"Excelling in the art of performance and wellness"
Dr. Matthew Peahl, DC, MS, DIBAK, FIAMA
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." -Thomas Edison
People often ask how I got started in my path as a healer. I grew up with it. My grandfather took me to his chiropractor when I was very young and he utilized Applied Kinesiology (AK). Later, in middle-school, I was taken care of by my best friend's step-father who was a chiropractor, acupuncturist, and Professional Applied Kinesiologist. I went to him for any and all problems. At that point in my life I was destined to be a pilot like my father, after growing up at the airport and flying small planes. That is, until the summer before my senior year of High School.
When I was 17 I sustained a knee injury that made it not possible for me to run, and more importantly play soccer. I under went knee surger for ACL reconstruction. Three months after that my leg was testing at 115% compared to my non-injured leg, making me the fastest recovery my orthopoedic surgeon had experienced. I worked hard in physical therapy, but I could not have done that without the help of my AK chiropractor. Unfortunately, three months after my return to sports I sustained another injury to the same knee during a High School Ice Hockey game. I ended up having three open-knee surgeries my senior year of High School.
My experience with two years of physical therapy and getting to know my orthopoedic surgeon very well led me to consider a career in health care. I thought how great would it be to spend my day helping others achieve their goals. When talking to my chiropractor, which was one of the most influencial role-models in my life for various reasons, he asked if I had ever considered chiropractic. My response, "Why would I do that?"
I received my Bachelor's of Science in BioMedical Sciences from Western Michigan University in 2000 with a minor in Chemistry and special interests in Neuroethology and Family Sciences. During my time in Kalamazoo I was a member of the school's water-ski club competing in slalom, trick and jump. We won a regional championship and competed at Nationals my Sophmore year. I also began refereeing ice hockey and coached the innaugural women's club hockey team for WMU founded and lead by my younger sister, Kirstin, which won the national championship only a year later.
After graduating with my Pre-Med degree I decided it would be best for me to get some life experience and make some money. It took me a little while to figure out the right fit which happened to be across the Pacific Ocean in Seoul, South Korea. I taught English as a Second Language for three years, while continuing to enjoy ice hockey in various countries like Mongolia and United Arab Emirates, as well as water skiing and snow skiing/boarding. I also met my beautiful wife, Carrie, shortly before returning to North America.
A few months later, Carrie and I (along with Sierra, my yellow lab) moved from Michigan to Portland, Oregon where I began classes at Western States Chiropractic College, now University of Western States (www.uws.edu). While in school I studied and became certified in AK through the International College of Applied Kinesiology (www.icak.com). Upon completing my requirements for my doctorate early, I was able to secure a community-based internship here in Illinois to be close to family for my now wife and first child, Taylor.
After completing all requirements, graduating, and attaining licensure in Illinois as a Chiropractic Physician, I began working towards my Fellowship with the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. I also started practicing in Hinsdale. A year later a few things happened that really surprised me. The first was an extremely talented orthopeadic and neurological spine surgeon approached me about working with him because he had never seen as effective results, then a very generous and caring nutritionist took particular interest in my work, and lastly the Blackhawks approached me to see if I could help them with some things. I had no idea being a Professional Applied Kinesiologist would lead me to being a part of a Stanley Cup Championship hockey team. I certainly have much to be grateful for, but all I really want to do is help people achieve their goals in life.
After practicing in Hinsdale for four years, and growing my family to three incredible children, I relocated one town over in Western Springs. I also started my third degree program at National University of Health Sciences (www.nuhs.edu) where I earned my Masters of Science in Advaced Clinical Practice in 2014. During that program I also started studying a healing technique system called Total Body Modification (TBM) (www.totalbodymodification.com). As I immersed myself in learning a new efficient application towards health and wellness, and becoming the most accredited TBM practioner in Illinois, I was invited to assist a teaching seminar in Bangkok, Thailand in December of 2014. Upon returning I started teaching Anatomy and Physiology at College of DuPage in January of 2015. I really do love teaching. Most recently I earned the prestigious title as Diplomate of the International College of Applied Kinesiology making me the third in Illinois.
In short, my life has been dedicated to learning the most effective means of attaining the best life possible, and sharing that with people I care about. Please reach out and learn how I can work with you to achieve the best that is already within you.
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." -Sir Isaac Newton