A well known Sarnia chiropractor has retired after treating thousands of clients over his 48 year career.
Dr. David Matheson, 77, celebrated his final day of work on Wednesday before embarking on his next chapter, some well-earned time to explore other passions.
Speaking with Sarnia News Today, Matheson said the timing is right and he even cracked a joke.
"I'm probably past the time to retire," said Matheson. "A lot of my patients think I'm 105. That's what a guy sitting in the room right now just told me."
Matheson said he plans to get out and stay active.
"I'm a complete pickleball addict," he said. "I will be playing pickleball seven days a week, and I'm at the gym six mornings a week. I'm a wood worker on the side, and I have two fabulous granddaughters and I'll be spending time with them."
Matheson said there have definitely been advancements in technology over his career.
There's a better understanding of spines and nervous systems and the connection between the two and people's natural health.
"There are toys out there now that do some amazing things with soft tissue, like laser and shockwave," he said. "They're pretty expensive tools and not all chiropractors will ever try to purchase those, but the bigger practices will have them. There's a few in town with them. They do some amazing healing with soft tissue injuries. Of course, a lot of injuries have a soft tissue component to them."
Matheson expressed his gratitude to the over 7,000 patients that he had the privilege of serving.
"I've had my hands on an awful lot of people and I would like to say thank you to all of them for supporting me for all these years," said Matheson. "Hopefully, I was able to give them some value. I'm telling them to keep doing their exercises."
Dr. Erin White worked with Dr. Matheson for two years at Motus Health on Colborne Road.
White said he was a great mentor who provided a wealth of knowledge to the staff in terms of how to conduct business and build strong patient relationships.
"It's been an absolute pleasure and we've all learned a lot," said White. "The young chiropractors, massage therapists and staff have thoroughly enjoyed him. His patients have truly been treated with a touch of class over the years."
White said Dr. Matheson certainly kept up with the times and new technologies despite having been trained nearly five decades ago.
"It's neat to see the different perspectives," said White. "His thoughts, his ideas and his training versus now. The Sarnia-Lambton community continues to be in good hands with his knowledge being passed along to us."
A celebration was recently held at the clinic where patients were given the chance to say goodbye and thanks.
- With files from Melanie Irwin