Chiropractor Spotlight - Mike Turjanica, DC

1. Where is your practice?

Liberty Township, Ohio

2. How long have you been a chiropractor?

I have been a chiropractor for 12 years

3. What inspired you to become a chiropractor?

I was initially inspired to become a chiropractor in my high school days. We had a local chiropractor (Dr. Esarco) who I would see when I had sports-related injuries, and I was always amazed that he got me out of pain so quickly – and all with his hands! I had some disc issues in my early 20’s that were debilitating, and again chiropractic got me back to 100%. Those two moments inspired me to want to help others in a way that chiropractic has helped me.

4. What’s a common misconception about chiropractic care that you’d like to debunk?

That chiropracotrs only treat spine pain. The present-day chiropractor is well-equipped to handle various musculoskeletal conditions, extending far beyond the treatment of spine pain, a domain in which we have already demonstrated proficiency. Within the chiropractic community, a subgroup is actively advancing the industry, steering it towards a future characterized by evidence-informed treatment models, emphasizing the delivery of satisfactory results within a timely framework.

While the chiropractic adjustment has been a valuable tool for over a century, providing relief for many patients, evidence suggests its effectiveness is primarily short-term. This emerging subset of chiropractors is dedicated to achieving long-term results, delving into alternative forms of care such as myofascial release and exercise therapy.

Dr. Mike Turjanica established Break Through Pain with the purpose of propelling the chiropractic profession forward, transforming it into a more sought-after and respected field rooted in quality patient care.

5. What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Creating satisfied patients through an exceptional patient experience anchored in quick outcomes

When a patient steps into my office, their expectation is straightforward: to alleviate pain and resume activities they love. At the onset of each new patient visit, I pose a fundamental question: "Why are you here, and what is your goal?" I note down their response, making it my personal mission to assist them in achieving that goal as quickly as possible.

My ultimate aim is to bring a smile to their face by achieving their goal in the shortest time possible. The satisfaction they experience often surpasses my own, and at that moment, I strive to cultivate a lasting advocate. Through this process, I aspire to create not just a healed patient but a lifelong supporter of the care I provide.

6. Are there any specific techniques or approaches you specialize in within chiropractic care?

For over a decade, my focus has expanded beyond the conventional chiropractic adjustment. I've delved into extensive research and mastery of soft tissue therapy and exercise rehab. The synergy of these two techniques has demonstrated superior effectiveness in producing long-term results. While administering these combined methods demands a heightened attention to detail during treatment, resulting in longer visits compared to traditional chiropractic sessions, the payoff is a more timely achievement of desired outcomes.

7. Tell us about a book, podcast, or resource that has had a significant impact on your professional journey

What has had the most significant impact on my professional journey is not a book or a podcast (but there has been plenty that have had an impact), but it has been having some excellent clinical mentors during the past 12 years. I’ll write their names down, and maybe they’ll read this one day and mention it to me – Dr. Eric Moll, Dr. Jason Bassett, Dr. Michel Richter, and Dr. Shane Arnold. These docs all impacted me in a much different way – but all made me the provider I am today!

8. If you could invite 2-3 people, living or historical figures, to a dinner party, who would they be and why?

I’m having two dinners – one with people who are living, and one with historical figures

My living dinner lineup: Justin Timberlake & Lin-Manuel Miranda - I got such a man-crush on these two guys. They are so darn talented and entertaining, I would love to spend an evening with them to just learn more about them. 

My historical dinner lineup: Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Kobe Bryant - I have such an appreciation for these 3 athletes all in a different way, but would love to spend an evening with all 3 of them together. 

9. Are the any specific wellness routines or habits that you incorporate into your daily life?

Absolutely! The principles I advocate for my patients are ones I wholeheartedly adhere to in my own daily life.

I have a morning stretch routine – I have had two nasty lumbar disc herniations - this routine has had a drastic impact on my recovery and continued maintenance from that recovery

I exercise every morning with resistance training and cardio

I follow a 90/10 rule with my diet - 90% of my meals are super clean – 10% of them are “off the rails” and not healthy for you.

I have severely decreased my alcohol consumption – but I do love a great bourbon!

10. If you weren’t a chiropractor, what alternative career path could you see yourself pursuing?

I always wanted to be a barber. I thought it was such a cool profession to get to cut people's hair and just talk with them the whole time. I guess I kind of have a similar experience when I treat my patients and our conversations go in all sorts of directions, but I’m not cutting hair, it’s usually me applying ungodly pressure into my patient's tissue and fascia.

11. What is your favorite comfort food?

This is so easy to answer – PIZZA!!

12. If you had a theme song that played every time you entered a room, what would it be?

Aloe Blacc – The Man

13. Describe your perfect Sunday, completely free of work or responsibilities

This Sunday would take place in late September

Early Morning: I go to church with my family

After Church: I play a quick round of golf

Afternoon: Cheer on my Browns as they defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers

Dinner: I seriously think my wife makes the best pasta and meatballs in all of Cincinnati, so that’s what we’re eating!!

Evening: Go to the Reds games with my family – I absolutely love watching baseball in the stadium!

Nighttime: Have the world’s best ice cream – Handel's Ice Cream - Bummer they aren’t in Cincinnati yet though – Maybe one day I’ll open one up and show this city what good ice cream is all about! It’s so darn fresh!

14. If you had to create a slogan for your chiropractic practice using only emoji’s, what would it be?

👊

💪 

🏃🏻 

🏋️‍♂️

⚽️🏀🏈⚾️🥎🎾🏐🏉⛳️🏒🏊‍♀️🚴🏻‍♂️

😊 

15. If your practice had a mascot, what would it be and why?

Mike Tyson – Mike Tyson was the king of quick knockouts, and that’s what Break Through Pain is known for -  knocking out pain quickly for our patients