3 months ago, I got into a 4 car collision accident on the highway which resulted me in 3 whiplashes on my neck, pain in lowerback and lower leg which was holding the break. Immediately, I went to a chiropractor in Seattle downtown that seemed to be reliable, only to find out that he'd decided to decline giving me service after the first visit because I asked "too many questions." In my profession, I work in the health care setting closely with MD, RNs and MSW's. We promote empathy and compassion as much as physical care in our health care setting. After rejection from this initial chiropractor without any referrals, I was lost, in shock, scared and felt helpless because I did not know how to trust doctors anymore.
After struggling for a couple of more weeks in search of a chiropractor who'll actually "listen" to my needs, I called Dr. Long's chiropractor through my colleague's recommendation. First, the reason why I called Dr. Long's office was because of Dr. Becky and Lara's deeply rooted family history of chiropractic practice. Their father is a well-respected chiropractor in Washington for decades, and other family members have been also chiropractors. This family history helped me to take a step toward trust once again. Secondly, I remember even now, my first phone conversation with Dr. Long's office. I shared with the front desk person how vulnerable I am feeling about the doctor's visits. Without judgments, she was completely empathetic in her words and also shared with me that Dr. Long's her own chiropractor even as an employee of the business. Then, Dr. Becky actually picked up a phone call and spoke with me further with compassionate and caring presence about my past chiropractic experience. She acknowledged both my physical and emotional pain; I finally felt heard.
I also recall my first meeting with Dr. Lara Long who has been my main chiropractor in this office. I remember the office was quite busy with lots of people walking in and out. I was placed in a quiet examination room. When Dr. Lara Long walked in, I got a sense that she was not only seeing me as a patient/client, but utmost, as a person who needed care, empathy and compassion. With gentleness and understanding, she shared with me her own challenges with medical care system. She shared with me that she also likes to ask questions to the doctors and the patients/clients should feel heard in all their specific questions. She was real and I was seen as a person, which helped me to trust her as a person and as a doctor.
This was my first female chiropractor experience. I was curious as to how they'd maneuver a male person's body. Every time Dr. Lara, Becky and Lindsay adjust my neck and my spine, I am surprised by how strong and gentle they can be at the same time. They sure take care of themselves and know how to adjust patients without unnecessary force.
I've been seen by all doctors in Long chiropractor and have had such a pleasure walking into their office. Not only the doctors but also the entire staff posit such kind and loving presence to all patients, families as well as to each other. I have a tremendous respect for Dr. Lara, Becky and Lindsay and the team in this office. Through this office, I have not only received physical care but also have been undergoing emotional healing from my hurtful experience. I definitely recommend Long chiropractor as a place to experience holistic care. read more
