People think that back pain or chronic pain is something exclusive to the elderly, but that is not the case. According to various studies and estimates, nearly half of all Israelis may be suffering from some form of chronic pain. This could be anything from an injury or, if you’re like me, a chronic condition like fibromyalgia.
Life can be stressful, and that stress can accumulate in the body. One kind of specialist that can help address this stress and pain is the chiropractor.
But as helpful as this profession can be for millions of people, Israel is home to very few of them.
Dr. Gene Shlomo Plotkin is one of those very few.
As one of the country’s only chiropractors and as the country’s only practitioner of a method known as the Zone Technique, Plotkin’s skill set is invaluable. A dedicated healer and consummate professional, his techniques and treatments can help alleviate the pain and suffering like little else can.
In Jerusalem spoke to Plotkin about his life and work.
What brought you to Jerusalem?
I made aliyah from San Francisco through Nefesh B’Nefesh after living in the United States for 20 years. I was born in Belarus, in the former Soviet Union, but my decision to move to Jerusalem was deeply rooted in the Torah’s teaching that Jews are meant to live in Israel. For me, Jerusalem was without a doubt the most meaningful and natural choice.
What led you to chiropractic?
From a young age, I was fascinated by health and healing. In the Soviet Union, Jews were forbidden from studying medicine and restricted to only a narrow range of professions. So when my family managed to leave Russia, I was eager to pursue my dream. I first became a registered nurse, working my way through chiropractic school while doing rounds in the psychiatric wards of Bay Area hospitals. That experience made me realize that the hospital scene wasn’t for me.
After exploring different approaches to wellness, chiropractic resonated with me the most – especially its philosophy that the body has an innate ability to heal itself when the nervous system is in balance and barriers to healing are removed. I graduated from Life Chiropractic College West nearly 20 years ago, and since then I’ve treated thousands of patients, many of whom experienced remarkable improvements in their health and quality of life.
What is the chiropractic scene like in Israel?
Israel does not have a chiropractic college, so most practitioners here were trained abroad – in the US, Canada, Europe, South Africa, and elsewhere. At present, there are about 100 licensed chiropractors practicing in Israel, making it a small but steadily growing profession.
What are some common misconceptions about chiropractic?
Many people think that chiropractic is only for back or neck pain. In reality, it can address a wide range of health issues, from headaches and digestive problems to circulation and overall wellness. Applying chiropractic methods has even helped me save several patients from undergoing orthopedic surgeries. One was advised to have neck surgery due to a pinched nerve in the cervical spine, another was scheduled for lower back surgery because of sciatic neuropathy – and the list goes on.
I specialize in the Zone Technique, originally developed by Dr. Thurman Fleet and later advanced by Dr. Peter Goldman. The method is based on balancing six centers of the brain that control the body’s major systems, often producing profound healing results.
Do you have a memorable story from your career?
One story that stands out happened after I began practicing in Israel. A new patient called to ask about my treatment fee. When I explained the price, he asked if that included a full spine adjustment. I told him it did. Then, to my surprise, he asked how much I would charge for adjusting only one vertebra. I couldn’t help but laugh and replied, ‘This isn’t the Mahaneh Yehuda market – no bargaining here!’ It was a uniquely Israeli moment that I’ll never forget.
What advice would you give to aspiring chiropractors?
Israel offers excellent opportunities for new chiropractors. The demand for natural, non-invasive healing is growing, both in private practice and within the health clinic system. Personally, I spent 10 years combining work in my private clinic with serving patients at a Maccabi Tivi clinic in Jerusalem. I believe the future of chiropractic in Israel is very bright, and it has the potential to help many more people live healthier lives.
Dr. Gene Shlomo Plotkin practices at the Jerusalem Ramot Medical Center, 35 Igal Alon Street.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation, call 052-507-9895 or visit plotkinchiropractic.com.