In a world where traditional medicine often focuses on symptom management, many individuals are exploring natural remedies and alternative forms of treatment to achieve wellness. These approaches prioritize mind, body, and spirit, taking into account lifestyle, genetic predispositions, and emotional well-being. By addressing the root causes of health issues, these avenues offer a more comprehensive path to healing. Dr. Victoria E. Malchar, D.C., CCSP, ABAAHP, a distinguished sports physician, chiropractor, and functional medicine practitioner, embodies the essence of this holistic approach.
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With a career shaped by personal experiences and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, Dr. Malchar integrates advanced therapies into her practice, Malchar Chiropractic & Wellness Center, to provide innovative and effective treatments for pain management and more. Among these pioneering therapies are StemWave therapy and Erchonia Laser therapy. Dr. Malchar hopes that by bringing these unique treatments into the spotlight today, she can help patients everywhere.
StemWave is a type of therapy that uses sound waves to stimulate cartilage repair and reduce joint inflammation, offering a non-invasive solution for pain relief. Meanwhile, the Erchonia Laser promotes faster healing of soft tissue injuries by using light energy to enhance cellular function. These cutting-edge treatments exemplify Dr. Malchar’s commitment to helping patients achieve optimal health through natural and alternative methods.
Dr. Malchar’s journey into holistic health and functional medicine is a poignant tale of personal struggle, unyielding passion, and unwavering commitment to caring for others. Growing up, both her parents worked at a hospital, and a young Dr. Malchar was no stranger to the intricacies of healthcare. Yet, it was her father’s painful battle with osteoarthritis that became a crucible, forging her path toward a revolutionary approach to medicine.
“My father had osteoarthritis, and no one could help him with his pain. Someone mentioned chiropractic, and that’s what helped him. From that moment, I couldn’t learn enough about natural medicine.”
This personal experience became the cornerstone of Dr. Malchar’s life mission. The inability of conventional medicine to provide relief for her father’s suffering ignited an enthusiasm in her to explore alternative approaches. She eventually switched from pre-med to chiropractic studies, setting the stage for a journey that would transform countless lives.
“It was just amazing. With my studies, I went to additional training for sports chiropractic. Now, besides other patients, I work with dancers, football players, hockey players, and more, using a combination of chiropractic care, functional medicine for tissue repair, and applied kinesiology for muscle balance.”
Establishing her own practice years ago was fraught with challenges, particularly financial constraints, but Dr. Malchar’s determination never wavered. “I started my practice on a shoestring,” she says.
“I rented space from another chiropractor because I had no money. He had all the equipment. We answered our own phones, booked our own appointments, and just did it. I had a following by the time I graduated because I was always trying to help people. It was a beautiful thing to have an instant practice then, just by word of mouth.” This hands-on approach and persevering pursuit of helping others quickly built her a loyal patient base. Her practice grew, rooted in the trust and gratitude of those she had helped.
Dr. Malchar’s holistic approach to her practice today means that she looks at the whole person when assessing treatment options by considering genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, and the patient’s state of mind. This comprehensive perspective sets her apart in a field often dominated by quick fixes and symptom-focused treatments.
She stresses the importance of addressing the genesis of health issues rather than just how they manifest. This approach often leads her to uncover the underlying problems that more traditional approaches might have overlooked.
“Many people don’t realize that their diet, exposure to toxins, stress levels, and even childhood diseases can impact their current health. It’s about getting to the cause of someone’s weaknesses and addressing them holistically. Let’s say you have someone with a good diet who is still unhealthy. Well, what’s the cause? Are they eating something that may be a poison to them? Or, in the realm of sports injuries, I may ask a client how many concussions they have had and whether they’ve addressed the neurological complications that may come with those.”
She demonstrates why it is essential to make a note of all factors when figuring out the best way to tackle an issue. How our bodies function is intricate, with multiple systems working together, making it difficult at times to pinpoint the culprit of a health problem.
“Okay, say you have a sprained ankle. Well, what do we need to do to rehabilitate it? We must ensure that you have the right nutrients for the tissues to repair and that there’s balance in your body. If your pelvis is out of alignment, well, guess what? You’re going to put a lot more pressure on that ankle. That’s why it probably got sprained. That ankle now may cause your back and your hips to go out. You have to look at the whole person. What happens if you have a soft tissue problem and you’re constantly spraining? Then, we have to look at what’s going on genetically. It could be that you have an MTHFR defect, which could lead you to a host of other problems.”
Dr. Malchar’s commitment to providing comprehensive care has always been at the forefront of her philosophy. Her practice offers general chiropractic care, perinatal/postnatal chiropractic care, sports chiropractic care, auto injuries treatment, and various therapies and assessments: Biocharger, Erchonia/Celluma/IFC&Tens/Cold lasers, Zyto Scan, Body Comp Analysis, Sonic Frequency Table, and Bemer.
“There’s more than just me adjusting a spine and getting a person to feel good. I want to get someone to feel well long-term.”
Her expertise in functional medicine and chiropractic care allows her to provide innovative treatments like the StemWave, which she describes as a revolutionary approach to joint pain and inflammation.
“I am always trying to educate myself, digging into other types of services that can help provide a patient with the best type of treatment possible. I’ve been in practice for over 40 years; my patients have gotten older, and some of them have chronic hip problems. Some of them ask, ‘Is there anything out there to prevent me from having surgery?’ StemWave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate cartilage repair in the joints. It’s non-invasive, with no recovery time, and it’s incredible how quickly patients feel relief. People need to know about it, but not enough do. They can come in for a 15-minute treatment here and walk out. They don’t have to have injections or be out of work due to surgery.”
Dr. Malchar was overjoyed when she learned about StemWave but quickly realized that it would be too expensive for some of her patients since it is not often covered by insurance. She found an alternative in the Erchonia Laser.
“Those two devices help with inflammation and restoration of the joints. It’s just a whole other world when you look at what you can offer someone who is desperate because they’re in pain every day. Joint issues affect how they live, how they feel, how they move their shoulders or walk. That’s a limitation of the ability to live to the fullest. You want to be able to give that patient hope and to give that patient the freedom to be able to feel good again and live a lifestyle that’s healthy rather than, oh, ‘I’m going to walk with a cane or a walker for the rest of my life because I don’t want to have surgery.’”
The Erchonia Laser is especially effective with soft tissue injuries, promoting faster healing post-surgery.
“Let’s say you’ve injured your knee and got an ACL tear. Well, you’re going to need surgery. You can come in for the laser treatments to actually promote more healing. It stimulates the cell’s mitochondria, which produce more ATP, increasing the healing in the body and tissues. We can also prevent the scarring of wounds.”
Dr. Malchar’s approach often attracts patients who have been failed by traditional medicine. Having seen multiple doctors without resolution, these individuals find hope in her holistic methods.
“I get the patients that the medical profession has given up on. They’ve been to multiple doctors without finding answers. Medicine today is challenging even for medical doctors, with so many restrictions and a lack of holistic education. How do you address the problem when you’re not looking to the cause? If you’re just treating a symptom with a medication that had side effects, then prescribe another medication for those side effects; it’s a downhill spiral. Everything we’ve done in chiropractic and functional medicine and everything we’ve been doing for the last hundred years is being proven now.”
One of the biggest draws to the services she offers is that they provide an alternative to opioid pain management.
“One of the major chiropractic thrusts is to get people to understand that you can be out of pain without medication. A lot of times, just chiropractic will get a patient out of pain. So, if you add other modalities like StemWave and Erchonia Laser, you’re working on getting the more difficult cases out of pain without drugs or surgery.”
She has successfully treated a variety of conditions with StemWave, including knee pain, shoulder pain, back pain, sacroiliac pain, wrist pain, arthritis in the hands, elbow pain, and disc issues. Many of her patients were overjoyed that they regained some mobility.
To get started, patients can sign up for a mapping session for $49 to learn if they are a good candidate for StemWave therapy. If a patient is not a candidate, Dr. Malchar works with the patient to find which therapy would be best.
“Some patients actually feel better right after the mapping. It’s amazing. In the past, we have had someone who had difficulty walking up the stairs. We found the trigger points and had them walk up the stairs again. They were absolutely blown away because the pain that they had was gone. When the StemWave device is sounding into that soft tissue, it’s pounding away at it. You want to find areas of inflammation. Then it gets interesting. As the sound wave device goes over it for the second time, there’s less pain. There’s less inflammation. It’s instantaneous.”
Typically, it takes ten sessions in a row for patients to have results that last for a long time.
Preventative care is another cornerstone of Dr. Malchar’s practice, although she laments the current healthcare system’s shortcomings. The frustration in her voice is palpable as she discusses the systemic issues that prevent many from receiving the treatments they could benefit from.
“It’s broken. Our government is broken, so healthcare is broken. Preventative care is crucial. Regular maintenance can prevent many health issues and surgeries, but it’s often not covered by insurance. The system is broken, and it’s frustrating to see patients denied the care they need.”
In addition to her practice, Dr. Malchar is passionate about making healthcare accessible and affordable. She understands the financial burdens many patients face and strives to keep her fees reasonable. Her compassion for her patients extends beyond the treatment room, reflecting a deep commitment to their well-being.
“I charge a normal fee for examinations because I know my patients can’t afford exorbitant costs. A chiropractor down the road may do a neurological evaluation for $600. No, my patients can’t afford that. I’ll just charge $180. That’s it. I’m not charging $600 for that. It’s about making healthcare affordable to the people that really need it.”
Education is also a significant part of Dr. Malchar’s mission. She spends countless hours studying and attending seminars to stay updated with the latest advancements in holistic health and functional medicine; she discovered some of her therapies this way. Her thirst for knowledge is driven by her desire to offer her clients the best possible solutions.
“My focus is to help my patients, and I’m dedicated to doing what I need to do in order to help them. There isn’t a weekend where I’m not studying or taking a course on neurology or nutrition or making flyers for my patients. Education is vital because so many people don’t understand how the body works.”
This dedication to continuous learning ensures she can integrate the latest technologies and methodologies into her practice, providing her patients with cutting-edge care.
“I go to more seminars than anybody else. How are you supposed to stay abreast of all the new technology? My husband asks me, ‘Why are you going to that seminar when you can teach it?’ I’m like, well, maybe I’ll learn something. Even if I learn one or two new things, that’s great, and I’ll implement them. If you want to care about your patients truly, then you should attend classes.”
Her ability to combine various techniques and treatments, including Total Body Modification, allows her to create a personalized approach for each patient.
“Total Body Modification involves testing every organ to identify weaknesses and then balancing them with adjustments of certain areas of the spine or nutritional supplements. Then, we retest all those points so that they all get balanced. So, it’s a specialized kinesiology treatment and testing.”
Each patient’s journey is unique, and Dr. Malchar takes the time to understand their individual needs and concerns. “Every person is different, so every exam is different. I examine their family history, lifestyle, and previous injuries or diseases. I order necessary tests, look at any x-rays, MRIs and CAT scans that they’ve had, and create a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs.”
Often, some diseases will cause symptoms that clients do not readily associate with their issues such as Lyme disease. “Lyme disease causes joint pain, headaches, a whole myriad of things,” she says. This is another reason why Dr. Malchar believes continued education is vital for her and her patients.
Mental health is another facet of health that Dr. Malchar values and addresses, recognizing the profound impact it can have on physical well-being. Her holistic approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind and body, providing a more comprehensive path to healing.
“Emotional issues often accompany physical injuries, especially after accidents. The limbic system, which controls emotions, can be affected, leading to changes in mood and behavior. It’s crucial to support the body in repairing these neurological issues. Even if my patient is a 20-year-old with a sports injury, I’m still going to check. So many kids and athletes, in general, end up with head injuries that go undetected. I can’t tell you the number of patients that have emotional issues after an accident. They don’t know why they’re crying more or why they’re angry more. You have to support the body in the repair, whether neurological, structural, or physiological.”
Dr. Malchar also administers the BioCharger, which uses negative ions to enhance her patients’ moods. “When you’re by the oceanside, you get negative ions. When you see a lightning storm, those are negative ions. All those things are very calming and healing to the body. That’s why living by the water is so healing.”
Dr. Malchar wants her patients to be free from pain and limitations. The joy in her voice is evident as she speaks about the transformations she witnesses in her patients.
“The ultimate goal is to help them feel their best. Seeing conditions that have persisted for years disappear within weeks is incredibly rewarding.”
As she reflects on her career, Dr. Malchar’s voice carries a blend of pride and humility as she recounts the moments that have defined her journey.
“Helping people, seeing their conditions go away, and having them tell me they feel better than they have in years—that’s everything to me. A patient who hadn’t been in for 15 years came back and said, ‘You fixed me the first visit. You told me to get off gluten.’ She had suffered for years, and a simple dietary change made all the difference.”
This story is just one of many that illustrate the profound impact of Dr. Malchar’s work. She empowers her patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health, even after they no longer need treatment.
“Patients need to understand their bodies and how to maintain their health. It’s about education and empowerment. I want my patients to leave my office not just feeling better but equipped to stay well.”
She strives to create a healing environment where patients can find relief and rejuvenation daily. Her office is a wellness sanctuary filled with the latest technologies and a team of compassionate professionals who share her vision.
“Every patient’s journey is different, and it’s my job to guide them through their healing process. Whether it’s a sports injury, a chronic condition, or an emotional issue, I look at the whole person and address every aspect of their health. It’s about more than just fixing a problem. It’s about creating a lifestyle that supports health and well-being. I want my patients to thrive, not just survive.”
As she looks to the future, Dr. Malchar remains focused on her mission. She envisions a world where holistic health is the norm, preventative care is prioritized, and patients have access to the treatments they need to live their best lives.
“My dream is to see holistic health become more mainstream. Preventative care should be the foundation of our healthcare system, not an afterthought. I want to see a world where everyone has access to the tools and knowledge they need to stay healthy.”
She advocates for education for those looking to join the holistic medicine field.
“The amount of information we have online is pretty amazing, but you need a degree. I advise people to find someone with a lot of training, and that will be a licensed physician. Someone who’s gone to chiropractic school, homeopathic school, or naturopathic school—those are the three that I would trust with the information. “
For over 40 years, Dr. Malchar has been transforming lives with her unique blend of chiropractic care, functional medicine, and holistic treatments. Her journey, marked by personal experiences, enduring curiosity, and professional dedication, continues to inspire and heal. As she moves forward, she remains committed to her mission of helping people achieve a quality of life they may have once thought was out of reach.
Moumita Basuroychowdhury is a Contributing Reporter at The National Digest. After earning an economics degree at Cornell University, she moved to NYC to pursue her MFA in creative writing. She enjoys reporting on science, business and culture news. You can reach her at moumita.b@thenationaldigest.com.
