I can’t believe that a month has gone by and I have not logged a single post. Will someone please tell me what happened to April? And this is why I never beat our practice members up who haven’t been in for a while. Sometimes, life just has its way with us!
Of course, adjustments are like broccoli—if you only ate it once a year, it would still be good for you, just not as good as if you enjoyed it more regularly. So if you’re one of those people who hasn’t seen their chiropractor for some time, just get back in there. We’d be glad to see you and it’s just too good for you to put it off any longer.
So yesterday was my birthday and Monday we had a party in the office with a great big cake (yellow of course because I hate chocolate). As people came and went throughout the day, many said, “It’s too bad that you have to work on your birthday.” They didn’t understand that my birthday was not for a few days and that I’m one of those folks who stretches out the celebration as long a humanly possible.
More importantly, they didn’t understand that there aren’t a lot of places I would rather be than taking care of them. I could take my birthday off, but then what would I do? Sit at home by myself. I would much rather have all these folks parade in and out of my office eating cake and wishing me a happy day and many more. Frankly, I love my work and it is very fulfilling to know that I am helping so many live better lives. The only thing better than that is when these same people tell others about the benefits of the care they receive in our office. So Happy Birthday to me!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
We Are Family…
If you sang the words of the title of this post, then you likely recall the 1979 hit dance song by Sister Sledge. I am originally from Pittsburgh, so the words evoke many fond memories of when the song was used as the theme song for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who won baseball's World Series that year. It wasn’t just the team that was a family, but the whole city. It’s a strange, if not unusual, phenomenon that occurs in cities with championship teams and their fans. It’s really cool.
It’s like that at the Strauss Chiropractic Center. Last Friday, March 20th, we celebrated Dr. Joe’s birthday in the office. The staff pitched in together to get him a gift; oddly enough, it was great seats to see the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies this upcoming season. But it wasn’t just a celebration of Joe with the staff. We partied from 9 AM to 9 PM with everyone that came in that day. As our many practice members visited that day, they were greeted with everything from a full sheet cake to chocolate and fresh strawberries. It was a party! And it was a lot of fun! Dr. Joe says I’ll have a party for any reason (and that may be true), but his birthday is probably my favorite reason. I love to celebrate Joe’s life because, in the 20 years we have been friends, he has grown very dear to me.
And I believe many of our practice members feel the same way. All year long, and for many years now, Dr. Joe has provided a place where all people can get excellent chiropractic care. Many people have been coming for years, and even decades, and they sincerely appreciate that Joe has made that possible for them. They demonstrate their gratitude in various ways, and one of those ways is on his birthday. Whether with a handshake, a card, or a thoughtful gift, they celebrate that Dr. Joe was born, just as any loved one would. Because after all these years, we are family.
It’s like that at the Strauss Chiropractic Center. Last Friday, March 20th, we celebrated Dr. Joe’s birthday in the office. The staff pitched in together to get him a gift; oddly enough, it was great seats to see the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies this upcoming season. But it wasn’t just a celebration of Joe with the staff. We partied from 9 AM to 9 PM with everyone that came in that day. As our many practice members visited that day, they were greeted with everything from a full sheet cake to chocolate and fresh strawberries. It was a party! And it was a lot of fun! Dr. Joe says I’ll have a party for any reason (and that may be true), but his birthday is probably my favorite reason. I love to celebrate Joe’s life because, in the 20 years we have been friends, he has grown very dear to me.
And I believe many of our practice members feel the same way. All year long, and for many years now, Dr. Joe has provided a place where all people can get excellent chiropractic care. Many people have been coming for years, and even decades, and they sincerely appreciate that Joe has made that possible for them. They demonstrate their gratitude in various ways, and one of those ways is on his birthday. Whether with a handshake, a card, or a thoughtful gift, they celebrate that Dr. Joe was born, just as any loved one would. Because after all these years, we are family.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
They Let You Set Your Own Fee!?! Are You Kidding Me!?!
Without question, one of the most talked about aspects of our office is our fee system. People just can’t seem to believe that, for over 41 years, we have allowed our practice members to set their own fee. Inevitably, they end up referring to it as a donation, but I have to make it clear. It is NOT a donation. We are not a charity and we do not receive any federal subsidy for operating in this fashion.
We are seriously committed to allowing everyone in our community to get regular, ongoing chiropractic care for themselves and their families in an affordable, convenient, efficient and loving manner. That’s why each practice member or family determines his/her own fee and deposits it into a box (actually a mail slot) on the wall in the hallway. Frankly, the service we provide is so valuable, no one who could “afford” it. Ask yourself what you would be willing to pay to express your full potential from the day you are born to the day you die and you’ll see what I mean.
We believe that the service we provide should be available to everyone and since different people have different abilities to pay, this fee system seems to be a good way of ensuring that no one is left out. We do expect that people will pay, but only what is within their means. We also expect people to tell others about our office and the service we provide. Thus far, it seems to be working. After 41 years, the Strauss Chiropractic Center does virtually no advertising and runs almost exclusively on a referral/word of mouth basis.
I realize that our office is unusual in this regard. Not many other chiropractors practice this way (although there are more than you would think). Interestingly though, even if a chiropractor did not have this fee system, I would bet that if you found the right practitioner, one whose practice philosophy is similar to ours (i.e., that everyone needs to have their spine checked for vertebral subluxation on an ongoing basis), he/she would find a way to make it work for you both regardless of finances.
I would suggest if you are reading this from somewhere that makes coming to Levittown, PA on a regular basis out of the question, that you begin your search for a chiropractor by asking if he/she corrects vertebral subluxation. If the chiropractor say yes, ask him/her more questions about what is typically recommended for people in the office. Chiropractors who care for their fellow man in this fashion should be willing to work with you to ensure you get the care you need. That’s really what we’re all about—improving the expression of life on this planet, one spine at a time.
We are seriously committed to allowing everyone in our community to get regular, ongoing chiropractic care for themselves and their families in an affordable, convenient, efficient and loving manner. That’s why each practice member or family determines his/her own fee and deposits it into a box (actually a mail slot) on the wall in the hallway. Frankly, the service we provide is so valuable, no one who could “afford” it. Ask yourself what you would be willing to pay to express your full potential from the day you are born to the day you die and you’ll see what I mean.
We believe that the service we provide should be available to everyone and since different people have different abilities to pay, this fee system seems to be a good way of ensuring that no one is left out. We do expect that people will pay, but only what is within their means. We also expect people to tell others about our office and the service we provide. Thus far, it seems to be working. After 41 years, the Strauss Chiropractic Center does virtually no advertising and runs almost exclusively on a referral/word of mouth basis.
I realize that our office is unusual in this regard. Not many other chiropractors practice this way (although there are more than you would think). Interestingly though, even if a chiropractor did not have this fee system, I would bet that if you found the right practitioner, one whose practice philosophy is similar to ours (i.e., that everyone needs to have their spine checked for vertebral subluxation on an ongoing basis), he/she would find a way to make it work for you both regardless of finances.
I would suggest if you are reading this from somewhere that makes coming to Levittown, PA on a regular basis out of the question, that you begin your search for a chiropractor by asking if he/she corrects vertebral subluxation. If the chiropractor say yes, ask him/her more questions about what is typically recommended for people in the office. Chiropractors who care for their fellow man in this fashion should be willing to work with you to ensure you get the care you need. That’s really what we’re all about—improving the expression of life on this planet, one spine at a time.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Well, That's a First!
So after 15 years and literally hundreds of thousands of adjustments, I had another first today. Why this surprises me, I do not know. I’m amazed at how interesting and exciting being a chiropractor continues to be for me, despite the fact that it has always been that way.
I remember the first little bitty baby I checked and the look in her mother’s eyes as she handed her over to my tender loving care. I also remember the first 90-yr-old I checked. I remember the first person with cancer, the first paraplegic, the first autistic child, the first person who didn’t speak English (and I don’t speak anything else with any fluency). I remember the first dog I checked (my own of course!)
I remember the first time I checked someone with a broken arm, the first broken leg, and the first broken heart. I remember the first person I saw just after cataract surgery, the first post-open heart surgery and the first post-breast enhancement surgery. I remember the first family I saw and the first time I saw 3 generations together and then when I saw 4 generations.
I remember the first time I checked someone following a car accident, the first after a mugging, and the first after a domestic violence attack. I remember checking my first bride and groom. I remember checking my first chiropractor and my first choir practor (I mean director). I remember the first time I was asked to visit a homebound practice member, a practice member in a nursing home, an expectant mom in a hospital. I remember the first time I learned that one of my dear practice members had died.
I remember the first time a practice member came back from vacation with a souvenir for me. I remember the first drunk that staggered into the office, the first pervert, and the first young kid who either didn’t realize he reeked of marijuana or didn’t think I'd know the difference. I remember the first priest I checked, the first jockey, and the first medical doctor.
I only did one thing for all these people; I checked the spine for vertebral subluxation and removed it wherever and whenever possible. I remember them all though because, in my mind, as I focus on removing that interference, I always think to myself how the adjustment might make a person a better expression of the life within them. I think about how their being better will improve their life and the lives of those around them. For the most part, I never really get to know that.
And yet today, after all this, I had another first. Today a man, who was back in the office along with his wife for their second visit, actually broke into song. I came into the room, he hugged me, and he just started singing, “Did you ever know that you’re my hero, you’re everything I wish I could be.” And don’t misunderstand; plenty of people feel better when their nerve systems are cleared of the interference caused by vertebral subluxation. I’d just never had anyone serenade me over it. What a delight!!!
A single, gentle adjustment that took a man on the edge back to a place of gratitude for his life (and took his chiropractor with him). The power of the wisdom within our bodies is astonishing. And no matter how grateful the people are, the pleasure is always mine.
I remember the first little bitty baby I checked and the look in her mother’s eyes as she handed her over to my tender loving care. I also remember the first 90-yr-old I checked. I remember the first person with cancer, the first paraplegic, the first autistic child, the first person who didn’t speak English (and I don’t speak anything else with any fluency). I remember the first dog I checked (my own of course!)
I remember the first time I checked someone with a broken arm, the first broken leg, and the first broken heart. I remember the first person I saw just after cataract surgery, the first post-open heart surgery and the first post-breast enhancement surgery. I remember the first family I saw and the first time I saw 3 generations together and then when I saw 4 generations.
I remember the first time I checked someone following a car accident, the first after a mugging, and the first after a domestic violence attack. I remember checking my first bride and groom. I remember checking my first chiropractor and my first choir practor (I mean director). I remember the first time I was asked to visit a homebound practice member, a practice member in a nursing home, an expectant mom in a hospital. I remember the first time I learned that one of my dear practice members had died.
I remember the first time a practice member came back from vacation with a souvenir for me. I remember the first drunk that staggered into the office, the first pervert, and the first young kid who either didn’t realize he reeked of marijuana or didn’t think I'd know the difference. I remember the first priest I checked, the first jockey, and the first medical doctor.
I only did one thing for all these people; I checked the spine for vertebral subluxation and removed it wherever and whenever possible. I remember them all though because, in my mind, as I focus on removing that interference, I always think to myself how the adjustment might make a person a better expression of the life within them. I think about how their being better will improve their life and the lives of those around them. For the most part, I never really get to know that.
And yet today, after all this, I had another first. Today a man, who was back in the office along with his wife for their second visit, actually broke into song. I came into the room, he hugged me, and he just started singing, “Did you ever know that you’re my hero, you’re everything I wish I could be.” And don’t misunderstand; plenty of people feel better when their nerve systems are cleared of the interference caused by vertebral subluxation. I’d just never had anyone serenade me over it. What a delight!!!
A single, gentle adjustment that took a man on the edge back to a place of gratitude for his life (and took his chiropractor with him). The power of the wisdom within our bodies is astonishing. And no matter how grateful the people are, the pleasure is always mine.
Monday, March 2, 2009
A Snowy Day--A Chiropractor’s Nightmare
I will admit that the first thing I thought when I woke to a winter wonderland this morning was “I wonder if Dr. Joe will let me stay home today.” This had nothing to do with how I feel about going to the office. I love being there and over the last 15 years that I have been a chiropractor, the occasions have been very rare that I didn’t want to go to the office. In fact, you’ll notice that unlike most folks, I don’t refer to it as “going to work.” For me, it isn’t work. It’s a pleasure.
So this morning when I saw all the snow I was really thinking how I’d love to just go play in the snow with my new puppy and stay home and make chicken and dumplings for my husband and myself. However, when I called the office, Joe didn’t say, “Hey, why don’t you just stay home today.” So here I am at almost 9 PM writing my next blog entry.
I know you’re probably thinking that I’m writing because I had nothing else to do because the office was so dead. On the contrary, I’m writing now because I am astounded by the commitment so many of our practice members have to taking optimal care of the spines. We’ve seen nearly 80 people today (which is likely way more than the average chiropractor sees on a beautiful day), most of whom were regulars just sticking with their schedules. We had a few new ones and a couple whose regular chiropractors didn’t make it to the office today! (Yeah, I giggled at that too!) However, for the most part the people we saw today were the same wonderful people that I’ve become so delighted to see on a Monday.
So with a grateful heart I salute the many of you who went the extra mile today to continue to care for yours and your families’ spines even on a snowy day.
It’s a pleasure to be your chiropractor.
So this morning when I saw all the snow I was really thinking how I’d love to just go play in the snow with my new puppy and stay home and make chicken and dumplings for my husband and myself. However, when I called the office, Joe didn’t say, “Hey, why don’t you just stay home today.” So here I am at almost 9 PM writing my next blog entry.
I know you’re probably thinking that I’m writing because I had nothing else to do because the office was so dead. On the contrary, I’m writing now because I am astounded by the commitment so many of our practice members have to taking optimal care of the spines. We’ve seen nearly 80 people today (which is likely way more than the average chiropractor sees on a beautiful day), most of whom were regulars just sticking with their schedules. We had a few new ones and a couple whose regular chiropractors didn’t make it to the office today! (Yeah, I giggled at that too!) However, for the most part the people we saw today were the same wonderful people that I’ve become so delighted to see on a Monday.
So with a grateful heart I salute the many of you who went the extra mile today to continue to care for yours and your families’ spines even on a snowy day.
It’s a pleasure to be your chiropractor.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
New Blog Spot
I’m one of three chiropractors at the Strauss Chiropractic Center in Levittown, PA. I’ve been here since January 1993 and the last 15 years have been filled with laughter and miracles as well as tears and frustrations, but I count them all as blessings. I thought it would be interesting to document some of my chiropractic journey both for myself and for the many people who don’t know anything about chiropractic and especially about what is sometimes referred to as ”straight chiropractic.”
The philosophy of our office is based on the fact that everyone is better off with a clear nerve system. Vertebral subluxations are misalignments of the bones of the spine, that create interference in the nerve system; so it follows that everyone is better off without them. That is precisely what we do at the Strauss Chiropractic Center--we check the spine for vertebral subluxation and provide a specific and gentle adjustment to remove it whenever and wherever possible. That is all we do--no diagnosis, no physical therapy, no pills, no rubs, no pillows and mattresses--just adjustments.
It’s not that we don’t see the benefit of some or all of those other things. It’s just that there are already plenty of people doing them, and if you need those services you can easily avail yourself of them. However, no one else checks for and/or corrects vertebral subluxations to allow the body to function better from the inside out.
Since virtually everyone does hundreds of things every day that might create vertebral subluxation, we recommend that everyone see a chiropractor on a regular and ongoing basis (i.e., we recommend having your spine checked weekly). We take that recommendation seriously and in fact have specifically designed office features that actually help people take excellent care of their spines.
- Extraordinary hours (we’re open 9 AM to 9 PM Monday thru Friday and 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturday)
- Three different chiropractors (so you’re sure to find one that’s a perfect fit for you)
- No appointment necessary (on the first visit and every visit, everybody is a walk-in)
- No long waits (rarely will you even sit in the front room let alone wait there)
- Set your own fee (that’s right, you determine what you pay and you slip it into a slot in the wall that is discreetly located in the hallway)
We know it’s crazy but we believe that by providing these “luxuries,” we remove many of the obstacles people face when they decide they want to see a chiropractor. And it just makes sense, if we’re suggesting that everyone have their spines checked regularly, than we should provide a means by which they can do that. The Strauss Chiropractic Center, which has been here now for over 41 years, and has always operated in this manner, has seen and continues to see a lot of people (over 75,000 to date and several hundred each week.)
And therein lies one of my greatest blessings. As you follow along this blog, I hope you will learn about people young and old, big and little, with great health and with every complaint imaginable, who have benefited from chiropractic. I hope you will follow along and that it helps you get the most out of your life. Check us out on the web at http://www.strausschiropracticcenter.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
