I needed a chiropractor and was looking for a location that was convenient and accepted my insurance. I checked Yelp to read reviews on the places I found, and I was conflicted about this option. Dr. Sandhu gets wonderful reviews in the "filtered" reviews on Yelp (I always check those) but the reviews were mixed in the unfiltered section. I am glad I decided to check it out, because my experience has been great.
With my pregnancy two years ago, I experienced hip/pelvic pain for the two months prior to delivery, but it resolved as soon as I delivered the baby. With this pregnancy, the pain started much sooner (at 6 months) and was much more intense. My hip would ache all the time, and then I would have these "flare ups" every few days that would last from 1-4 days and at times it would be debilitating because I couldn't put weight on that leg. I'm healthy, gaining the right amount of weight, etc. but it felt like my knee used to do when I was training for a marathon and sometimes 15 miles into a run my knee would want to "give in." I knew it was due to pregnancy and all the shifting happening, but I needed relief.
Since this is a pregnancy-related issue, I appreciated that Dr. Sandhu doesn't just have a degree, she has also been pregnant herself. I think that explains in part why she has had good luck with so many pregnant women. When I met with her, we discussed several possible courses of treatment. She was honest that we'd need to try one of them to see how my body responded, and she explained to me how we would define progress. Since the issue included the joint as well as ligaments and muscles, the two obvious approaches were adjustment, and adjustment combined with massage. She called my insurance to understand exactly what was covered, and we agreed to try adjustments as a starting point since that was the most affordable option for me.
We had 4 adjustments, during which she explained to me very clearly what she was doing (including the tools she was using) and why. I found that very useful. She also asked me numerous questions about my daily activities, and she made some helpful suggestions of things I could do to improve the pain. I was grateful that she wanted to work within my life, rather than suggesting unrealistic solutions (e.g., don't drive your car, don't pick up your toddler). At each session, we would review the progress we were seeing.
After the 4th adjustment, my alignment had steadily improved, but we both agreed we weren't seeing as much progress on the pain front as we hoped. At that point, she suggested we try 2 sessions of adjustment with massage. Since my insurance doesn't cover the massage, she worked with me to offer a discounted rate without requiring me to buy a package deal (since we didn't know if it would work). I appreciate that she didn't try to make money on me. She could have suggested I come in for more frequent adjustments or she could offer me a higher rate on the massage unless I would buy a package; instead, she seems genuinely interested in solving the problem rather than simply making money.
After two of the combined adjustment + massage sessions, I am definitely seeing a difference and my hip is feeling much better. We'll review a maintenance plan next week, but she's already given me some at-home care tips (and stretches) so I don't have to see her and her team as often.
On the massage side of things, I agree with the previous reviewer that this isn't the place for a relaxing massage. Frankly, I wouldn't expect a relaxing massage at a clinic that specializes in acupuncture, chiropractic care, and deep tissue massage. These massages are therapeutic but not intended to be relaxing. I do receive pillows (head, knees, ankles) for comfort, and there is purified water available for all patrons. While I wouldn't come here for a massage if I wanted to relax, I have definitely been pleased with the results I've seen.
Having an excellent doctor who listens and whose techniques work is the most important, but it's also nice that she and her staff are friendly and efficient. For the adjustment + massage sessions, they ensure they schedule the treatments back-to-back so I can get on with my day. It's also great that they called my insurance on my behalf to understand the details.
I hope I don't have need for a chiropractor in the long run, but if I did I would certainly come back to Dr. Sandhu. In addition, my husband prefers deep tissue massages over relaxing massages, so I recommended that he look into the package deals on the massages since I think he'll like what Sonie Clinic has to offer.
Especially if you're a pregnant woman looking for 3rd trimester relief, I highly recommend Sonie Clinic. read more
