Friends

04 April 2012

Chiropractors


For many years I was treated by a chiropractor, one of a team in a practice that inhabited an old building. The building had a novel appearance from the outside but inside it was a warren of rooms, many of them upstairs. My man occupied one of the upstairs rooms which entailed climbing a steep staircase. That doesn’t sound too bad until you come to the bend at the top where the stairs are narrower on one side. Well one day around eighteen months ago I slipped on the narrow part as I descended. A full fall was avoided by a quick grab of the banister but it served to put me off going. Many have said since that it is silly to have treatment rooms upstairs when most patients are either fully infirm or heading that way. At least they have a temporary disability, otherwise why are they there? I stopped going. I simply couldn’t face the climb or the descent.

So the months went by and my back got more painful. My friend goes to a chiropractor in her own area but it was too far for me to travel on a regular basis. However, she learned that her ‘people’ had another place just round the corner from where I live. The fact that the practice was in a bungalow had definite appeal. I decided to give it a go. To date I’ve had four treatments and I love it. I’m walking better and the hideous pain is on the way out.

One of the things I like about the place is that I am treated with my clothes on. No more of that messing about in a tiny changing room with barely room for a cat to stretch let alone a grown person getting undressed. Oooh the times I dreaded that particular operation, especially at a time when I couldn't raise my arms. There was a chair but once seated it was difficult to get up and manoeuvring legs and arms was nigh on impossible when one suffered with semi-mobile limbs ... the reason most people were there in the first place.

I fell in love with the new place as soon as I parked in their drive... one of those sweeping drives with an exit at either side, bordered with pretty flowers and shrubs. The entrance was an attractive studded door with a rambling plant scrambling up the side. There was no bell, callers simply walked in. This was so unlike the last place where after struggling down three steep steps from the car park, then up three more to the front door, ringing the bell and giving your name so that even passers-by knew who you were, you were let in.

Inside the new establishment I felt the Wow factor. It was like walking into someone’s home. Talk about comfort! No clinically austere surroundings there! The reception room was perfectly designed to make a person feel at ease. Lovely plush window seats with throw cushions, easy armchairs dotted around for those who don’t want to sit by the windows, a toy box for kids, and gorgeous plants and flowers tastefully displayed. There were actual books to read, not just magazines. There was a jolly newsletter which informed patients about the staff, the chiropractors, whether someone had a birthday and pictures of their celebrations, outings they’d been on, and news of the talks they give, the workshops they run, and lastly items about some of their patients. I was impressed when I saw it first time and even more so by the receptionists who spent time with the people while they wait. All this and only a quid more than the last place I went to.

In the consulting rooms, although there is a desk and a computer, the chiropractor joins his patient in the sitting area: two comfortable armchairs, a coffee table, and flowers. Like I said, it was like visiting someone’s home. The treatment couch was adjustable so I didn’t feel the need of a ladder when I went to lie down. The chiropractor simply raises the couch when his patients are settled and lowers when it’s all over. Lovely.

The best of all, though, is that I got an actual diagnosis ... something I’ve never had before. Tilted pelvis and a curved spine. Sounded dreadful to me but the guy was very reassuring. He couldn’t change the structure but he could relieve the pressure it caused. And has. Already. I am being treated by gravity. No, I’m not suspended from the rafters, just simple wedges placed in position so that the pelvis is ‘told’ to behave. Once the wedges are in place the guy leaves the room while I ‘rest’ to peaceful music. I guess he’s away around eight minutes. The wedges are removed and straight away I can feel a difference. I was, and am, impressed. Did I say that before? I have exercises to do, most of them familiar from my yoga days, simple but effective.

That’s my waffling done.... now for some pictures. They were taken in the reception area, I didn't think it was right to take shots everywhere I went.



Wooden ornaments showing how mobile a body can be!

The skeleton was seen en route to the practitioner's room ... it was worth risking a quick click on the camera

12 comments:

  1. my wife used to work for a chiropractor...billing department....but was inspired to come home and try to crack my back....i never let her...ha....

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow.......what a good change for you. Especially since it works all the way around.

    TOYS!!! You failed to share that there were TOYS to play with! And not just some toys......LOTS of toys!!!

    (It IS a lovely setting to walk into AND it has toys! Woooooohoooooo!!!!)

    :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Valerie, what a lovely-looking and sounding place!

    And you're absolutely right, it does look like someone's home - very cozy and inviting.

    It's odd to hear that with your first chiropractor you had to remove your clothes because (even though I've never been to one), I've witnessed a few chiropractic sessions before and the patient was always treated with their clothes on.

    Anyway, I'm so glad to hear that you found a chiropractor you enjoy and are having such great results. I'm all for more natural/alternative therapies.

    Love the photo of the skeleton!

    Have a terrific Thursday, dear lady!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  4. What? Oooh Brian, not someone from the billing department....smiles.

    I take it you're into toys, Mel :O)
    Good to see you back again.

    It is nice, Ron. I thought disrobing down to the undies was the normal thing to do until I changed to the new practice. I ALWAYS felt uncomfortable stripping off. Yes, I wish I could have captured a shot of the whole skeleton.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh honey, I'm thrilled. This place sound more than perfect for ya.

    I can't believe that people in real pain were expected to clime the mountain of stairs you described.

    Now ya can look forward to goin'. I'm happy ya feel better too!

    God bless and have yourself a marvelous Easter sweetie!!! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm seriously thinking of visiting a chiropractor - I think I have a trapped nerve in my neck which is causing pins and needles in my shoulder. Your new therapist sounds lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's worth going, Pearl. You would soon begin to feel better and wonder why you didn't go sooner. My only real complaint with the first one was the premises.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That looks and sounds like my kind of waiting room and facilities. Sure am glad he fixed you up!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I feel bad now Valerie, the way I went on about my toe and shoulder, and you have been suffering quietly. I'm glad the new place is helping.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Looks like a comfy place.
    The atmosphere does help to ease
    some anxiety and having friendly staff would be a major
    asset.

    Glad you are getting relief.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Val, you've got a way with words that (almost) makes me wish I had a bad back, just to experience some of that cosseting.

    (Psst! You might like to check your titHle.)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Mister V, be pleased that you haven't got a bad back. Thank you so much for spotting the mistake ... now corrected. I owe you...grins.

    ReplyDelete

If you're new to A Mixed Bag you might find something to interest you, a bit of mirth, a story or two, or some pictures. I'm so pleased you popped in, do leave a comment if you have time.