Introducing Altoona Chiropractor Dr. Melanie Godfrey

I was first introduced to chiropractic at the age of 10 when my mother married my step-father, Dr. Ed Zakrzewski.  From that age on, I was a chiropractic patient.  Although I didn't realize it then, my life was changed.  As I grew up, I was hardly ever sick and I know now that it was because I was getting adjustments regularly and, in turn, my immune system was "top-notch." 

I graduated high school and went on to receive a degree in Occupational Therapy.  I enjoyed working with patients and seeing them get better, but I felt like something was missing in my life.  I wanted to do more.  So, I decided to enroll in Chiropractic college. 

It was there that I began to realize the "bigger picture" of this thing called "chiropractic."  It was there that I learned about the nervous system and its importance in every function of the human body!  I learned that when the nervous system is free of interference, it can function at a much higher rate of success and allows for a better mind-body connection.  I went on to graduate Salutatorian of my class and have been practicing for four years now.

My first experience in witnessing the miracle of chiropractic came while I was interning in the out-patient clinic of my chiropractic college. 

A friend of mine named Sandy had recently given birth to her second daughter, Annabelle Leigh.  Every time Sandy and I spoke on the phone, I could hear Anna Leigh screaming in the background.  Sandy and her husband were at their wits end.  They had tried the medical approach and Anna Leigh was given a diagnosis of colic and reflux.  This poor infant, by the age of only six weeks, had been through a barium swallow study, a pyloric ultrasound and was on 2 medications. 

Finally, I asked Sandy to bring her in to my school's out-patient clinic as a patient.  So, she did.  When I saw Anna Leigh for the first visit, she was crying out in pain and her little arms and legs were pulled tightly into her chest.  I did an exam and gathered some information from Sandy regarding the pregnancy and birth.  I checked Anna Leigh's spine for subluxations and gave a gentle, non-invasive, finger-tip adjustment to her first cervical vertebrae.  I then gave Sandy some brief instructions and sent them on their way. 

Approximately 5 hours later, Sandy called me in tears!  But, they were tears of joy!!  She told me that whatever I had done to her baby was a miracle!  Anna Leigh, who had cried almost every waking hour of her life, had finally stopped crying!  Sandy and her husband were elated, as was I!  

In addition to Anna Leigh's story, I have been blessed to have witnessed many other miracles with not only my adult patients, but also with the many children that become my patients and also a part of my heart.

I have been married to my wonderful husband, Todd, since 1997, however we have been together since 1992. We have two beautiful children. Devin is 11 years old and is in the fifth grade.  He is a brilliant artist, a video game wiz and an aspiring drummer. Megan is 5 years old and is in Kindergarten. She loves to dance and sing and plays soccer. We have a lap-cat named Hailey and a Papillon named Stanli. We moved here from Louisiana (our home state) to be closer to my sister, Tammy, and her family. In my personal time I enjoy playing with my kids, scrapbooking, listening to music, reading and attending church. 

I get my spine adjusted every 2 weeks.  When I am feeling a little "under-par" I will get checked weekly or even daily.  Both of my children have been getting adjusted since birth.  My husband is also a very regular chiropractic patient.  Because we are a family that gets adjusted together, we are healthy and very rarely get sick. 

 My practice philosophy is to give, serve and love.  I strive to give kindness and treat each patient with care and respect.  I want to serve each of my patients by creating a care plan that is unique to their needs and to their health goals.  I want each patient to leave my office knowing that they are loved and appreciated for putting their trust in me.

Well, enough about me!  I am looking forward to meeting you and your family and learning how I may be of service to you!  Give our office a call, or email me using the link below and let's get you and your family on the way to better health and wellness through chiropractic!