As a 1st year Baby Boomer, I was raised to believe strictly in standard Western medicine. This meant that Alternative Medicine (herbal “potions"", acupuncture, etc.) was like Voo-doo, “Shrinks” were for sissies who refused to suck it up, and “Back-crackers” were all doctor-wannabe quacks. Now I’ve got one daughter who is a BSRN shock-trauma nurse and another daughter who is a Doctor of Eastern Medicine who both provide me great care and guidance. I’ve taken anti-depressants and benefitted from counseling. And I think my Chiropractor, Dr. Wisman, is a miracle worker. Turns out the world is round! Who knew?\r
Oh, I’m still grateful for Western medicine. But after eleven operations, I know that all surgeons with similar education in the science are not equal in practice. And after many “standard” trial-and-error prescriptions, scans, injections and referrals failed to produce a lasting solution, I understand that 1) we are very complex organisms, 2) mind, body and whatever-you-call-spirit are interdependent, and 3) we each have final responsibility to seek, prove and apply what works.\r
A bad freeway accident left my back thoroughly whiplashed. After three years of specialists, MRIs, injections and pain killers, I was unable to walk, sit or lay down without great pain. A co-worker found me standing with my back pressed to a wall in the hallway unable to get to our next meeting. He recommended I see his Chiropractor, who had helped him with similar back problems. I was finally desperate enough to go against my programming and make an appointment with Dr. Wisman. After the first visit, the pain was greatly reduced, and after four treatments I was twisting all the way around to back up my car and felt almost as good as before the accident. That was in 1997.\r
I have tried a couple of other Chiropractors in Issaquah, when Dr. Wiseman was away from the office, and I have found that although they all do basically the same thing, none have been nearly as effective as when I am treated by Dr. Wisman. (Dr. Chereylena Simmonds at Bellevue Chiropractic Group is also very very good.)\r
A few years ago, I was diagnosed with chronic migraine headaches. I was tested, referred to a specialist who ordered a brain scan to rule out tumors, and finally left to take Imitrex and Vicodin. During a back adjustment visit, I mentioned this to Dr. Wisman, who asked me more about my situation and then said, “I can fix that.” I laughed. He’s a great back man, but this was about headaches. Hello! Then I saw that he was serious, so I said, “Well, OK, go ahead and try.” He didn’t try. He did it. I haven’t had migraines since.\r
I find that Dr. Wisman understands the harmony of mind, body and spirit, and has a wealth of practical knowledge and advice (even though implementing that advice may mean less Chiropractic visits). His sensitivity and personal ability, combined with his professional grasp of the sciences (plural) involved, has won my respect and gratitude. Thanks, Doc!\r
Pros: Good equipment; great staff; effective treatment
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