grateful mindset has been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and better heart health. By helping to balance the nervous system and reduce stress, gratitude can also support a stronger immune system. Studies show that when you reflect on what you’re grateful for before bed, you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. People who feel and express gratitude often may even have more energy and motivation to practice positive and healthy habits.

One of our favorites among these benefits when it comes to chiropractic care is reduced inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, but chronic inflammation can cause consistent pain and stiffness. Reducing inflammation means less pain, less pressure on the body, and faster recovery.

Mental Health Benefits

Gratitude is a natural stress reliever and mood booster. When you take time to pause and focus on blessings, the brain shifts away from stressors, calming the body’s stress response and reducing cortisol which is linked to tension and anxiety. Gratitude also increases levels of dopamine and serotonin, promoting happiness and emotional stability.

Over time, the combination of these positive effects can make you more resilient, allowing you to face challenges in healthier and more productive ways. People who express gratitude tend to form stronger, more trusting relationships. Gratitude has the ability to deepen connections, foster a sense of belonging, and show appreciation for those around you.

Putting Gratitude Into Practice

Incorporating gratitude into daily life and reaping the physical and mental benefits doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply taking time to reflect or write down things you’re grateful for each day or making a conscious effort to thank those around you can have numerous impacts on your body, mind, and relationships. We often take time to reflect on how grateful we are for our wonderful clients, their trust, and their referrals. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving season!

The Gentle ArthroStim: What, Why, And Benefits

Category : Blog , Uncategorized

A Gentle “Click”

We love helping our patients understand the “what” and “why” of what we do during your visit. This is all part of our philosophy to help give you the tools and knowledge to live a happy, healthy life. Today we will go into detail about a tool that we love to use here at Collard Chiropractic.

At the beginning of your adjustment, it’s likely that Dr. Collard will pull out a tool to use on your spine and joints. This tool is called an ArthroStim, but we usually call it “the Jackhammer Tool” or “Trigger Tool” This handheld tool delivers a light, controlled impulse to your spine, allowing Dr. Collard to gently tap your body’s joints to create motion. Because the impulse is so quick, surrounding muscles don’t have time to tense up, making it a great way to prep your body for more movement. While some people think the trigger tool sounds a bit like an electrical current, keep in mind that there is no electrical current used. What you’re hearing is the quick, precise movements of the tool. Watch a video of the tool in action here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/t4gnfV1K8gw

Benefits And Uses

Why does Dr. Collard use this tool at the beginning of your visit? The trigger tool helps to “wake up” your spine and nervous system, creates better movement in the joint, and is a great way to warm up for the rest of the adjustment! The tool has many advantages:

Precision: The tool allows Dr. Collard to target very specific areas, like individual vertebra and small joints.

Gentle: Before any bigger twisting or turning, the tool gently preps your body for more movement. While many people think of a visit to the chiropractor as a visit filled with lots of quick, abrupt adjustments, we focus on controlled, precise movements.

Great on its own: For children or older adults, the ArthroStim can be a great solution on its own to help the spine and joints return to their proper positions in a gentle and simple way. There are many people who Dr. Collard will only use the ArthroStim on for an adjustment and they respond very well.

A Tool For Everyone

The trigger tool isn’t painful and despite the clicking, the tool is quite subtle-feeling. Most patients say it feels like a quick tap or tiny knock on the skin. Even after just a few clicks, you might be able to feel your body loosen up!

Because of the gentle nature of the tool, patients young and old benefit from the quick clicks of the activator. Young children, seniors, athletes, or anyone hesitant about chiropractic care will find that the adjustor is quick, easy, and comfortable. There are some people who hate to hear a “pop” or “crack” so the ArthroStim will work well for them. They won’t hear any “popping” while they are being adjusted.

Dr. Collard will tailor your visit to your specific condition and also your comfort level. Come see what this tool is all about and experience healing you may not have known you even needed. Book a visit with us at collardchiropractic.com or call us at (801)-569-1141.

Discover the Power of Homemade Probiotic Yogurt

Category : Blog , Yogurt- Homemade

Welcome to the world of gut health! At Collard Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we’re passionate about probiotics and believe our Standard Process products are among the best. But for the ultimate probiotic experience, nothing beats making your own yogurt at home. It’s affordable, natural, and packed with biodiverse probiotics that your body will love. Unlike store-bought yogurt, homemade yogurt lets you control the process to maximize health benefits. Ready to transform your gut health? Let’s dive into why homemade yogurt is a game-changer and how you can start today!

Why Homemade Yogurt?

Store-bought yogurt is often cooked at high temperatures for just 4 hours, which reduces the number of live probiotics. Our method, by Dr. William Davis, uses low temperatures and extended fermentation to create a probiotic-rich superfood. By fermenting for 36 hours at 98–100°F, you preserve and amplify the beneficial bacteria, supporting a healthy, biodiverse gut.

Homemade yogurt is:

  • Cost-Effective: Save money compared to pricey store-bought options.
  • Customizable: Choose strains like L. reuteri or SIBO-specific probiotics to suit your needs.
  • Nutrient-Dense: Your body absorbs probiotics from real food more effectively than supplements.

What You’ll Need to Make Yogurt at Home

To get started, you’ll need a few key items. We’ve personally tested and recommend the following equipment and ingredients for the best results.

Equipment

  • Yogurt Maker: Choose one based on the quantity you’ll make (e.g., for a family or individual). Look for:
  • Glass Jars: Use glass for fermenting in a water bath. Ensure lids are secure to prevent water from entering.
  • Water Bath Setup: Fill your yogurt maker with water to the same level as the yogurt in the jars for consistent heating.

Products: Amazon Suteck Yogurt Maker , Amazon Sous Vide Cooker ,

Ingredients for L. reuteri Yogurt

We recommend starting with the L. reuteri strain for its gentle yet powerful health benefits. After 4 weeks, you can switch to a SIBO-specific strain for advanced gut support.

Recipe for L. reuteri Yogurt (36-Hour Fermentation, 100°F)

Instructions:

  1. Crush the Gastrus tablets and mix with inulin.
  2. Add a small amount of half-and-half to create a smooth slurry (this prevents clumping).
  3. Stir in the remaining half-and-half and mix thoroughly.
  4. Pour into glass jars, secure lids, and place in the yogurt maker’s water bath.
  5. Ferment at 100°F for 36 hours. Note: Your first batch from tablets wil have a strong smell and taste. *Use 2 tablespoons from the first batch to make the second batch. Your second and third batch will be a smoother, tastier result.

Why L. reuteri?

This probiotic strain is gentle, making it ideal for beginners. It supports digestion, immunity, and overall gut health. After a month, consider transitioning to a SIBO-specific strain for targeted benefits. Want to learn more about probiotic strains? Explore Dr. William Davis’s yogurt recipes and join dedicated communities on L. Reuteri & SIBO Yogurt Facebook Group .

Ingredients for SIBO

SIBO yogurt is specifical for your small intestines. Because it is going after the bad bacteria in your small intestines we don’t want to create room for fungas to grow in its place. We recomend taking an anti-fungal for the first four weeks while eating the SIBO yogurt. Amazon Anti Fungal Curcumin we recomend two capsules twice per day.

Recipe for SIBO (36-Hour Fermentation, 106°F)

Instructions:

  1. Crush the tablets and mix with capsules and inulin.
  2. Add a small amount of half-and-half to create a smooth slurry (this prevents clumping).
  3. Stir in the remaining half-and-half and mix thoroughly.
  4. Pour into glass jars, secure lids, and place in the yogurt maker’s water bath.
  5. Ferment at 106°F for 36 hours. Note: Your first batch from tablets may have a strong smell or taste. Use it to start a second batch for a smoother, tastier result. We thow away the first batch.

Why SIBO-Specific Yogurt?

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when excessive bacteria grow in the small intestine, leading to symptoms like bloating, abdominal discomfort, and nutrient malabsorption. While L. reuteri yogurt is a gentle starting point for improving gut health, transitioning to a SIBO-specific probiotic strain after 4 weeks can target these issues more effectively. Here’s why:

  • Targeted Support: SIBO-specific strains, such as certain Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium species, are selected to restore balance in the small intestine without exacerbating bacterial overgrowth.
  • Reduces Symptoms: These strains help regulate gut motility and reduce bloating, making them ideal for those with SIBO-related discomfort.
  • Builds on L. reuteri: After 4 weeks of L. reuteri to establish a healthy gut foundation, SIBO yogurt fine-tunes your microbiome for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Safe and Gradual: Transitioning after L. reuteri ensures your gut is primed for stronger strains, minimizing potential discomfort.

Get Started Today!

We hope this helps you on a path to healing your gut health, and feeling better. If you have any question please reach out to Dr. Collard through any of the following.

email: om@collardchiropractic.com

call: 801-569-1141

social: https://www.facebook.com/collardchiropractic

https://www.instagram.com/collardchiropracticacupuncture/

Also read about https://collardchiropractic.com/services/food-sensitivity-testing/

A Season of Learning, Growing, and Transitioning for the Collard Family

Category : Blog , Dr. Collard's Adventures

At Collard Chiropractic, we love and appreciate our patients like family. We want to update our chiropractic family on some of the changes happening in our own family! We’ll fill you in on a few of our updates, new endeavors, and upcoming big transitions.

Two Daughters Off to School

With school beginning again, we have our oldest daughter, Tristen, and her husband, Preston heading up to Logan where Tristen attends Utah State. She has 2 semesters left in her program until she earns her Nutritional Science degree. Preston works full-time as an electrician, and we are grateful to him for funding Tristen’s schooling!

Our second daughter, Frankie, is starting back at Weber State where she is working on a degree in Zoology. She also works as a certified surgical technician at Mount Olympus Surgical Center, which is attached to Saint Marks Hospital.

Our Son’s Next Adventure

Our son, Keaton, is embarking on a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He will begin his journey at the Mexico Missionary Training Center, then will be heading to Iowa where he will be speaking Spanish. We are excited for him to have this opportunity to grow, serve, and make lifelong memories and friends.

Dr. Collard & Missy’s Updates

Dr. Collard and Missy are staying busy with new endeavors as well. To prevent total despair from settling in as the children go their separate ways, Missy decided to go full steam ahead and get her realtor’s license! As a realtor, Missy looks forward to helping families in the community find homes. She also has some exciting other projects in the works…stay tuned!

While Dr. Collard isn’t in the office helping patients feel their best, he will be preparing for a few exciting upcoming trips including a packrafting trip down the Colorado River and a through-hike trip in Zion. The packrafting trip will include hiking 14 miles with a 50 lb. pack followed by rafting about 8 miles down the river, then hiking with his gear back out. Later in the season, Dr. Collard plans to hike the 43 miles through Zion National Park within a span of 24 hours. We don’t understand where he gets his ambition, but love hearing about his experiences!

Reflecting and Anticipating

We are in a time of transition in our lives and are excited for what’s to come! While change can be difficult as we enter into a new phase of life, we are so proud of our children’s desires to learn, serve, and develop as individuals. We are also excited for the chance to spend time as a couple and get a taste of what empty nester life is all about. Through it all, we are so appreciative of our wonderful patients and community. Thank you for letting us care for you and share a little bit of our lives with you. We can’t wait to hear about what updates and changes are happening in your life next time we see you in the clinic!

Don’t Fall Apart in December, Just to Rebuild in January.

Category : Blog , Chiropractic Education , Uncategorized

The holidays can be a hectic time of year causing stress to our body both physically and emotionally. With being busy running errands, rushing to activities, changes in season and cold weather along with the lack of sun we are bound to show some stress. Here are a few reminders to prevent any setbacks with the New Year.

Seek the Sun

This time of year we tend to hibernate inside and we are not built for hibernation. We need the sun and the light. I love this saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” I’m not sure who said it first, but they were wise. Just like having the proper gear this time of year to handle the weather, having the right supplements will help us manage the shorter days and lack of sunshine. Our bodies utilize sunlight and helps our body make vitamin D. Vitamin D is used to help our immune system become stronger. It aids in the absorption of calcium which is crucial to our health and is used to help in many functions of our body. One such function is the releasing of muscles fibers that when we are low in calcium, will cause muscle cramping and spasms. Since we don’t see the sun as much due to the shorter days and the cold weather keeping us inside, adding vitamin D to your daily supplements is a great thing. Not all D’s are the same. We have a Standard Process Cataplex D that I would recommend. Here is an article that I wrote “Build Your Immune System.”

Charity

Seems counter intuitive but forgetting about ourselves and serving others, is a great way to build ourselves up. It’s interesting the studies about service and gratitude and the effects on our mental and physical well-being. When we look outside ourselves toward others we tend to see more of a positive affect on us as well as those we are helping. There are also many benefits of gratitude. When we practice having gratitude we see better emotional and social well being. We tend to have less depression and better sleep. I have seen some studies that showed that those that were more grateful lived longer and had almost a 10% lower risk of dying in the next four years than those that were less grateful with even taking into consideration their physical health, mental health, and social economic standards.

Unplug

Don’t fall apart comparing yourself to others all season. The Holidays are stressful enough without the added stress of thinking someone else’s life is more perfect than ours. Not only that but how do you feel after holding the phone for an hour while scrolling? Our necks, upper back, low backs, and even carpel tunnel and thumb arthritis is all flared up with long periods of scrolling. I know from personal experience time just gets away from me from endless scrolling. Set up timers on our social media accounts that will turn off after a set time limit. Unplug and be present to those around you and enjoy the holiday season with those who are all around us physically.

Acupuncture for Energy & Stress Relief

Each season is represented in acupuncture and different energy pathways are at their peak depending on the season. Winter is represented by the water element and the kidney and bladder are the two organs associated with the water element. The kidney is the source of all energy (Qi) in our bodies. During the winter months it is vital to nourish our kidney energy or Qi. We can help nourish this energy by eating warm foods like soups and stews and also warm drinks like tea. Another way is to do acupuncture that helps support the kidney and bladder meridians (pathways) and boost our immune system. By using very small needles placed in specific points along these pathways we can boost the energy and balance out the other pathways as well in order to optimize the function of our bodies. Acupuncture can be a very calm and relaxing way to help not only boost our energy but to reduce the body’s stress levels. It is surprising how relaxing an acupuncture treatment can be even though you have tiny needles placed in the body. The most common question that I’m asked is if the needles with hurt. Most people are surprised how painless a treatment is and often mention how relaxed they felt. If you have any questions about if acupuncture can benefit you please don’t hesitate to call the office or ask me on your next visit.

Movement

Use it or lose it. I say this all the time but I also need reminders so you might too. Daily activity is the best way to prevent issues as well as rehab from preexisting issues. Chiropractic is a great way to keep locked up joints moving. That can be in your spine or any of your extremities. Proper movement will prevent wear and tear. I’m sure you’ve heard me tell you that one of the most important things to do is move. Many patients ask what is the best thing to do to help keep me pain free. One of the top activities is movement, specifically walking. I love walking because you don’t have an excuse. You don’t need a gym membership or any fancy equipment to walk. I’m also not talking about “long” walks. I’m more interested in shorter walks/movements that we do throughout the day. If you work at a computer, getting up every 30-45 mins with help keep the joints mobile and not as stiff at the end of the day.

Prioritize Protein

This time of year also brings wonderful get-togethers with friends and family. There is a notion that we gain weight over the holiday season. I’m not exactly sure if this is true or a just a myth but either way we can enjoy family parties and get-togethers better without worrying or feeling guilty about food. Many of us our trying to do our best and are tempted by the many delicious foods that we are confronted with during this season. I have a few helpful hints on making it a little less stressful to an already stressful time. There are things that I will do prior to going to the party compared to the choices that I will make once I’m at the party. Here are a few suggestions that may help you. When I am at home, before the party when I’m in a better decision making frame of mind, I prioritize eating protein. I will drink a protein shake, eat the leftover chicken in the fridge, or have a cup of cottage cheese or Greek yogurt prior to going. This helps with blood sugar levels, increases metabolism and helps satiate my hunger cravings while I’m at the party. Plus I just make better choices with portions if I’m not starving. It will also help me feel less guilty in eating a piece of pie or cake knowing that I’ve had my proteins for the day. Party menus are mostly high in fats and carbs, which aren’t bad, but we tend to eat those more because they taste good and are easy to digest. One of the most harmful ways to add extra calories is to drink those calories. High sugar drinks and alcohol add many calories but don’t provide much satiating benefits. We can enjoy the time we spend together with loved ones without feeling the guilt of overindulging by utilizing some of the simple suggestions listed above.

These are just a few ideas that I have thought of to make this time of year more enjoyable and reduce the stress that also accompanies this season. Hopefully this is a list to help inspire you to come up with your own ideas.

On a more personal note, our family is growing. I am officially a father-in-law. Our oldest daughter got married and we are very happy for them. They make a great team! We are excited for what their future holds. It has been fun for our son as well to now have a brother. We want to wish you a Merry Christmas. From our family to you!

With Love, The Collard Family

Learn more by going to our website here.

check out our youtube channel for helpful videos as well as some of Dr. Collards adventures.

Next Page »

Search

Address

Hours

Monday: 9–12, 2:30–6
Tuesday: 2:30–6
Wednesday: 9–12, 2:30–6
Thursday: 9–12, 2:30–6
Friday: 8–12

Review Us

FacebookGoogle+Yahoo! LocalCitysearchWellness.comYelpLinkedIn

©2025 Collard Chiropractic
Privacy Policy

Most insurances accepted
Affordable Cash Discounts

Health Saving Account
All Major Credit Cards Accepted

Auto & Work Related Injuries
Covered 100%