Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Shaina Nolley DC, ACN, FMACP
Hi Dr. Shaina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in southern Indiana as a first-generation college student and moved to Chicago at 18 to study music business. At the time, I thought I was destined to spend my life backstage, managing tours, or at a record label. Instead, I found myself in corporate America, climbing the ladder but realizing I didn’t feel truly fulfilled. (Spoiler alert: spreadsheets don’t exactly feed the soul.)
It was during this period that I started receiving chiropractic care, not expecting much beyond a quick fix for my back pain. But I was shocked by the results—not only did my pain improve, but my overall health and non-epileptic seizure occurrence did too. I remember thinking, Why didn’t anyone tell me about this sooner? That was my lightbulb moment. Suddenly, I was trading in excel spreadsheets for anatomy books and adjusting tables.
I moved to the Bay Area to attend Life Chiropractic College West, where I graduated with honors. My journey didn’t stop there—I went on to become a Functional Medicine Academy Certified Practitioner (FMACP), combining chiropractic with a functional medicine approach to help clients address the root causes of their health concerns.
In February 2023, my partner, Dr. Saira Burney DC, and I started Caim Chiropractic + Functional Medicine here in Austin. (The word Caim means a sanctuary, a place of protection and empowerment, and that’s exactly what we strive to provide.) Today, we provide in-person chiropractic care in Central Austin and virtual functional medicine visits for patients living in Texas or California.
Looking back, it might seem like an odd leap from music business to health care, but to me, they’re not so different. Both involve connecting with people, solving problems, and creating harmony—just in a slightly different key. It’s been a wild journey, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a practice has been an incredible journey, but it definitely comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when you’re navigating two specialties like chiropractic and functional medicine.
One of the biggest hurdles was the timing. We launched Caim Chiropractic + Functional Medicine in February 2023, not long after the world was just starting to recalibrate post-pandemic. Like many businesses, we had to find creative ways to connect with patients and build trust in a world that had shifted so much in just a few years.
We also had the fun challenge of blending an in-person chiropractic practice with a fully virtual functional medicine model. While this hybrid approach allows us to serve a wider range of people, it also meant we had to figure out how to make everything, from scheduling to communication, seamless for our patients.
On a personal level, there’s also the leap of faith that comes with starting a practice. As a first-generation student, it wasn’t always easy to trust myself to take big risks. Building Caim has meant learning to be okay with uncertainty and focusing on the why behind everything we do: helping people feel better and empowering them to take charge of their health.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Caim Chiropractic + Functional Medicine, we’re passionate about providing a holistic approach to health that encompasses both chiropractic care and functional medicine. We specialize in helping our patients not only alleviate pain but also uncover the root causes of their health concerns. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, or preparing for pregnancy, we’re here to support you on your journey to optimal health.
One of our standout offerings is the Baby Making Bootcamp, a six-month pre-conception program designed to create a healthy foundation for pregnancy. This comprehensive journey focuses on physical, nutritional, and emotional wellness, ensuring that prospective parents have the tools they need to optimize fertility and create a nurturing environment for their future child. The program is tailored to support individuals and couples alike, addressing everything from hormonal balance to lifestyle adjustments.
In terms of our chiropractic services, we take a nervous system-focused approach to care. We believe that a well-functioning nervous system is foundational to overall health, and our individualized care plans reflect that philosophy. These care plans are designed not only to address specific issues but also to promote long-term wellness.
What sets us apart is our unique blend of traditional chiropractic care and functional medicine principles. We take the time to understand each patient as an individual—looking not just at symptoms but at lifestyle, environment, and overall wellness. This comprehensive approach allows us to create customized treatment plans that empower our patients to take charge of their health.
We’re known for our nurturing environment, where patients feel safe and supported. Our goal is to make healing a collaborative process.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the sense of community we’ve built since opening in February 2023. Our clinic isn’t just a place for adjustments; it’s a sanctuary where patients can find information, support, and empowerment. We strive to create an atmosphere that fosters healing and encourages open conversations about health and wellness.
We want your readers to know that at Caim, we offer personalized, compassionate care that goes beyond treating symptoms. Our services include in-person chiropractic adjustments with a focus on nervous system health, the Baby Making Bootcamp for pre-conception health, and virtual functional medicine visits for patients in Texas and California. We are here to empower our patients to live healthier, happier lives, and we’re excited to share this journey with our community!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking didn’t always come naturally to me. As a first-generation college student, the focus was on stability, but life has a way of nudging you toward growth. Leaving a corporate career to pursue chiropractic was a leap into the unknown. Starting Caim Chiropractic + Functional Medicine with my partner was another big risk—building a practice from scratch is no small feat.
What I’ve learned is that taking risks isn’t about chasing perfection but about moving forward with purpose. Even when the outcome is uncertain, trusting in your ability to adapt makes all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caimchiropractic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caim_chiropractic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caimchiropractic
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/D6vueFdSLQ2SNmPe8
Image Credits
Heather Ozzy and Chris Prince of Prince & Ozzy Creative Co.
Fallon Stovall
