Wow! Where to start....
So, I kinda view modern day health care like I view auto-mechanics. You usually don't check-in to see them unless there's something broke. Most of the time they'll check you (or the car) over for 10 minutes, give you a quick fix (and of course they sound 100% certain they know *exactly* what the problem is), and charge you for their time... and misdiagnosis. A few weeks or months later, you're back in to see another doctor (or mechanic) to take care of the same problem. The cycle continues; for me it was 15 years. Unless you walk in with a missing leg or something obvious, primary care doctors just don't seem to get it right, and the vast majority of alternative doctors tie it directly to whatever their "specialty" is in. NOT HERE!!
You know the story.- we all live busy lives. Taking advantage of the rare chance to visit a doctor for a non-critical issue is often not at the top of our priority list. I lived this story for years. After reading up on the benefits of acupuncture, I decided to give it another shot. I ended up scheduling an appointment with Dr. Schuster, and walked in with my thick stack of medical records. I figured it was now-or-never, because I was finished in my search to get fixed. I am SO glad that I did... and ironically, I never did pursue the acupuncture route.
On a very routine basis, I visited Dr. Schuster, Dr. Dee, and LMT Ashlee Voehringer:
Dr. Schuster was my "go-to" for intestinal blood-and-guts stuff. Which is odd, because I wouldn't have known in a million years that it was directly linked to the symptoms I was trying to fix; and in fact, past MD's had completely denied the link whenever I brought it up. He took the time to analyze all my past medical history including lab results, and was able to determine the underlying connections, while also recommending supplements to help fix the problem. (Making the connection was in itself a very big feat!)
Dr. Dee was simply amazing. Due to scheduling conflicts, I began seeing her for my regular chiropractic adjustments (which weren't very "regular" btw- she uses a completely different adjustment technique... one that actually works!). She is extremely brilliant, intuitive, and understanding; a rare combination in the medical profession. She's also very keen on the slightest of details, which means the world of difference while getting adjusted and pin-pointing problem areas. Although I'm sure I made her late in all her next appointments, she patiently took the time to adequately explain all the details I was looking for. I doubt I'll ever come across a better doctor. Ever.
LMT Ashlee was an excellent massage therapist. I was never into the whole "massage" thing, but after hearing recommendations from a few other patients, I decided to give it a try. The massage therapy not only extended the benefits gained from the adjustments (true story- i tested this out on several occasions), but also helped to relieve all the built up muscle tension working against my recovery. Ashlee was very diverse in her massage technique's and collaborated with the doctors to focus on the exact problem areas. She was very professional, but also personable enough to allow me to feel comfortable around her. I kinda feel bad now, because I talked her ears off every time I saw her,... and I guess that's not exactly normal while getting a massage. :/
I'm no longer in the DC area, but sincerely miss this team of health experts.
Being an individual that has seen several conventional and alternative medical experts over the years, I would ~HIGHLY~ recommend this group. (As a caveat, do not expect a "quick-fix" or a magic pill. I showed up to several months of persistent appointments to get things squared away. It was merely the initial dedication on behalf of Dr. Schuster that made me realize this group was willing to put in the time and effort to come up with real solutions- unlike most places.) If you're curious of venturing outside the realm of conventional medicine, see this group!!! I know from first-hand experience that several others can be a complete and utter fail. read more