Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Ervin.
Hi Christy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I like to joke that I’ve been seeing a chiropractor since before I was born. My mom is a huge believer in chiropractic care—she was adjusted throughout her pregnancy with me, and I had my first chiropractic visit shortly after birth.
My family moved from San Diego to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, when I was five years old, and I began seeing a chiropractor in Tulsa named Dr. Steve Hays. Growing up as a competitive gymnast and later a dancer, chiropractic care became an important part of helping me stay healthy, recover from injuries, and continue doing the activities I loved. Dr. Hays became a meaningful part of my life, supporting me through every phase from kindergarten through high school, until he retired.
It wasn’t until adulthood that I realized just how much chiropractic had shaped my life and my health. After moving to Kansas City in 2015, I stopped getting adjusted. It wasn’t because I didn’t believe in chiropractic care; I was honestly nervous about finding a new chiropractor and, like so many people, life got busy.
Everything changed in 2019 when I was involved in a car accident. I was referred to Dr. Justin Grabouski, and from the moment I walked into his office, I felt welcomed, cared for, and truly listened to. As my body healed, I realized I wanted to become the person I needed during that time. I wanted to help others experience the same hope, support, and confidence in their healing journey that I had received.
I graduated from Cleveland University–Kansas City in December 2024 and was fortunate to join Grabouski Chiropractic as an associate doctor. It feels incredibly special to now work at the same practice that played such an important role in my own healing journey. Every day I have the privilege of caring for patients who trust us with their health, and I leave work feeling grateful and fulfilled. I truly can’t imagine doing anything else.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, the road has not always been smooth. I’ve learned that challenges are a natural part of life, and the journey is shaped by how we respond to them. Each experience, both difficult and rewarding, has helped me grow and continues to shape the person and doctor I am becoming.
Returning to school after being away for seven years was intimidating. I had to rebuild my science foundation while completing my Bachelor of Human Biology through Cleveland University–Kansas City’s concurrent program and earning my Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Shortly after starting school in 2020, the pandemic changed the way we learned, requiring me to become more independent, disciplined, and adaptable. Chiropractic school demanded a tremendous amount of dedication, from a rigorous course load and board exams to developing the skills needed to care for patients.
Beyond school, the transition from student to practicing doctor has brought its own challenges. Learning to navigate patient care, build relationships, and find confidence as a new doctor has been a rewarding process. Each day brings new experiences that continue to shape the way I practice and connect with my patients.
Patient care has brought some of the most meaningful lessons. Helping patients understand their condition, managing expectations, and having difficult conversations when necessary have taught me the importance of honesty, empathy, and meeting people where they are.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change this journey because I understand what it feels like to face uncertainty, search for answers, and work towards healing, and that is something I carry with me in every patient interaction.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a family chiropractor, which means I have the privilege of caring for patients of all ages and stages of life. My approach centers on gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments while helping patients better understand their bodies and take an active role in their health.
One of my main areas of focus is SoftWave Therapy. We’re one of the only providers in the area offering SoftWave, and I’m grateful to bring this innovative treatment option to our community. I use it to help patients recovering from car accidents, managing chronic pain, healing after surgery, overcoming injuries, or simply getting back to the activities they love.[same challenge] One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing patients regain confidence in their bodies after months—or even years—of searching for answers.
As a former gymnast and dancer, I especially enjoy working with athletes because I understand how meaningful it is to return to the activities you love. My own experiences with injuries and recovery have shaped the way I care for patients, allowing me to approach each person with both empathy and understanding.
What sets me apart is the combination of my personal experiences, my commitment to continuing education, and my focus on building genuine relationships with my patients. I want every person who walks through our doors to feel heard, supported, and confident in their care. The trust my patients place in me is what I’m most proud of.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think my relationship with risk has changed throughout my life. I wouldn’t describe myself as someone who takes risks without purpose, but I have learned that some of the greatest opportunities require stepping outside of your comfort zone and trusting yourself.
The biggest risk I have taken was leaving a stable career and returning to school to pursue chiropractic. I was committing several years of my life to a challenging program without knowing exactly what the future would look like. It was a major leap of faith, but I knew becoming a chiropractor was something I deeply wanted to pursue.
I also learned that meaningful risks are rarely taken without support. Throughout this journey, I have been incredibly fortunate to have the support of my husband, family, friends, colleagues, and mentors who encouraged me and challenged me along the way.
Looking back, I believe the best risks come from a place of purpose. They may feel uncertain, but they can lead you toward opportunities you never imagined. Taking that risk led me to a career that brings me so much joy, and fulfillment,; and allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ovpchiro.com/about/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/softwaveoverlandpark/
