Dr. Leigh Damkohler, Westchester’s only dually licensed sports chiropractor and massage therapist, is celebrating 20 years in practice. Damkohler, who began practicing massage therapy in the ‘90s, started her chiropractic career in Norwalk, Connecticut, in 2004. She has been in Yonkers since 2011, during which time she also became a chiropractic sports physician. Last year, she completed her Graston Technique specialist training and is currently finalizing her Certified Posture Exercise Professionals training.

The integration of soft tissue work and postural correction with chiropractic adjustments is what distinguishes Damkohler’s practice. She uses such methods as the Graston Technique, post-isometric relaxation, Kinesio taping and Nimmo trigger point therapy, and says, “Now more than ever, I am working to educate patients on the importance of postural awareness.”

According to Damkohler, ergonomic and posture-related issues are at the top of the list when it comes to causes for localized and referred pain (headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica). While she explains that fascial techniques and chiropractic adjustments are key treatment elements, her belief is that patient engagement in awareness and self-correction is critical since the extensive use of electronic devices is now so prevalent. “In addition to helping people move, feel and perform better, when patients integrate postural changes, it is very gratifying,” she adds.