The Vital Energy Center

Years of falling led me to seek out chiropractic care. Upon Dr Kohler’s recommendation, I had my atlas adjusted. Even tho I’m in my 30s, turns out one leg was shorter than the other because of my atlas out of alignment! Not only did falling stop, but amazingly no more Tmj! I can’t believe I’m not constantly rubbing my jaw in the morning anymore and not falling down unexpectedly! Thx Dr K… I had no idea that I was so out of whack

Let’s just say as one ages the body becomes more fragile. Dr. Kohler has helped me in the mistakes I’ve made and shown me how to avoid the ones that I could be making. He is intelligent, committed and focused. I absolutely without any hesitation would recommend him to anyone who is need of a chiropractor or those astute to know that an assessment of ones alignment is as valuable as your annual physical, especially as we baby boomers continue to boom on.

I made an appointment over a year ago based on recommendations from my husband and many friends that have seen Dr. Kohler over the years. Many moons ago my husband and daughter were treated here to resounding results. When I was injured skiing in Feb 2013, I decided it was time for me to experience the healing. Suffice to say, my neurologist warned me that I might be on pain and anti migraine medicine for up to year after the injury I sustained. After being treated by Dr Kohler and manual therapist, Stephen Wadsworth, I was pain and medication free within 3 – 4 months. Seriously amazing! Even today, I continue to be treated by both for maintenance reasons – my choice.
I really can’t say how much I appreciate the work they do. I love how they treat their patients – from the check in to treatment, follow up and so on. The location is exceptional and super convenient (I work in Pioneer Square), the environment is calm and clean. It feels great to be there!
My husband is back again and now my daughter is there as a preventative measure for her athletics.
Highly, highly recommend all services offered.

I am once again amazed at the extraordinary in-​tandem care I have received from The Vital Energy Center. I have spent the last few years battling with some serious health issues that resulted in a couple of surgeries on my pelvic floor. After finally starting to stabilize in PT, I was hit by a car and of course knew to come to you. Today, I was told by my PT that I had finally stabilized enough to move on to the rebuilding phase, after 2.5 months of seeing you two.
Sadly, I do not always utilize the brain I was given and it didn’t really occur to me to come to you post-​surgery to help in the process of rebuilding after my surgeries. However, as was my experience before, I feel that the care I am receiving has helped me reach a place of stability not only from my accident, but for my pelvic floor issues as well.
For those female patients of yours, it is easy to compartmentalize with the medical world being what it is, and honestly, as is my case, there is certainly a need for other medical professionals in my life. That said, I wish I would have come to Jared and Stephen right after my surgeries. I was struggling to get to a stable point in my physical recovery and Jared and Stephen helped me get there.
The Vital Energy Center is not just for my neck and back, but for my whole body (or is it that my spine is for my whole body?). In my experience, My pelvic floor health is directly related to what Jared and Stephen can do and I cannot recommend them enough as a part of your care team for these, as well as other seemingly unrelated issues.
Thanks again, Dr J & Stephen! You have once again made a huge difference in a life.

I must apologize for waiting so long to write this review. I made the decision to go to the VItal energy center after researching for quite a while after I woke up and could barely get out of bed from extreme back pain (which ended up being an LI claim) needles to say I need to find help fast! I had been to a chiropractor in the past on and off here and there when I was younger and it was mostly all using the snapping tool. I was happy to find that Dr. Kohler used other methods to find solutions, I really liked the vibracusser and he uses a few other methods different than I am used to as well. The whole place and everyone was really nice and they treat their clients like family and each other as well. Carolyn I thought was very helpful, she always has excellent nutrition advice, I always enjoyed talking with her about anything really. I was also prescribed a few massages and worked with Steven quite a bit, he helped me out a lot, he does a different method of massage, one thing I noticed was I was able to straighten my legs out all the way after the appt. He also helped me strengthen my body so I would not be so easily injured in the future. I would recommend this office to anyone that needs to heal quickly, after six weeks I was feeling so much better (and I honestly I never took any painkillers except a couple advil the first day before my appt) and able to walk around and sit in my car like normal (without pain) it’s scary when injuries like this happen, it was for me and I am glad there are places like this that you can trust and they really do care about you completely healing. Thank you :)

I have seen a lot of healers over the years and have been very impressed with Dr. Kohler at the Vital Energy Center. I had a flare up of an old back injury two months ago and Jared’s treatments helped a lot with the pain and flexibility. He does a very thorough evaluation, he is very skilled at muscle testing and he used a wide variety of techniques to address my back pain. I was very happy with his treatment and would recommend him to all my friends. Probably one of the better Chiropractors in Seattle right now.

Dr. Jared is my miracle worker. I had fallen rock climbing back in 2006 and hit the ground. After ortho, a different (and in the end MORE damaging chiropractor) a massage therapist friend of mine recommended Dr. Jared Kohler. We had a long road to get me even walking at a normal pace again, but with patience, kindness, and a whole lot of wisdom, he went above and beyond in healing me. Not only did I fully recover from the climbing fall, but the minor discomfort that had always been present from my mild scoliosis was also gone. A while after that recovery I severely impacted my neck and that injury that should have taken about 3−5x longer to heal than it did healed in no time. I attribute that to the fact that my body was already so accustomed to Jared’s healing methods and just used to being in alignment and healthy that it snapped right back into place more quickly than it otherwise would have. Add to all of this Dr. Jared’s positive attitude, wisdom, and beaming smile. I quickly came to look at him as a confidant, trusted counselor and friend I could speak with about all aspects of life during our visits. The energy and atmosphere at the Vital Energy Center is unforgettable. It was my peaceful reprieve from my busy work day, and I could not wait for my hour of peace there each week. I am beyond grateful to be able to say that for two to three years now, although I miss seeing Dr. Jared on a regular basis for all of the reasons above, I do not ever, ever even THINK about my spine. Not sitting at a desk, not in the middle of the night, not after a long road trip. I feel like Dr. Jared has left my back better than what I was born with. I give him and the VEC my highest recommendation and thanks.

EDIT: I am editing this to 3 stars because after finding out the actual cause of all my pain, I am slightly disappointed that the Dr didn’t address or take a look at any other influences in my life that could have been causing the pain. It turned out to be an infected tooth (for almost a year!) and the same day the tooth came out, all of my pain went away. When one of my clients had an issue that massage didn’t seem to be actually fixing, I would ALWAYS try to help them sort out the root of the issue and offer alternative solutions or possible ideas of how they could explore what the issue was. I feel like that is a sign of any good practitioner or doctor. If I can’t fix it, then I will help you find someone who can or at least give you a gentle push in the right direction. I’d recommend eye exams for headaches, chiro for spine issues ect.
Looking back I see that he really just concentrated on getting me adjusted as he decided the issue was my atlas. I see now it was never my atlas and the reason it took a few days for the adjustment to «help» was because it actually had nothing to do with the adjustment at all. I came to this clinic in hopes of help for a very serious issue, and while he was attentive, gentle, and very knowledgable, I really, really wish he had taken a moment and said, «Hey, looks like after months this isn’t really helping, maybe you should try???» Instead when I asked for recommendations on how to fix it his response was always rest, ice, chiro, and a posture pump. I hope in the future he will make sure to see the bigger picture for each client because while we are ultimately responsible for our own health, people come to doctors for advice and guidance.
That said, I would still go back if I ever need an actual adjustment for any spine issues because he is a great chiropractor, just not a very good medical detective. :)
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I started having sudden, intense, sharp head and neck pain this winter. Like, end up in the ER twice kinda painful. I had no idea what/​why this was happening and it totally disrupted my life, couldn’t stand, work, sit, eat. It actually hurt to breath. I went to another chiro who was very nice but barely helped with his regular cracking. Of course the regular doctors has no idea what was going on and just gave me drugs. I started seeing Dr Kohler and within a week my pain was diminished from a ¹⁰⁄₁₀ to a ³⁄₁₀. He took the time to really figure out what was happening and not only gave me answers, but gave me relief and has never pushed me to come in more often that I felt was needed. Now I see him every few weeks if I feel the need and he always takes the time to really asses my body. The staff is super friendly and the place is relaxing and welcoming. The only downside, is also an upside. Be prepared to spend an hour per appointment. He takes his time with each person, so appointments run late and yours will to. The upside is that he actually spends time and takes care of your and your body. :)
Also a side note, I was an LMP for 8 years and sent most all of my clients to Dr Kohler the last few years. I got to see first «hand» (heh get it! massage. hand ;) what his work does and how it heals a body.

I went to this place on/​off for 6 years.
I don’t know if they are still there, but I received great benefit from Acupuncturist Jeffrey Grossman 4.5 stars for his comprehensive listening and skilled treatments.
Superbly deep masseuse Jen King I saw regularly for years, she is also top notch.
At some point, it was suggested for me by both other practitioners that I see Dr. Jared Kohler who owns/​operates the facilities. I had several appointments with him for Chiropractic care but didn’t feel any improvement so scaled back care. After that Dr. Kohler behaved awkwardly when I came in for my massage appointments (I’d come for years prior, just for massage). For instance, when I would pass him in the hall (tight quarters) he would sneer at me. When I said hi, he acted like a jaded lover, scoffing and muttering under his breath. This immature behavior including «accidentally» throwing paper at me over the span of 20 minutes. Knocking the physio ball into me repeatedly anytime I tried to pass (in AND out) through the hall and knocking a statue over next to me in the waiting room in a move that he seemed to have done intentionally to startle me. He was staring at me strangely WHILE doing it. This all happened within 2 appointments, so not random over time! Due to my experience, I would not recommend his services.
The «office in a house» concept is cool and they have done it well to make it feel like a sanctuary. Street parking only.

Leslie uses the ancient Chinese method of cupping. Flames in glass cups are extinguished all over your body, leaving these circular rainbow-​colored bruises. Don’t worry, they look cool, in a temp-​tattoo kind of way. The suction from the cup deeply penetrates into muscle tissue allowing it to release harmful toxins trapped in there. I feel so good afterward, my muscles in a new state of awe.
The rest of the massage therapists are great too. My favorite massages are strong and hard and everywhere at once, like from my man’s strong hands. But these girls seem to know me better than I know myself. The deep tissue massage feels like one or two fingers rolling over my body, slowly, methodically, moving and stretching my muscles, re-​educating them on where they should be and how to behave. Sarah’s massages have been known to play out like an epic journey that builds and builds, as if she’s telling the story of your life. Shoulders rolled back to the original position, back lengthened and straightened, neck tension relieved. My body thanks me.
They offer 5 different massages and have sample packages: 1 for $ 47, 3 for $ 147 and all 5 for $ 227. They also take insurance.

Review of massage services.
Purchased LivingSocial deal for my husband and myself. We came together and experienced two different styles of massage. The ambiance is pleasant and the staff welcoming. I don’t have any particular problems to address but my husband has residual issues from sciatic nerve episode several years ago and extreme tension in the shoulder area. His experience with Amalia was so positive that he wants to return again soon. Leslie’s therapy on me was quite energizing (I enjoy experiencing different styles). We plan to return again.

This place is really wonderful. The center is located in an old remodeled house, and it’s very warm and welcoming — lush garden outside, wooden floors throughout, nothing like a cold and sterile chiropractor’s office. The receptionist, Megan, is cheerful and friendly — you can tell she loves her job. It’s a joy just to step inside.
I was seeing Dr. Kohler in the winter for my scoliosis and shoulder pain. He’s very thorough and his methods are not scary and abrasive like some other chiropractors. If you’re expecting to get your back cracked and your neck nearly snapped, you should probably look elsewhere. Dr. Kohler’s method is not only effective, but relaxing. (Applied kinesiology, I believe?) Sadly, I only completed half of my treatment due to switching jobs and losing insurance, and while it didn’t have an immediate effect on my back, over time I have noticed that the pain is much less severe, and at times nonexistant!
I wish I still had insurance because I’d be here all the time. I’d love to try the services of their nutritionist sometime as well.

Wow, this place has actually changed my life. I’ve been having back pain since I picked up a poorly loaded tray at my waiting job back in May of 09. I occasionally got massage, which would help for a while but then it would go back to pain. It came to a peak in December of 09 when it started seizing. If you have not ever had a muscle seize in your lower back, you don’t know what hell is. My boyfriend carried me to an urgent care where they gave me muscle relaxants, but I didn’t want to live my life on drugs, which is basically what western medicine told me would be the «solution».
I tried Dr. Kohler from a co workers recommendation. My first two visits were INCREDIBLY in depth. Plan on being there for at least an hour! The time was so worth it. I hate saying Dr. Kohler «fixed» me… but it is true. His methods are not like other chiropractors. He uses much less abrasive methods and his goal is to get you to NOT have to go to the chiro every week. He wants to be able to get you healthy, not stuff his pockets. For me, he did what he called an «at site» adjustment, something I’ve never heard of anyone else doing. He had me get in the position I was in when hurt myself then did an adjustment there. I hadn’t been able to bend more then 90 degrees for months! All of a sudden I could tie my shoes again. After a month of two times a week treatment and follow ups and I am able to be human again.
Best of all? Thanks to Meaghan, the office manager, it was covered by my insurance. Thank you so much to everyone at The Vital Energy Center!

3.5 stars
I bought a livingsocial deal for a 60-​minute massage for $ 35. What an awesome deal!
The receptionist Megan was amazing. Really upbeat and on top of doing her job well. It was a treat to meet her in person after she had been so helpful in scheduling my massage.
I saw Beth for my massage and I’ve got to say that getting massages lately has been so different. Before I used to get them because I had huge knots in my shoulders from work-​related stress. Now I have a little bit of stiffness in my shoulders and back but nothing severe. Point being, when I get massages now they don’t seem as effective as they were in the past, but this could simply be due to the fact that my body is healthier now. Whatever the case may be, the massage didn’t knock my socks off and seemed a little bit on the weak side. Not pressure-​weak, since Beth was really receptive to communication about adjusting pressure, being comfortable, etc. Weak as in I don’t feel any different after my massage and even during my massage I never felt completely relaxed.
All in all, it was a great deal for a massage, the staff I interacted with (Megan and Beth) were cool chicas, and I liked the atmosphere of the place — garden walking in, it wasn’t a building but a renovated house, and had an overall it was very calming.

i have been a patient of Dr. Kohler for about 6 weeks now. I was in an auto accident in June and had not really received any relief until i saw him. My pain is almost nonexistent and i am so grateful for his care.
i would recommend him to anyone! 10 stars!

Dr Jared is awesome! I first visited him about 6 years ago and while under his care I felt awesome. Work and Life got in the way and I stopped getting my monthly adjustments. The other day I threw out my back (boo). perfect time to get back on track (no pun) made an appointment with Dr Jared and now I feel so much better. THANK YOU.
+ The energy is like no other, the second you walk in the door, you feel relaxed! ahhh!
+ Massages are available — I’ll totally take advantage of that.
+ He takes insurance
+ If you don’t have insurance (like me) it’s totally affordable
+ You’ll feel so much better with monthly visits to Dr Jared.

This review is for: Massage Services @ Vital Energy Center
I noticed they had a special going for a $ 47 one-​hour massage, so I decided to go for it. Now I’m considering turning this into part one of their massage sampler ($ 147 gets you three one-​hour massages, on different days with different practitioners — that way you get to experience ALL the styles they offer).
Location/​Space: Very convenient, even by bus. The 49 bus stop is maybe a half a block away. I love the garden at the entrance, that the office is in a remodeled 1909? craftsman (I have a thing for old homes), and the «sun room» waiting area.
So on to the important part… the massage. I decided to go with Tara, who does the traditional relaxation and deep tissue massages. What really caught my attention, though, was that she does energy work. This was one thing that was missing for me from the great but rather «medical» massage I got earlier this year, so I was happy to see it was part of her practice. As for the experience… it was one of those where I think «this is nice but nothing special» at first… and about halfway through I realize I have reached that happy place where I think I’m conscious but I’m only really coherent every once in a while. I love that place.
My back felt wonderful when I left, and I spent my bus ride home having something of a spiritual experience.

I have been a patient of Dr. Kohler for quite some time now and I’m very pleased with his work. I get adjusted every month for maintenance and to help with any problems I have from playing sports. They also have a on-​site massage therapist which take insurance.
I highly recommend Dr. Kohler for any chiropractic services you may need.

You can tell the Vital Energy Center is a special place right away. It just FEELS GOOD. First of all, it’s not in a sterile office building, rather, it’s in a dedicated section of a house on one of the main streets in Capitol Hill. The entryway is lush with vegetation and the waiting area is washed in sunlight (or cloud light. It is Seattle people). Hardwood floors abound. It’s got a warm feel to it, not clinical, but very professional and clean.
The care is excellent and Dr. Kohler is very attentive. Your initial consult is thorough and you walk away with a very clear treatment plan. I never felt pressured in any way. Treatment is painless. Oh, and I got to use a decline table with a built-​in massager. If I had space in my apartment, I’d rock one of these, but I can’t bear to part the mechanical bull in my living room.
Heather, the office manager and Eliza, the nutritionist are friendly and knowledgeable. All-​around great experience. I feel like a million bucks after my visits. Oh, and turn off your cell phone or I’ll punch you in the face.

He’s what I term a no-​pain chiropractor.
I had been experiencing back pain, but was super hesitant to go see a chiro because I’d heard horror stories of people being worse off after their appointment. But, when my pilates instructor suggested her chiro, I figured i should give it a go. By two days after my first adjustment, the pain had left my back.
Things to note:
— The office does not run on-​time — esp if you have an appointment in the early evening.
— He uses the VibraCussor a lot.
— He’s very thorough in his questioning and diagnosing.
— When you’re there, you feel like his only patient.