Albany Chiropractor | Dr. Charlie Prins
“I love what I do…”
Dr. Charlie Prins
My father was a medical doctor and only followed the advise of other MDs. When I told him I was going to go back to school to become a chiropractor, he thought I was nuts (did I mention that he was a psychiatrist…)! He told me I could never do the strenuous work required of a chiropractic physician. It’s 26 years later and I love being able to use my body and mind, helping others improve their health.
Back in the day I was an active, 18 year old, high school spring-board diver (as well as a soccer and tennis player). After diving for a couple of hours, I would get numb from the waist down. It lasted for more than an hour. I thought that was normal (what did I know?)! My father, a medical doctor, took me to the local orthopedic specialist who ordered x-rays. When I went to see him, he told me I needed surgery on my low back to correct a broken vertebra. He told me I would be in a wheelchair within five years without the operation. He also instructed me to NEVER jump off a diving board again or do any of the fun activities an active teen regularly does!
No Drugs – No Surgery
I did not have the surgery and that fall I began college and accompanied a friend on an appointment to see his chiropractor. She examined me and studied my x-rays and began treating my spinal problem. Since that time, I have continued to lead an active life. I have backpacked. I ski, cycle, hike, play squash and tennis and regularly do yoga. (I also use my body to treat others.) That was the beginning of my journey that has brought me to a profession where I can help others without the use of drugs or surgery. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love what I do and strive to continually improve my skills to better serve the needs of those who put their trust in what I do.
A Chiropractic Education
After graduating from Rutgers University, and working for a few years, I decided to become a chiropractor. I went back to college to obtain the pre-med. courses I needed before I could enroll in chiropractic school. I travelled to the South and the West of the country visiting schools to determine which would be the best fit for me. I chose Life Chiropractic College-West, at that time in San Lorenzo, California. It was the right decision. During chiropractic school I worked for two doctors, doing applied kinesiology, exams and finally, upon graduating, giving one of the docs his first vacation in 7 years. I was well prepared for the clinical world upon graduation.
My Philosophy
As I have gotten older, I have come to accept the fact that most things in life are not black and white. That has proven so true regarding health and wellness. Wellness is no simply the absence of disease. Wellness is being able to bend over and not have your back go into spasms. It is weighing the amount that allows your body to function and respond to the demands you put on it. Wellness is living without having to worry about when to take the next pill to regulate something that the human body is designed to control without external intervention. Waking up and looking forward to your day should be a normal, regular occurrence! Eating real food that nourishes your body and mind are also part of being healthy.
On a Personal Note…
I have been a resident of Albany for the past 23 years. My now, 24 year old daughter went to the Albany public schools from K thru 12. I even got to be the PTA president, when she was in third grade! I have served on the boards of several local non-profit organisations, including the Albany Chamber of Commerce (two times), a founding board member of the Albany Education Foundation (helping fund programs in the local schools) and a founder of Health in Common, an umbrella group of health care providers and consumers in the SF Bay area. In addition, I have brought chiropractic services to a clinic in Berkeley that serves the needs of the uninsured and local homeless population established and run by UC Berkeley students, for the past 19 years.
Currently, I am on the City of Albany’s Charter Review Committee. We are a five person advisory board that makes suggestions about changes to the City charter.
I am fortunate, in that I get to be my own boss and set my own schedule. This allows me to get down on my yoga mat for a class two to three times a week. I love to ride bicycles around the beautiful East Bay hills. I get chiropractic and acupuncture care regularly to help keep me healthy and balanced. Having great massage therapists in my practice also allows me an occasional, therapeutic deep tissue massage (I wish there was time for a few more…)or Trager Therapy session. Living where I do, also enables me to see the people who grow most of my food. There are six organic farmer’s markets within 4 miles every week. I only need a small frig because I can get almost everything fresh, within a couple of days of being picked. What a great luxury that is! I rarely have the need to use over the counter medications. I have herbalists and homeopaths as patients and can obtain healing remedies from them as needed which have comparatively little risks (compared to over the counter medications) and help get me back to a healthy place quickly and safely.
Give Us a Call!
Thanks for visiting our site. I look forward to meeting you in person and learning how we may be of service to you. Give our office a call, or email me using the link below and let’s arrange a time to explore your options.