Featured Vendor: Dr. Cristina Padilla, Thrive Family Chiropractic — Business Photography

Dr. Cristina Padilla contacted me a couple of months ago needing portraits for her business to showcase what she does. She wanted to feature them on her blog, Facebook and Instagram. I happened to be looking for a chiropractor at the time but was having an issue finding one that worked with my schedule since you typically have to drive out to their office.

Our meeting came at a perfect time. Dr. Padilla just recently got an office space, however, she mostly makes house calls!

Padilla has been practicing for almost 5 years. Her husband is a chiropractor in Amelia Island.

How did you become a chiropractor?

I received Chiropractic care as an athlete during my teenage years and had a great experience. After undergrad, I wanted to stay in the healthcare field and in 2010, a friend suggested I explore a chiropractic college in NY state.

At that point, I planned on working with athletes after graduation but as I went through the program at New York Chiropractic College, I learned about all the amazing benefits Chiropractic and Alternative Medicine offer children and women during pregnancy. I underwent a post-graduate 12-course program with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) to become certified as a Pediatric Chiropractor and a Webster Technique Chiropractor.

Side note (from Christy), if you are a pregnant, contact Cristina, I had the Webster technique done to me at least once a week during my last pregnancy and birth was sooo much easier, not to mention the chiropractic care helped with a lot of the pain I was having!

What is your favorite part about chiropractic care?

Chiropractic, in its core, focuses on enhancing the bodies ability to heal and to manage physical, emotional and chemical stress. The fact that I help people reach their maximum health potential and become the best version of themselves every day is absolutely rewarding.

I love being part of a woman’s journey through fertility or pregnancy and empowering families to seek alternative methods of healthcare for their children.

What do you specialize in?

I underwent 14 months of training in Pediatric and Pregnancy Care, additional to the 3.5 years of Chiropractic education. I am certified in the Webster Technique for pregnancy care, which is a Chiropractic-specific protocol to prepare women for an optimal birth experience by aligning their spine and balancing their pelvis.

I am also certified in Kinesiotaping by Kinesiotape International. I use this technique mostly in my pregnant patients and in athletes.

You’re a mobile chiropractor, is that common?

In Jacksonville it is very uncommon. Because the majority of my practice are busy professionals, children and pregnant women, being mobile allows me to provide convenient care for my patients, without the added stress of taking time off of work, traffic and missing school/work to be able to receive the care they need.

How did you come up with the name of your business?

My mission is to help families and children express the best version of themselves with good health, a positive lifestyle and healthy practices. I think this is all summarized in helping families thrive.

Now on to the fun stuff:

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Buying a home in Jacksonville (ideally in Springfield!), starting a family and partnering up as a chiropractor with a birth center!

What is your favorite thing to do around Jacksonville?

I love checking out local coffee shops and breweries, being outdoors–going to the beach, riding my bike, going for runs.

When your family comes to town, what is something you guys always do together?

We always go to St Augustine. I love the historic neighborhoods and it reminds me of home (Puerto Rico).

What’s your favorite movie?

I don’t have one specific one but Disney’s Lion King, Love Actually (a Christmas staple), Juno and Under The Tuscan Sun are some of my all time favorites.

What’s your favorite song?

Some of my all-time favorites are “Let It Be” by the Beatles and “Eso es vivir” from La Secta, a puertorican rock band.

What’s something you can’t live without?

Coffee and sunshine.

What’s your current obsession?

Chocolate hummus (yum!) and the Backstreet Boys new album, DNA. I listen to it almost every single day. I’m a total BSB fan. My girlfriends and I bought tickets to their concert in August!

What’s your favorite food?

Puertorican, all the way: mofongo, tostones de pana and my mom makes the best “ternera”, which is a meat stew. But I can eat Mexican every day too!

Favorite dessert?

Anything with chocolate, especially cakes or a baked good.

Favorite restaurant?

In Jacksonville, I love Lime Leaf (Thai), Latin Creations (Puertorican) and Cantina Louie. In St Augustine, I love Taverna del Caballo (Spanish/Tapas).

Favorite place to hang out in Jacksonville?

I live on the Northside of Jacksonville. I like going to the local breweries, Wicked Barley is my favorite but I love hanging out in Springfield. I am a huge fan of the historic neighborhoods.

Get in touch with Dr. Padilla:

Website: WWW.JAXMOBILECHIROPRACTOR.COM

IG: @JAXMOBILECHIROPRACTOR

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaxmobilechiropractor/

Her office is located at (by appointment only):

6817 Southpoint Parkway Ste 2304 (across from St Vincent’s Southside)