Watertown Chiropractor
Dr. Mandy Vassallo

“I began seeing a chiropractor when I was 8 years old.”

I was diagnosed with a severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine), in gym class. I was immediately referred for an orthopedic consult. I was told that I would need spinal surgery to insert Harriengton Rods (metal rods inserted on moth sides of my spine) to stop the progression of my curvature. Instead of risky surgery, my parents took me to the chiropractor for help. My family decided that conservative chiropractic treatment was the way to go. I visited the chiropractor’s office regularly and by the time I turned 12, I had no evidence of a curve anymore, without spinal surgery!

This is what inspired me to to choose chiropractic as my career path. I wanted to be able to help people feel and function better without surgery!

I went to New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY. I chose this school, not only because it was close to home, but also because the college’s philosophy was in line with mine. A bachelors degree is required before attending chiropractic college and then the program is 3 1/4 years long. While it was an extremely challenging curriculum, I found it very rewarding and life changing! After practicing for a few years, I started seeing several children. While you do learn how to care for infants and children in chiropractic college, it barely scratches the surface of the vast issues that arise in this patient population. I then decided to enter the 3 year Diplomate program for pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic. After completing this 3 year board certification, I am the only pediatric chiropractor in the area. Pregnancy and pediatrics are now my specialty, but I still very much enjoy treating patients of all ages!

Our goal at Family Chiropractic Care is to treat every member of your family; parents, grandparents, children and expectant mothers. We strive to listen to your concerns, address your needs, to educate you on your condition and provide a positive overall experience on your journey to wellness.

On a Personal Note…

I am married to Dr. Sam Vassallo. We met at chiropractic college and were married in 2002. We have two children, a boy Gabe who is 7, and a girl, Molly who is 3. Both children were adjusted hours after being born, birth is a major trauma to the infant spine!

As a family we enjoy outdoor activities, in the summer we spend a great deal of time at our cottage on the lake, swimming and jet skiing. In the winter we all enjoy skiing and ice skating. Gabe is currently playing hockey and is taking piano lessons. Molly is in nursery school and is enjoying gymnastics.

I like to practice what I preach to my patients! I get adjusted at least once a month to maintain my flexibility and range of motion. Although if I do have a problem, like a stiff neck or a cold, I get adjusted more regularly. I find adjustments help me more than pills or pain meds. I also like to take walks or ride my bike for cardiovascular exercise and I try to lift light weights 2-3 times a week to help burn fat and maintain my muscle tone (chiropractic is a physically demanding job!) I enjoy cooking healthy meals for my family, don’t get me wrong, we splurge on occasion, but I find we feel better and stay healthier if I cook and make better food choices. These are just a few things that I do to keep myself and family healthy.

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 Watertown office a call, or email me using the link below and let’s arrange a time to explore your options.