I had never been to a chiropractor before, but friends and family swear by theirs. I chose RAK because it was nearby.
I had been having back spasms for two weeks. Something I had never experienced before: breath-taking, motion-stopping spasms that grew increasingly worse over a week.
I called RAK and was offered a same day appointment. Some odd experiences/observations while checking in and waiting: (1) I was dissuaded from providing insurance information, and was told that the chiropractor would discuss this with me during my appointment; (2) the waiting room had many displays with services and products for sale, e.g. they "adjust" hours-old newborns and sell "teething bracelets," not to chew on, but for teething babies to wear around their wrists so the "soothing" resin beads can create a systemic resistance to teething pain; (3) the new patient intake form had a whole section dedicated to how much I knew about all the accomplishments of "Dr. Riley," and "Dr. Katie." For example: did I know "Dr Katie played college basketball?" and did I know that "Dr. Riley attended NFL training camp?" I wasn't sure why this was pertinent to my intake information unless the practice really wanted me to know how awesome their practitioners were.
After I was roomed and while waiting in the exam room I was pretty skeptical, I admit.
"Dr. Riley" eventually came in and made a point up front about insurance; basically that his office didn't file it and recommended against using it. His concerns about my health consisted of a couple of questions about where my pain was and for how long. Without any review of my medical history, my weight, b/p and only brief questions about my pain, he had me lay on the table and immediately pronounced me in need of "much work." He said one leg was shorter than the other and that I would need many weeks of intense therapy and we could discuss a payment plan.
I told him I was a little intimated by the whole process and to please not crack my neck. He immediately became defensive, said he was the "Doctor" and, as a "Doctor," he knew what was best and that I should perhaps leave. This was quite unsettling. I suggested perhaps there was some gentler approach to ease me in to it. He disagreed and said I was wasting his time. I reiterated that I wanted to try; I even apologized because I was in pain.
He did not examine me. I was placed face down on the table and he began slapping slats violently up and down. I felt an intense burst of pressure and pain. Nausea. Stars. He kept telling me to relax and I kept trying and apologizing. I felt like a bad patient!
I was invited back the next day to discuss payment for my series of necessary future appointments. The front desk staff did disclose I would be dissuaded from filing insurance and "Dr. Riley" would be discussing treatment options and cash payment plans.
I cancelled the follow up appointment. I have never in my life been in more pain than I was the next day. I had a spasm that lasted for twenty minutes today during work.
I have an apt with another provider and was told that I should never have been treated while prone. (*update, he fixed it in one visit; I am now a believer)
RAK was just a bad experience all around. I was compelled to say something so I called and left a message the day after my appointment. I did not hear back.
Bottom line, this practitioner knew in advance I was in pain, tense and hesitant. I was not the best patient, admittedly, but he did not as a provider rise above and do anything to set me at ease, pace the treatment, or discuss his recommendations. I found this gentleman to be egotistical, patronizing, and completely without empathy.
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