By Ryan Hecht, Arvada Chamber of Commerce Marketing Director
Dr. Seth Chamberlain opened Switchback Chiropractic in October 2023, continuing a legacy built by Dr. John Slizeski after he retired from Able Wellness Center. Dr. Chamberlain, who also leads the Arvada Chamber’s longest-running networking group, has a habit of quickly making a name for himself in the Arvada community.
“I’ve been practicing for a total of eight years as of this March,” said Dr. Chamberlain. “Dr. Slizeski practiced for 45 years before retiring and now it’s just me carrying on by myself. Moving the practice to a smaller space and rebranding made sense, so I came up with the name Switchback.”
Ryan Hecht, Marketing Director: Why the name Switchback?
Dr. Chamberlain: I spend a lot of time in the mountains, often on switchbacks while splitboarding or hiking. The name resonates with the idea of making continuous adjustments, which mirrors my approach to chiropractic care. Sometimes, you have to pivot and change to help people feel better.
What services do you specialize in?
We specialize in manual care and chiropractic adjustments. I use techniques like active release and myofascial release. Additionally, I incorporate acupuncture needles, which complement the adjustments. About 50% of my patients receive needle treatments.
I also emphasize home exercises, providing patients with stretches and exercises to prevent future flare-ups. Besides manual care, I run comprehensive lab work to get a full picture of a patient’s health, diving deep into thyroid health, among other things. This allows us to make dietary changes or suggest supplements before issues become severe.
We also use microcurrents for electric healing, which can be highly effective, such as in treating shingles. Another advanced tool we have is a hyperbaric chamber, which is excellent for long-haul COVID symptoms.
What makes you unique in the world of chiropractic care?
First, the service we provide here is unparalleled. For new patients, I spend about an hour and a half with them, and then about 15-30 minutes for follow-ups. You get a lot of service and I’m passionate about making sure that your life changes in a positive way.
Also, we offer a variety of treatments. I’m not a typical chiropractor who just cracks backs. I use different techniques to ensure improvement, and we’re always evolving. I’m constantly learning new methods to enhance our services, which I think is unique. Many doctors are set in their ways, but I’m committed to continuous improvement. That’s what sets us apart.
How did you originally get into this work?
It’s a bit deep, but I lost my mom at a young age and I wanted to do exactly what could have saved her life, like becoming a heart surgeon. Then I spent so much time in the hospital with my sister due to her situation, and I realized I didn’t want to be in a hospital anymore. I saw my sister get mishandled by the allopathic world and thought there had to be a way to help people holistically. I started learning about different practices and chose chiropractic because it allows for diagnosis and treatment, unlike some other fields where you need an MD to sign off on the care you’re providing.
The ability to order imaging like MRIs, ultrasounds, X-rays, and lab work was a significant draw for me. Unfortunately, physical therapists couldn’t do that for a long time, and some naturopathic medicine programs don’t allow it either. I just wanted to help people naturally, and chiropractic seemed like the best fit. Now, I feel like I have one of the best jobs in the world. Despite the ups and downs, I’ve learned to appreciate the wins and learn from the losses, figuring out how to help people better.
You have a really compelling reason for starting this work, and it sounds rewarding. Do you have a unique success story or a surprising experience that stands out?
Yes, anyone in healthcare has their miracle stories. One that stands out for me is working with a 75-year-old woman who struggled to get down on the ground to play with her grandchildren. It was a simple low back issue, but after a few rounds of treatment with her doctors and PT, she wasn’t improving. She came to me for help, and within a few weeks, she was able to play with her grandbabies. Helping her spend quality time with her family was incredibly fulfilling.
Does helping people in this way make you feel more connected to the community?
Absolutely. I try not to limit the demographic that comes to my door because it’s fun to see every type of person. We’re all living here together and it makes me feel part of something bigger.
What do you like about working and living in Arvada?
I like that Arvada feels like a small town even though it’s part of a larger city. You can go out to dinner and see people you know, whether they’re patients or community members. The accessibility to the mountains is also a huge plus.
What are some misconceptions about chiropractic?
People think all we do is pop and crack you or that we only treat neck and back pain. We treat a range of issues, including ankle sprains, wrists, shoulders, hips, knees, etc. Another misconception is that we’re not real doctors, which is unfortunate. Chiropractors go through extensive schooling and training.
What is special about the Arvada Chamber Thursday morning networking group that you lead?
That group is less about generating leads and more about building relationships with other business owners. Those people have all been through what I’ve been through starting a business. Whenever I have an issue that’s outside of my wheelhouse, they always have like a good answer or a good place to look for an answer. I have benefited mostly from just having other people that are in business around me to bounce off questions, ideas, and thoughts. I don’t know who else I would ask that to. It’s a really good network to help you make your business healthier.
Do you think that’s one of the best reasons to join the Arvada Chamber: To connect with and learn from business owners in different stages?
I think that motivation to join the Chamber is probably tied to your motivation for doing anything. My motivation for being a chiropractor is to help people. If my motivation was something else, my mind and heart wouldn’t be in the right place for my clients or the networking group.
And the Chamber itself has supported me if I have a question outside of the group. For me, it’s not just about leads but about having a safety net and a place to learn and grow as a business owner.
Where do you think you’ve improved as a business owner?
I’ve improved in managing the financial aspects of my business, creating systems to handle various tasks efficiently, and knowing when to offload responsibilities, like accounting and bookkeeping. This has allowed me to focus on what I’m best at and keep the business running smoothly.
What inspires you today in your work?
The current state of healthcare is disheartening, but I see hope in the possibility of MDs returning to private practice and offering more personalized care. I strive to be the entry point for conservative care, helping people avoid unnecessary invasive procedures. Knowing when to refer patients to more advanced care is also crucial.
Anything else you’d like to share?
(Laughs) I’m just a normal guy who works hard and loves to play hard. I enjoy spending time in the mountains, hiking, fishing, camping, and hanging out with my wife and my dog. I’m just always trying to have a good time.
Switchback Chiropractic
7500 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003
switchbackchiro.com
Phone: (303) 423-5000
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