Theo Schroeder – Chiros Care Free Clinic participant – overcomes constant pain from a past biking accident and is set free to live a normal life.
My name is Theo Schroeder. I met the Chiro One Wellness Centers’ doctors at the Chiros Care Free Clinic they have each month at Inspiration Corporation. I was hit by an SUV while riding a mountain bike a few years ago that caused Arachnoiditis (a pain disorder caused by the inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surround and protect the nerves of the spinal cord) which caused stiffness in every part of my body. I was in constant pain and couldn’t do my regular activities with my family or play with my son. I had to use a cane to get around and I was slumped over when I walked.
I had never tried chiropractic before and was doubtful that it would be effective. I started coming to the Chiros Care Free Clinic in September, and after just 2 visits, I’ve seen dramatic changes and it has motivated me to seek more assistance.
Since getting adjusted, I no longer walk with a cane and I’m no longer slumped over. I’m no longer in unbearable pain and that is thanks to Chiro One! I have been set free to live a normal life with little limitations and it’s brought our family closer.
Chiro One is the heart of internal healing and the pulse of life for the future. My son recently experienced a life threatening illness and because of Chiro One, I can handle it. I feel in my heart that God brought me here to make me strong so that I can take care of my family.
Heartland Health Outreach Medical Professionals Weigh In
And here’s what they said about Chiros Care Free Clinic...
"Many of my patients suffer from back and neck pain on a daily basis. Medications sometimes ease the pain for a short time, but does nothing to treat what is really causing their pain. Most have past injuries due to trauma, as well as the daily challenges of being homeless. Most sleep on floors, buses etc, Chiropractic care provides both immediate pain relief, while helping to correct the underlying problem(s). One of the things I appreciate most about what you do is the opportunity for the patients to really talk about their pain. You listen, understand, and offer a treatment they would otherwise not have access to. I have patients that have stopped all NSAIDS and narcotic pain medication because of the service you offer. Pain control is a challenge in any population, but especially amongst the homeless. It didn't take long before you became an essential part of our health care team. In the frenzy of our days we forget to show our appreciation for the phenomenal care and attention you provide the patients. You may not always hear it from the patients, or from the clinic but what you do makes a BIG difference in a lot of people’s lives. Your skills offer real solutions. I wish you could see the increased activity and lightened spirit some of my patients now have because you are here. Thank you!!" - Very Sincerely, Bethany Hess, APN
"It's the only hands on healing work we can offer our patients. So many of the participants live with chronic pain of varying origins every day. The opportunity to actually have someone touch them and treat them is invaluable. Our participants need so much more (rolling suitcases, safety, physical therapy, access to drinking water throughout the day) but the opportunity to receive free hands-on treatment once a week is priceless. I'm grateful to have the chiropractors for our participants." - Julia
"It's definitely been helpful to have an option for our patients to engage in ongoing/weekly therapy with the chiropractors. Since Stroger doesn't offer anything other than classes, it's the only option for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain to have chiropractic follow up and ongoing assessment. I've had a number of patients who have good feedback about their experiences." - Sarah Dickson, APN/CNP
"My clients that have accessed Chiros Care have been quite pleasedl They have all had some relief that has varied from moderate to resolution of symptoms. It would be great to continue services, it would be awesome to expand services!"
- Mary L. Tornabene, APN CNP
"As medical director and a practicing physician, I see every day the overwhelming need for your services at Heartland. Our patients suffer on a daily basis with chronic pain from sleeping on cots or the ground, from working manual labor jobs, from injuries that haven’t healed, and from ongoing trauma. And every day our patients hear the word “No” from so many other services in this city because they are uninsured and/or homeless. I too am frustrated as a provider because we are unable to offer customary services such as physical therapy or orthopedic evaluation as those services can’t be found for the uninsured. Since Chiros Care has started, we have been able to actually treat the chronic pain many of these folks have been suffering with. And with the kindness and expertise your team offers. We have even been able to reduce the amount of narcotics prescribed as our patients are not requiring so much of them. Nobody thought that would happen! I can’t imagine Heartland without Chiros Cares. When I offer your services to my patients, their eyes light up. They hear the word “Yes” instead of “no” and they feel that people care about them. It not only helps their pain, but their self-esteem as well. I recently had a patient call to reschedule with me as he couldn’t bear to miss one of your appointments. Of course, I said yes, as I knew what he really needed most was you! Thank you so much for all you give. We all thank you!" - Stephanie Luther, MD