Dr. Thomas Connelly

Dr. Connelly is a 1985 cum laude graduate of Life Chiropractic College and has been serving the Washington, D.C. community through Chiropractic care for over 20 years.  After graduating from Franciscan University with a B.A. in history and a minor in education,  Dr. Connelly went on to teach high school anthropology, sociology, psychology, history, video and  animation during his 12 year career in secondary schools. Using his experience as a teacher, Dr. Connelly has written articles and lectured on health issues such as ergonomics, backpack safety and exercise. He frequently attends high school and college career days where he inspires young adults to consider the rewards of serving others through Chiropractic.

Additionally, Dr. Connelly has served as President of the District of Columbia Chiropractic Association and is an active member of the American Chiropractic Association.  He is also a Certified Exercise Rehabilitation Doctor. In 2007, Dr. Connelly was given the "Outstanding Chiropractor of the Year" award by the District of Columbia Chiropractic Association for his work in the community and his committment to the Chiropractic profession. 

 

My Chiropractic Story

 

While I have always loved to bowl, before 1969 I could never have anticipated the surprising effect that this simple sport would have on the rest of my life.  While out bowling with college friends, trying to relax and maybe throw a few strikes and spares, I somehow threw the ball a little too enthusiastically, twisting my lower back.  One instant I was carefree and relaxed and in the next, I was suddenly feeling the most intense pain of my life.

 

I immediately crumbled to the floor and was unable to get up and walk.  Even on the floor, I could not find a position of relief.  My friends had to physically carry me out of the bowling alley and to the college nurse, who recommended that they take me to a chiropractor.

 

At this point in my life, I had no idea what a chiropractor was.  When we arrived at his office, he helped my friends to carry me from the car to his office because I couldn't walk and was in agony with the pain.  After taking X-rays and performing an examination, the chiropractor explained to me that an out of place spinal bone had pinched my nerve, causing the pain that I was feeling.  "I'm going to adjust your spine," he told me.

 

Naturally, I was concerned about the process.  I had never even heard of a chiropractor and now one was about to adjust me.  The pain left me no alternatives.

 

To my delight, immediately after the initial adjustment, I was able to stand and shuffle along without assistance.  It was a great contrast from just a few minutes before when I sat supported by my friends, my face twisted with pain.  I was treated daily for the next two weeks and even though I was still in serious discomfort, my ability to function normally was starting to return.

After combining chiropractic care with a home exercise program regularly over the next three months, I was finally back to 100%.

 

The experience of that painful episode is always in the back of my mind when caring for my patients.  I can truly relate to the pain and loss of function associated with a spinal misalignment.  I also know firsthand the power of chiropractic care to make an incredible difference in your health and in your life.