Dr. Annie – A Partner in Holistic Health
There is no one easier to highlight for this feature than Dr. Annie. She is, not only, one of SuNu’s most popular and beloved Chiropractors, she is one of the most charismatic, impressive and inspiring people I’ve met. The doctors who make up SuNu Wellness’ Chiropractic Team are known for being some of the most talented, skilled, knowledgeable, compassionate and intuitive holistic healthcare providers in the Twin Cities. Dr. Annie plays a major role in keeping Sunu’s reputation in the highest standing because of her quality of care, involvement in her community and devotion to her clients.
Dr. Annie may be the newest doctor on the Team, having only been in practice for a few years now, but it seems as if she’s been at the heart of SuNu forever. She has completed so many additional trainings and certifications one would think she’s been in practice for decades. Her intellect, love of learning and genuine curiosity allow her to offer exceptional care and thoughtful treatment plans – pulling from a deep well of knowledge and understanding beyond her years.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Annie recently for a casual interview. She was gracious enough to share more about who she is, what motivates her to be the incredible doctor she is today, as well as how she got to this point in her life and practice. From offering the best in Women’s holistic healthcare, to The Backstreet Boys, triple majoring in college and raising a 2-year-old, we cover it all. Enjoy!
A conversation between Dr. Annie & Erica Ciardelli:
1) Dr. Annie, you have an impressive and diverse education, triple majoring in Art History, French and Marketing. How did you decide to enroll in Chiropractic school?
In truth I’ve always been interested in healthcare. I was preparing to take the MCAT for med school when I met my husband, who introduced me to his brother and sister-in-law who are both chiropractors and that was the first time I learned about this holistic healthcare philosophy. It was so intriguing I just had to dig deeper… 8 years later, here we are!
2) As a well-rounded, confident and effective Chiropractor you’re able to treat anyone and everyone. You’re most passionate about prenatal care and supporting clients throughout pregnancy. What lights you up about this type of work, specifically?
Women’s health is a real passion of mine; specifically prenatal and postpartum health, which is often overlooked. We pay so much attention to the baby we’re growing inside our belly, who are no doubt little miracles, but we forget ourselves in the process. My goal with prenatal chiropractic care is to provide my patients with a more comfortable pregnancy journey. Not to mention chiropractic’s role to help prep the body for a smoother labor and delivery process. We see a lot more births that go according to the birther’s plan when they have been doing the work to prepare their body.
3) You’re also a favored doctor for clients seeking postpartum care and pediatric chiropractic – what do you enjoy or value most about this type of family chiropractic – being able to treat families together? 
There is nothing more rewarding for me to see the babes come back with mamas after I’ve been caring for them through their prenatal journey. To be able to help support families during the first few months as they are acclimating to their newest little addition, whether it’s lactation support, help ease colic, torticollis, constipation and plagiocephaly, or just a simple newborn wellness check up, pediatric chiropractic is a major part of my overall practice. The gift of working with a family throughout the entire process is probably my favorite part of being a chiropractor!
4) What’s something you wish more people knew about chiropractic care, holistic health, pregnancy & prenatal/postpartum care in general?
Most patients initially begin care here due to pain and tension in the body, but we help support beyond that. You are more than just the sum of your symptoms. We really address lifestyle changes so that not only will you feel your best during your pregnancy but you will function better beyond pregnancy. More than the adjustments themselves,
I love empowering my patients by teaching them exercises and stretches that will directly address their issues as well as tailored nutrition and supplements to help support their bodies at different stages of life as well.
5) Is there a recommendation you find yourself giving to almost every patient? Perhaps a supplement, self-care practice or tool that you recommend most?
Yes! Drink water! More than that, drink enough water! All of my patients can attest to this: I am always asking them how well they are hydrating at each visit. Water is life! And I don’t mean any liquid. By water, I only mean filtered, flat, clear water. How much? Take your body weight, divided by half; that number is ounces is the minimum amount of water we should all drink everyday. If you drink caffeinated beverages, add 8ozs to that; or if you drink alcoholic beverages, add more; and if you workout… I think you see a pattern here… you’ll be surprised how well your body can feel with just drinking enough water everyday.
6) You have additional training in Craniosacral Therapy/Craniosacral Unwinding Technique and incorporate it into many of your adjustments. What do you like about this technique and who benefits from it?
I use craniosacral therapy in a few different ways. First, it’s a great way to ease tension in the body when I incorporate it into pre-adjustment unwinding, specifically for neck adjustments. Secondly, I love finishing up each chiropractic adjustment appointment with a little craniosacral therapy if there is time. I use this technique for those who are experiencing more headaches, migraines, neck and shoulder pain. Lastly, I also do a more lengthy craniosacral therapy session for those struggling with anxiety and other emotional trauma. Those are usually an additional 15-30mins after the adjustment where we really focus on the problem areas and release the tension through gentle and intentional holds of the cranium.
7) This has been a difficult year – are there any lessons, take-aways, or even gifts you’ve discovered or received that you’d like to share? How have they impacted or changed your approach care – both/either related to work and/or personally?
That’s a great question. I think more than anything, I’ve been just holding on to gratitude. For my health, for my family, for good friends, and for the SuNu community.
Always manifesting more love and hope than hate and fear.
8) You have a beautiful family including your adorable young son (Ethan) – when you’re not working, how do you spend your time and nurture yourself and your interests?
Ethan is 2 now so we are always on the go! Moving my body is by far the best thing I can do for myself on my days off. Whether it’s going out for a walk, running around the playground or chasing Ethan around the living room. I also carve out time to do yoga and other exercises a few times a week. My patients all know that I LOVE my Epsom salt baths. I talk about the benefits constantly! So I do try to take some baths when I am able to, especially post workouts. Cooking is a great outlet for my creative side. I love trying out new recipes and incorporating healthy ingredients into everyday dishes.
Connect with Dr. Annie & SuNu Wellness
Dr. Annie practices out of the Minnetonka location and is accepting new patients. To learn more about Dr. Annie and any additional services available at SuNu Wellness, follow the links to our website. Dr. Annie is also featured and an instructor on our new e-learning platform, SuNu Learning.
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