Rediscover Wellness: Core Life Chiropractic

Location: 20134 Van Aken Blvd.
Website: https://www.corelifechiro.com/
Instagram: @corelifechiropractic

When Core Life Chiropractic first opened in Shaker Heights in 2018, Dr. Pooja Patel brought a deep belief in fixing the root cause of pain instead of just masking it. Originally from Florida, she says she was drawn by the welcoming, locally minded community in Shaker Heights where “you can actually meet the owner in almost every store you walk into.” After launching and operating for five years in a smaller office next door, she moved into a larger clinic in April 2024 to better serve patients who want a proactive approach to health. “I wanted to be in healthcare without jumping straight to a medication,” she explains. “As chiropractors, we focus on correcting misalignments in the spine that put pressure on nerves. That way, patients aren’t just covering up the pain, they’re actually getting rid of what’s causing it.”

At Core Life Chiropractic, a single adjustment is just the beginning. Dr. Patel believes in comprehensive care plans that tackle problems at their source. Each patient receives a thorough consultation and exam, often including on-site x-rays to pinpoint exactly where nerves might be under pressure. “If you’ve had shoulder pain for a year, one quick adjustment won’t fix it,” she says. “We guide you through each stage, from initial relief to stabilizing and strengthening, so you can genuinely improve, then keep it that way.” Her open-concept clinic also offers post-therapy treatment stations, allowing patients to stay and use special equipment, stretch, or simply talk through their progress. “It’s not some ‘crack-and-go’ setup,” she adds. “We work as a team, and that means sticking to a plan that actually heals you.”

One standout service at Core Life Chiropractic is Shockwave Therapy, which can accelerate healing in shoulders, knees, and other joints, sometimes sparing people from surgeries they thought were inevitable. “Not a lot of places even know about Shockwave, and fewer have it on hand,” Dr. Patel says. “There are people who end up cancelling major surgeries because they regained mobility and felt so much better.” The clinic’s spinal decompression tables and other specialized equipment also help address chronic back pain, sports injuries, and general aches. “We’re fully equipped to handle nearly everything here,” she explains. “That means fewer outside referrals, faster results, and a more personal experience for our patients. If you have neck pain, a foot issue, or anything in between, we’ll figure out what’s really going on and help you fix it.”

Though originally from out of state, Dr. Patel quickly grew to love Shaker Heights for its walkable neighborhoods, farmers market, and supportive local business scene. The Van Aken District resonates with her desire to form genuine connections with both patients and fellow entrepreneurs. “I love how we’re all neighbors here,” she says. “You see the same faces at the grocery store, the coffee shop, and the office. It’s such a strong community.” She jokes that it can be hard to leave the neighborhood at all: “Everything I need is right here, from restaurants to local boutiques to the farmer’s market. It’s ideal for making sure my patients get consistent care.”

Even with six years in Shaker Heights and countless success stories, Dr. Patel admits many residents are still unaware that a full-service chiropractic clinic is right around the corner. “I’ll meet people who say, ‘I’ve lived here for ages and never knew you were around,’” she laughs. “My goal is to let them know that chiropractic care can help so many more issues than just back pain—it can boost sleep quality, reduce stress, even help with digestion. But a lot of folks only come to see us once they’ve tried everything else.” 

Looking to connect with more local families and businesses, Dr. Patel is exploring new ways to spread the word about preventive, holistic care. “I love seeing someone finally realize they can live a happier, healthier life, no medication required,” she says. “All it takes is a willingness to see that consistent, proactive care beats waiting until something becomes unbearable.”

Going forward, Dr. Patel plans to deepen her commitment to Shaker Heights by hosting more workshops, inviting people to learn simple ways to stay healthy, and forging new partnerships with neighborhood events. Whether you’re dealing with lingering aches, curious about Shockwave Therapy, or simply interested in a holistic path to better health, Core Life Chiropractic offers a fun, friendly, modern environment designed to make you feel at ease. “If you’re ready to actually address what’s causing your discomfort,” she says, “we’re here to guide you every step of the way. And we’re grateful to do it right here in Shaker Heights.”