When it comes to wellness, few practitioners radiate the warmth, gratitude, and purpose that Dr. Caroline Clukey brings to her work. A Milford native and second-generation chiropractor, she’s built a practice that blends family legacy, faith, and a deep respect for the body’s natural ability to heal. We sat down with Dr. Clukey to talk about her journey, her philosophy of care, and what she loves most about serving the Milford community.
Q: You’re a second-generation chiropractor—and one of four in your family. How did growing up in that environment shape your understanding of health?
A: I definitely grew up surrounded by it! When you’re raised in a chiropractic family, you develop this deep understanding of what health truly is—where it comes from, and how to protect and promote it. That perspective shaped everything for me. With that as my constant foundation, my approach has really developed through my own training and clinical experience over the years. My goal in the office is to help people walk away with a better understanding of their own health, because most people have never actually been taught what health is or how to support it long-term. Once you get that awareness, it’s life-changing.
Q: Did you always know you wanted to follow in your family’s footsteps?
A: I explored other directions, more or less for process of elimination, however nothing matched the clarity and purpose I found in chiropractic. It’s completely in alignment with who I am. It’s not just something I do—it’s part of me. It’s given me fulfillment beyond what I could have imagined, and I feel very blessed to wake up every day and love what I do.
Q: Tell us a bit about your education and what led you to eventually open your own practice here in Milford.
A: I did my undergraduate studies in pre-chiropractic at Fairfield University and then went on to the University of Bridgeport for chiropractic school—it’s actually the only chiropractic school in New England. Even while I was in school, I pictured having a practice here in Milford. I could visualize the space, the energy, even the checkerboard floors in my adjusting area. But after graduating, I wanted to experience life somewhere new before putting down roots. That’s how I ended up in Hawaii! I worked at what was then the largest chiropractic office in the state—and at one point, the largest in the world. It was an invaluable learning experience. I was part of an office that served hundreds of people a day, and it taught me so much about service, community, and impact.
Q: So what brought you back home to Milford?
A: My family, for one—and I’ve always loved Milford. The opportunity to give back to community you were raised in is special. When I opened my practice here in 2017, the community responded right away. We hit the ground running, and we’ve continued to grow every year.
Q: Is your practice connected to your father’s, or did you start completely fresh?
A: My father retired long before I opened, so Clukey Family Chiropractic is its own practice – rooted in our family legacy but fully shaped by my vision and the way I serve today. Our patients become like family and I love how personal it is. Chiropractic is deeply individualized, and the way we’ve structured the office allows every person to feel seen, cared for, and supported.
Q: For people who might be new to chiropractic care, how do you explain your philosophy?
A: Chiropractic is a science, an art, and a philosophy. At its core, it’s built on the idea that the body is designed to heal and regulate itself. Your brain controls every organ and tissue through your nervous system. When something interferes with that communication, your body can’t function the way it’s supposed to. Chiropractic care identifies and corrects those interferences, restoring that connection so your body can function as it’s designed to. It’s not magic – it’s just how the body works! And when you restore that connection, healing happens naturally.
Q: Many people think of chiropractors as “back pain doctors.” What’s the biggest misconception you want to clear up?
A: That’s probably the biggest one – that chiropractic is only for back or neck pain. Of course it helps with those things, but that’s such a small part of what we do. In my office, I’ll see patients from newborns to people in their nineties. Chiropractic care is really about restoring communication within the body, and when that improves, people often notice changes they never expected. I’ve seen great improvements with things like vertigo, migraines, digestion, sleep, immunity, focus, menstrual cycles, breathing, anxiety – you name it. Chiropractic doesn’t treat any of those issues, but it increases nervous system function, and when your nervous system works better, you work better. One of the more incredible stories from chiropractic history was of the first patient ever, who had lost their hearing. An adjustment restored it. The profession was founded thereafter.
Q: Have you noticed any changes in what people are coming in for since the pandemic and the rise of remote work?
A: Absolutely – stress is through the roof. So many people are holding stress in their bodies, and their nervous systems are overwhelmed. We’re sitting more, moving less, and spending so much time in front of screens. That takes a toll. But again, the body is designed to heal. My job is to help people reconnect with that truth and give their nervous system the chance to do what it was built to do.
Q: You grew up here in Milford. What do you love most about practicing in your hometown?
A: Everything! Milford has such a great mix of energy – it’s humble, friendly, and so supportive of small business. To serve the community I grew up in feels really special. People always ask me, “How could you leave Hawaii and come back?” But Milford is home. There’s nothing like being able to care for your neighbors and the families you grew up around.
Q: Outside the office, how do you like to spend your time?
A: My husband and I love being outdoors. In the winter, we’re skiing in Vermont whenever we can. In the summer, we’re biking or boating along the Milford coast – anything that gets us outside and near the beach. I also love to cook. My mom passed that down to me. My dad’s legacy is chiropractic, but my mom’s is definitely cooking! To me, both are about connection and care – showing love through what you do.
Q: What’s one thing you want readers to take away from your approach to chiropractic care?
A: That health isn’t something you chase – it’s something you nurture. My job is just to help remove whatever’s getting in the way. When you understand that your body is capable, resilient, and powerful, it changes everything. That’s the message I want to share – not just in my office, but in our community.
Clukey Family Chiropractic
95 Golden Hill Street, Milford, CT
www.clukeychiropractic.com
"We’re sitting more, moving less, and spending so much time in front of screens. That takes a toll. But...the body is designed to heal. My job is to help people reconnect with that truth and give their nervous system the chance to do what it was built to do."