Back In Action Chiropractic: Dr. Michelle Binkowski DC, CMUA, CIME

From a very young age, Dr. Michelle Binkowski knew she wanted to become a doctor.  Growing up, her mother was a hospital administrator and her father was more of a holistic healer which taught her different aspects of both Eastern and Western medicine.  Michelle completed her undergraduate degree with a major in engineering and a minor in sports medicine.  And, once she entered medical chiropractic school, she completed a surgical internship which allowed her the ability to really analyze patients and get to the root cause of their ailments. 

I recently sat down with her to find out more about her practice, the cutting edge technologies she offers and the work she and her husband do within the community.

Stephanie Shehan: Where are you from and what brought you to Las Vegas?

Dr. Michelle Binkowski: I am originally from New York.  I practiced in New York and  California before moving to Las Vegas.  I actually moved to Vegas twice.  The first time was back in the 90’s, I came here to practice as well as educate and certify local physicians on a technique  called Manipulation Under Anesthesia.  I then moved out to San Diego and opened my private practice while teaching at -Los Angeles  Chiropractic College. I met my husband Dixon and a short while later,  I moved back to Las Vegas, where he was Director of Humana and we got married.

SS: I guess Vegas is where you were meant to be.  Did you open Back in Action right when you moved back?

MB: When I moved back to Vegas, I continued creating CEU courses and teaching other chiropractors. I did locum tenes, or “fill in” work for other doctors while deciding which side of town I wanted to be on and then, I opened Back in Action Chiropractic.

SS: What prompted you to start your practice?

MB: I just knew that to be truly successful, I would need to run my own practice.  My goal is to provide the highest level of care and get to the root cause of any problem.  Working for other practitioners wasn’t allowing me to do that.

SS: Do you offer care to anyone?  All ages?

MB: I do.  With my background in sports medicine, I have seen and worked for a number of professional athletes and athletic organizations.  I have worked on babies and children as well as adults.  I have provided chiropractic care for pregnant and postpartum women. And, here in Las Vegas, I am licensed to treat patients that have been involved in car accidents.

SS: Do you accept insurance from patients?

MB: Currently, I only accept motor vehicle insurance and Culinary insurance.  All other patients are seen on a cash-pay basis.

SS: Typically, why do people seek chiropractic care?

MB: People seek care for a variety of reasons.  Sometimes it’s after a sports injury or car accident.  I’ve been in practice now for over 30 years and my background as a sports chiropractor has always prompted me to go above and beyond, in a very timely manner, because oftentimes I have to get my patient “back in the game.”  Other times, it is a part of routine care and adjustments to remain feeling good and staying healthy.  Typically, adjusting the spine helps to realign the bones and relieves the pressure on the nerves which opens up the neuronal flow of information in the neural network and makes everything in your body work more efficiently .  Consistent chiropractic care assists with overall general health and creates longevity.

SS: What are some things that chiropractic can help with that people may not be aware of?

MB:  There are many things.  Chiropractic care can help ease childbirth by adjusting the pelvic area.  With adjustments to the back, it can help release and move kidney stones.  Adjustments can also help ease headaches. Many times it can even help to avoid having carpal tunnel surgery.

SS: How often do you recommend people see a chiropractor for routine care?

MB: I recommend at least once per month, and ideally, once per week if your time and budget allow.  I see many older patients in their 70’s and 80’s that have incredible spines and minimal arthritis and they attribute it to regular, ongoing chiropractic care for a good portion of their lives. If you are involved in a car accident or get injured, of course, it is essential to seek treatment right away. 

SS: Are you the only doctor at Back in Action?

MB: Yes, I am currently the only doctor.  We have a small, close-knit team which includes my husband Dixon, a licensed massage therapist and our licensed chiropractic assistant Shyanne.

SS: Aside from the level of care that you provide, what else sets you apart from other chiropractors?

MB: Here at Back in Action Chiropractic, we offer something very unique called Cold Laser Therapy. We are the only practice in town offering this. With Cold Laser, a low-intensity light is applied usually to injured tissue which improves blood flow and decreases pain and inflammation.  This is a unique therapy that really accelerates healing and we are seeing amazing results with our patients.  We also provide rehab therapy for patients as well as BrainTap.

SS: Any chiropractic misconceptions you would like to clear up?

MB: One big misconception is that if you have something “out of place”, it is perfectly fine to have your friend or family member pop it back into place.  I’ve had patients come in that were actually injured from someone else.  Another misconception is that once you start seeing a chiropractor, you will always need to see one.  This is not true, you do not necessarily have to continually receive adjustments and care.  What typically happens is once someone seeks out chiropractic care, they feel good and that is what leads them to continue care.  The last misconception I want to mention is that many people believe that chiropractors are not trained.  We do receive an immense amount of training.  And, in the state of Nevada, chiropractors are considered primary care physicians.

SS: Anything else you would like to mention?

MB: We are a veteran-friendly office.  My husband Dixon who is part of our office team is a naval veteran and both he and I work with the Coast Guard Auxiliary.   We offer veteran discounts and we work heavily with local veterans organizations including the Las Vegas Veteran’s Parade.

Also, we accept Culinary insurance. So, if you know someone who works in a casino on the strip, the employee and their families can come to Back In Action Chiropractic, and their insurance will cover the care.  

Another key point is that, if you are involved in a car accident we can help. We accept most auto insurances.

SS: I love that.  Thank you for the work you do for patients and the community.  Please let our readers know where you are located and how they can learn more about Back in Action Chiropractic and follow you on social media?

MB: Back in Action Chiropractic is located at 5552 S. Fort Apache Road, Ste 110 in Las Vegas.  Readers can learn more at backinactionchiropracticlv.com.  We can be reached by phone at (702) 970-4325.  And, you can follow us on Instagram at @backinactionchirolv.