What's Up Doc?

Meet Dr. Michelle Pascal! 

She and her husband, Dr. Taylor Pascal own Pascal Chiropractic, and have operated their business here in the south Bay for 3 years.  Recently, the Pascals have expanded their practice and added a satellite office conveniently located in labarre studios’ historic building.  If you haven’t visited Pascal Chiropractic we welcome you to do so… but first, we thought it would be worth understanding Dr. Michelle’s journey to her calling.

Dr. Michelle Pascal is a lifelong San Jose resident. Born in Oakland, California at a military hospital as her father was in the Navy, she grew up in San Jose’s east side, and made her way to San Jose State University where she began majoring in nursing.  After volunteering at Kaiser Dr. Michelle realized that nursing wasn’t her calling, and a change in her major was in order. Kinesiology, the study of the mechanics of body movements, was something that she felt very connected to and became the beacon for her future plans.  An athlete with an inherent interest in how the body works, for Dr. Michelle, this was the first step on the path to a promising career.

“Something clicked!”

Dr. Michelle smiles as she explains that taking athletic training classes and keeping her kinesiology interests fed, felt right.  This trajectory not only enlightened her on her future endeavors, but also her future partner! As fate may have it, Dr. Michelle met her husband, Dr. Taylor in an Athletic taping class.

“He was on the track to become a chiro and that was something that I had thought about but wasn’t actively pursuing so I took a deeper dive in it and went with him to his chiropractor appointments.  It wasn’t until I was injured that I went to see Dr. Glenn McWhorter, and he became my chiropractor.  From there I interned for him and I saw him adjust adults to babies and I thought, ‘Oh My God!’  This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

 After graduation, she and her husband drove across the country to attend Palmer College in Palmer Florida.  This allowed Dr. Michelle to spread her wings and see what life outside of California held.  After graduating, the calling to return home was evident, as was her growing love for her craft.

"I fell in love with the human body prior to falling in love with chiropractic care.  The body and movement always interested me. I am not sure if you have ever gone to a museum where they have a “Body Worlds” where they dissect the human body… I love that stuff!”
Dr. Michelle continues, “The body really works on itself; you just have to allow it to get out of its way.  Correcting misalignment in the spine will allow the body to do so much.  Pills and medication are Band-Aids but if you don’t get to the source, the issue will simply remain.  If you look to your health and to your spine, you will know that the spine controls a lot of things in your body and the spine can be the root of these issues.  I didn’t have to prescribe medicine or put IVs in people, it’s about what chiropractic does for the body.  We do so much more than just work on neck and back pain, which is what chiropractic care is known for, but there’s so much more.”

When asked about what the biggest deterrents are for new patients or people inquiring about entering the chiropractic care world might be, Dr. Michelle’s thoughts were direct and honest.

 “It isn’t an easy task finding a good chiropractor.  Not all of them are built the same and you can search in San Jose and find dozens and dozens of doctors.  I think the biggest deterrent for someone is not understanding truly what chiropractic care entails and the amazing healing that can come from it. They have preconceived notions, or possibly may have had a bad experience, and are turned off from it.  We’d love to hear from patients who may be hesitant, as understanding and exploring options are important.  When I was first introduced to chiropractic care, it took time for me as well.” 

So what does the doctor duet do when not serving the San Jose community?
“We love hanging out with our dogs (Ruby and Buki) and going to new places with them.”

2020 has, of course, put a halt to a great deal of travel, but rest assured, like you, the Pascals hope to return to the road soon and explore!  They also love to eat and drink (don’t we all!?) and Dr. Michelle enthusiastically adds, “I enjoy a great craft beer and also love craft distilleries.”

Cheers to that!

One of Dr. Michelle’s newest purchases was a mountain bike and she and Dr. Taylor have added that to the family repertoire.  When the snow is falling, skiing is on the menu and if there’s a beach anywhere nearby, you just might find Michelle lying on it.

Besides getting back on the road and enjoying life, gratitude is in order for the Pascals in 2021.  “2020 has taught me a lot, including being extra thankful for what I have and for what my job has done to help others.  This essential service allowed my husband and I to continue to work and to not skip a beat.” She continued to note how grateful she was to serve those while being able to keep her practice’s doors open… including labarre’s!

2020 also taught her what it taught many, and that is to slow down.  Letting go of things that don’t serve her anymore and putting her energy in the right place.

Resiliency was a lesson also learned.  “We can get through anything.” Dr. Michelle says confidently. “Pivoting around every turn is not easy but somehow we made it through 2020 and we are still going!”

2021 is hopefully going to bring more help to people, allowing them to achieve their health goals.  She and her husband have been generously putting $100 tabs at local businesses to aid in that help for small business owners as they show continually show their support for their hometown.

We are beyond proud to have Pascal Chiropractic as a vital part of our labarre community and hope that you will explore their wellness services and make 2021 the best you can!