Dr. Derek Thiel

Any patient of Dr. Thiel’s can describe his mission: to help patients and community members get back to doing the things they love — without drugs or surgery. Inspiring patients to begin and continue their journeys on the road to health and wellness makes him happy, and he keeps them motivated with his favorite Henry Ford quote: “Whether you think you can do something or whether you think you can’t, either way you’re right.”

This outlook prevailed through thick and thin during his adventurous childhood in Wauwatosa, WI, where he developed a passion for running track and field, which got him recruited to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a member of the 2007 National Championship Team, Academic All American and team captain, Dr. Thiel was working on his BS in biology and zoology when he discovered chiropractic. After a severe lower back injury he suffered debilitating pain shooting down his leg and into his foot every time he moved from sitting to standing position or rolled over. He was unable to work out, run or compete. Even simple tasks, like carrying his backpack to class and sleeping through the night, were impossible.

For two miserable months he tried physical therapy, massage, athletic trainers and muscle relaxants. At one point, he was taking 18 painkillers a day. Nothing came even remotely close to resolving the pain until his coach finally convinced Dr. Thiel to see a chiropractor, who was the first care provider to diagnose the root cause — a misaligned bone pinching off a nerve. As soon as the DC placed him on his side and adjusted his spine, Dr. Thiel felt immediate relief. By the time he completed his treatment plan, his pain had completely resolved, and his athletic performance improved as well. It was then that he knew he wanted to become a chiropractor to help people reach their health goals and get their lives back just as he had.

Dr. Thiel went on to earn his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic, where he worked as a teaching assistant for rehabilitation classes and a personal trainer in the research department. Since graduating, he’s treated hundreds of patients by applying his specialties in pediatric care, nutritional consulting and sports rehab.