We recently connected with Joanna Consiglio and have shared our conversation below.
Joanna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
The story of the early days of my practice starts with a personal experience—an injury to my lower back. I wasn’t getting the results I wanted from the typical quick adjustments, so I began investigating other treatments and adjustment styles. Through this journey, I found a combination of treatments that worked for me, which led to a desire to offer true personalized care. My experience made me realize just how important it is to treat people as individuals, understanding that each body is unique.
When I decided to start my own practice, the first step was figuring out my treatment style. I knew I never wanted to be the typical chiropractor. I wanted to spend more time with my patients and combine additional modalities like acupuncture and supplements into my practice. Once I figured out what treatments I wanted to specialize in, I focused on building a brand and creating a sense of community within my practice. This is something I am still always working on.
I am a one-woman show. As the doctor, front desk, billing person, and social media/marketing manager, I had to learn new skills and figure out how to prioritize tasks. Staying motivated and organized while being my own boss has been tricky, but it’s also been a rewarding experience allowing me to really create the practice I always dreamed of. The first year of my practice was all about trial and error, and while there are things I wish I did not do or did sooner, it was all part of the learning process. I do not have any regrets, but a lot of reflection.
Looking back, one piece of advice I would give to someone considering starting their own practice is to not compare yourself to others. There are so many factors that affect the speed of business growth, and everyone’s journey is different. Set a business plan, establish short-term and long-term goals, and commit to them for at least a year. Avoid making unnecessary changes for the fear that your plan is not working. Somethings just take time. Another key piece of advice that helped me is: “Don’t take advice from people who don’t have what you want.” I knew I wanted a smaller practice that allowed for more one-on-one time with patients and greater flexibility in my life, but early on, I let people who were doing the opposite make me question my vision. Learn from others but filter out the advice that is not useful.
My journey is all about finding your authentic passion and aligning your business with that passion. It’s about creating a legacy and being remembered for the reasons that matter most to you. Whether you want to make the most money or be known as the person to go to for help, there’s no right answer—just what feels the most authentic to you. It’s about doing what feels true to your purpose and finding fulfillment in the journey.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who may not know me yet, my journey into chiropractic care began with my own experience as a marathon runner. After suffering a serious injury, I was recommended to see a chiropractor who specialized in treating athletes. Around the same time, I was studying biology with the goal of attending medical school. However, I quickly realized that the traditional medical route didn’t align with my vision for the future. When I was introduced to chiropractic care, I knew I had found the path that truly resonated with me.
At Modern Motion Chiropractic, I offer chiropractic care combined with acupuncture and dry needling. My mission is to revolutionize the healing experience for active individuals by providing truly personalized care that goes beyond just symptom management. Each patient receives a carefully crafted plan designed not only to address immediate discomfort but also to promote long-term health and vitality. I take a partnership approach to health, where collaboration between chiropractor and patient is key, ensuring patients not only recover but thrive.
I’m most proud of the supportive environment I’ve created where people feel comfortable enough to share their frustrations and health concerns. The office is a place where there are not only tears but also plenty of laughs and celebrations. I truly feel like I’m on the wellness journey with my patients, which makes the work incredibly fulfilling.
What sets me apart is that I provide an experience where patients are truly heard. If you’re looking for a doctor’s appointment where you don’t feel rushed or like just another number on the schedule, Modern Motion Chiropractic is the place to be.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that more is always better. In previous places of employment, I was often taught that the more patients you see or the more treatments you provide, the better. However, I’ve learned that quality is far more important than quantity, especially when it comes to patient care. I’ve realized that being fulfilled in my profession isn’t always about the dollar sign attached to it, but about making a genuine impact on people’s lives.
When I set up my practice, I focused on how to get the best results for my patients. The goal was never to fill the schedule with as many patients as possible, but to provide customized treatments that fit each patient’s specific condition, life, and goals. This shift has led to more authentic connections with my patients, as well as more direct referrals and high-quality patients. The approach has been a driving force in my practice’s success.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
If I could go back, I would still choose chiropractic. However, I would have prepared myself better for the realities of the profession. Being a chiropractor means developing thick skin quickly. Not everyone understands what we do, and there is so much misinformation out there. We’re often seen as the rebels of healthcare, and sometimes that comes with unwanted opinions. Chiropractic care becomes a lifestyle rather than just a job, and it can be hard to turn off at the end of the day.
In social settings, when people find out I’m a chiropractor, I get bombarded with questions. While I love educating others about the profession, it can sometimes put me in an awkward situation—especially since I married into a family of medical doctors, where there are differing opinions on chiropractic care. I constantly have to remind myself why I’m doing what I’m doing, and that helps me stay grounded and focused despite the challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.modernmotioncle.com
- Instagram: modernmotioncle
Image Credits
Lauren Grayson Photography