LAWRENCE LADY BOSS

DR CHARLIE HERMAN

OWNER OF RIVER CITY CHIROPRACTOR

Every town in America has a number of hidden small business gems. Lawrence, Kansas is no exception to this. We have restaurants, boutiques, a bustling downtown, and outdoor settings that leave many in awe. Together these things help define our community and make it irreplaceable in the hearts of many.

One of our local gems is tucked away just off 6th street, in a small office park, where the sign over the door reads River City Chiropractic. Within these walls a one woman show is currently taking place that stars Dr. Charlie Herman, a woman of many talents. You may visit this peaceful office for a massage or a chiropractic adjustment or any one of the other services offered, but my bet is you leave with a different perspective on your life. Dr. Charlie is doing her part to change the way this town looks at their health.

River City Chiropractic was established in 2015 after Dr. Charlie graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Human Biology and her doctorate in Chiropractic. But the journey actually started in 2002 when Dr. Charlie started doing massage, something she enjoys so much she still offers it in her extensive list of services. Her patients range from chiropractic services only to those who just come in for massages. Dr. Charlie also integrates cupping, exercise therapy (strengthening and stretches), kinesiology taping, lymphatic drainage, posture correction, and gait assessment (emphasizing foot function) in her practice. She is also Webster Certified (prenatal chiropractic certification) and has done various infant/pediatric chiropractic programs. The youngest person she has ever worked on was three hours old, and the oldest was 95 years old. “With the variety of services that I offer, I have a diverse population of patients, and I love that!”

Dr. Charlie is a Lawrence native, growing up in our beautiful community. 15 years ago, she married her best friend, Danny and a couple of years ago, they moved to a house on 5 acres just outside of Lawrence. “My heart is so content living out there.” Dr. Charlie is also an aunt to 27 nieces and nephews! Truly someone shaped by her values and family when it comes to all areas of her life, including her business. I asked Dr. Charlie a few questions about her business and this is what she had to say.

What is your favorite thing about being a lady boss?

“My favorite part about being a lady boss is the freedom to practice the way that I want. I could make more money seeing multiple patients in an hour, but I enjoy doing massages, so I still do them. I am certified in acupuncture, and I love the knowledge I gained through my training, but I don’t focus on that in my practice. I refer out to some excellent lady boss acupuncturists in Lawrence. I’m a nerd and enjoy learning. I’m currently part way through a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist certification program. And I recently became certified in a nasal release technique to adjust cranial & facial bones internally by inflating finger cots (balloons) in the nasal passages. Realigning the bones of the skull benefits patients who have suffered concussions, have sleep apnea, those with sinus issues, TMJ dysfunction, insomnia, headaches, tinnitus, fatigue, and many more symptoms. The treatment is cumulative, and I integrate lymphatic drainage, eye exercises, and orofacial myofunctional therapy into the patient’s treatment plans. Because I own the practice, I get to choose what training I do and what I will and won’t bring into the office.”

Who or what inspires you?

“Helping people get out of pain, move better, and feel better so they can live their best lives inspires me.”

How do you see yourself making our community better?

“I enjoy educating those in our community on self-care. There are so many little things that we can do throughout the day that, when they become habits, can change the trajectory of our health and lives for the better. For instance, when switching laundry from the washing machine to the dryer, squat down and pull one item out, stand up, sidestep over, and squat down again to put it in the dryer. You could do this with lunging or side-squat back and forth, building your strength, and getting laundry done simultaneously! Health can be a group effort. So, I have a Facebook group called Holistic Self Care Club. It’s a place to encourage each other on our health and wellness journeys. The healthier each of us is as individuals, the healthier our community will be.

I am also very passionate about supporting local businesses, and especially women-owned businesses. Local business is the heart of Lawrence. The city would not be the same without the local businesses! Lawrence also has so many great non-profit organizations. I tend not to post or talk about how I individually volunteer or financially support many organizations. I do, however, love bragging about Rotary Club. I am a member of the Jayhawk Breakfast Rotary Club. There is strength in numbers, and with mottoes like Service Above Self and One Profits Most Who Serves Best, we attract service-oriented

individuals who come together to serve for the greater good. As a group, we volunteer with different organizations and raise money at our upcoming Annual Trivia Night to support local and international causes (like water sanitization and polio eradication). Find us on Facebook or Instagram if you are interested in joining a club or would like to donate or purchase tickets to some fabulous raffle baskets.”

Where do you see your business 5 years from now?

“This past year I have added an all-in-one Smith machine and Red Light Therapy/Near Infrared Sauna to my office. I plan to add a full-body Red Light Therapy room soon. Within the next five years, I would love to have personal trainers and yoga instructors using the downstairs again. Possibly, a few other therapies like cryotherapy, sound bowl therapies, and group acupuncture parties. My vision for River City Chiropractic is to provide a wide variety of services to improve the robustness of health in our community.”

What piece of advice would you encourage others with?

“Keep moving forward. It doesn’t matter how slowly you may be progressing towards your goals; keep going. I have struggled with rheumatoid arthritis for 12 years. I have spent years in pain, lost a lot of muscle, and gained a lot of weight since my symptoms started. But I kept learning and implementing different strategies to improve my health. I’m not perfect and not where I want to be, but I’m much better than I was. I can do things that I never thought I could do again (simple things like stand on my tiptoes). I have been able to get off all my medications, and my inflammatory labs are all within the normal range. It didn’t happen overnight; it happened over time with lots of small changes that continue to impact my life. Success may not happen in the timeline you want or the way you want, but if you keep taking steps, you’ll keep moving forward.”

Article written by Amanda Gregory, Founder of Lawrence Lady Boss Project. Lawrence Lady boss was built to connect and network lady bosses in both Lawrence and the surrounding communities. Once a quarter we bring you Networking Night Out events featuring local businesses both big and small. Find us on Facebook at Lawrence Lady Boss Project for more information.