Success Stories

• I love the service that I get from this place, Poulin Chiropractic ! They are all great people to work with! In addition, the adjustments are "on point" and always make me feel better!!! Thanks guys! :) Meagan M.

Ann-Marie C., patient

Dear Sam, Dr. Poulin & Dr. Seery,

Thank you so very much for all of your care and support during my many visits to your office! The three of you always make me feel welcome and very well cared for and about! I just wanted to let you know how much your kindnesses are appreciated! To the best Chiropractic Team ever!

Gratefully yours,

Kathy D. (R.N.)
Sterling, VA

Last winter I injured my back while shoveling snow. I had been putting off seeing a Chiropractor for a year. After several visits to my Primary Doctor, he recommended that I see Dr Mike Poulin. My first appointment with Dr. Poulin was great, he actually knew exactly what my problem was. I started a chiropractic regimen and after seeing him for several weeks, I started to get relief from his treatment. The discomfort from my lower back is now gone. I had an amazing recovery and experience. Dr Poulin is not only an exceptional Chiropractor, he is a great person and very professional. Also, during my treatment, I had the chance to get treated by Dr Seery, who was also an amazing Chiropractor!

I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratification to both Dr Poulin and Dr Seery, who provide exceptional quality care and also to the staff who are friendly and very helpful. I have had an amazing recovery and experience and I would very highly recommend both doctors to my friends and family without hesitation

Sincerely,

Laila S
from Great Falls, Va

I had been putting off seeing a chiropractor for years because I was scared of what was involved in the process (i.e., would it hurt), so when looking for a chiropractor I wanted someone that was recommended, not just a name off my insurance list. Since I have friends who live in the area that are on Facebook, I posted a request for my friends recommendation's for a chiropractor in the area. Dr. Poulin and Dr. Seery came highly recommended by several friends all suggesting you guys! I couldn't be happier about the results I've achieved and looking forward to "maintenance" and keep feeling great!. If I would have known that seeing a chiropractor was this easy and rewarding I would have gone a long time ago. Your staff are helpful, friendly, attentive and all very nice!

Thanks Dr. Poulin, you and Dr. Seery are fantastic! I'll see you next week.

Holli H. (Leesburg), patient

My dad, Jerry, really was impressed with how much the treatment lessened the pain he was in. I'm so thankful you have never let me down when I refer someone. Pretty awesome gift you have there!

Cyndi and Oscar P., patient

"Dr. Mike is a great guy. I’ve been seeing him for over a year now for scoliosis and for the first time in 20 years my hips and shoulders are even!! I totally appreciate his expertise and his sense of humor."

Karen R., patient

"Dr. Poulin really helped me at work with my wrist and lower back pains. He even added 2 inches to my vertical for volleyball!"

Michael C., patient

"Dr. Poulin is the best doctor I’ve ever had. He is not only an exceptional chiropractor, he’s a great person. He’s been treating my family for about a year now, including my 17- month-old son. He’s done wonders for all of us. We really could never thank him enough."

Nick C., patient

"I was referred by a co-worker to Dr. Mike when she saw me limping and unable to walk with my back straight…2 weeks later after continued therapy and I was back running and able to do my regular exercises. Nice and friendly staff, too."

Jeff G., patient

"Dr. Mike is a saint! He cares, he treats, he makes a difference. Back and necks shouldn’t be taken lightly or for granted. I trust him implicitly with mine and my daughter’s!"

Kay C., patient

"I was in chronic pain from an undiagnosed sacroiliac problem and a few small hernias. After many years of just dealing with the constant pain I wanted to do something, anything to get rid of it. I went to multiple physical therapy regimens, including traction therapy with no success. I had seven cortisone shots in my lumbar region with no success. I went to three surgeons who where no help to me. My first appointment with Dr. Poulin was great, he actually knew exactly what my problem was from my description and I had immediate relief from his treatment. I started a Chiropractic regimen and now do not have any pain at all. I am 100% satisfied with the treatment and highly recommend his service."

Cary P., patient

"Dr. Poulin,

How nice it is to wake up each morning and plan my day without any hesitation or worry about pain. Your good care and advice about home exercises have helped me tremendously. The discomfort from lower back and sciatica pain, which at times was quite severe, is now gone. I now move about with ease and grace.

With much appreciation,"

Eileen H., patient

“What a wonderful relief not to have the discomfort and back pain that I was afraid would be a permanent way of life for me. Thanks, Dr. Poulin, for treating my back problems so successfully and so quickly. I’m so grateful! "

Lettie C., patient since July 2009. Letter written just two and a half months after starting treatment

"Dear Dr. Poulin and Dr. Seery:

I moved to Northern VA in 2003 post two auto accidents in which I suffered whiplash. I had been treated by numerous chiropractors, medical doctors and massage therapist while living in South FL. It was by word of mouth that I heard of a chiropractor who’s office was in the Clock Tower Plaza. I was told his office was always full so he must be good.

So off I went. I was impressed with my initial consultation. Being a Registered Nurse of 25 years I found Dr. Poulin to be warm and thorough. He looked at old records and developed a treatment plan. I was even more impressed with the state of the art equipment and a special table that helped decompress the spine. I received electrical stim treatments, traction (on a rolling massage table) massage and more. I felt like a new person with each visit.

I would also like to share that prior to Dr. Poulin I had spent thousands of dollars on deep tissue massage for what I thought was a muscle knot in my back just under the left scapula. I would have the masseuse take wooden instruments digging deep to break up this nagging knot to no avail. It was not until receiving treatment with Dr. Poulin that I learned it was not a musculature knot that drove me crazy, but that is was a rib that moves out of place and rubs against the scapula bone creating this nagging sensation. Sure enough a rib adjustment by Dr. Poulin and it was completely gone!

Although Dr. Poulin’s office was busy it was rare that I had a wait. And while receiving treatment Dr. Poulin took time to ask about your symptoms, how was work, your life etc…. all things that could affect your recovery. He truly approached you in a holistic manner making one feel as they were the only one he had to see that day. I recently received treatment with Dr. Seery (at Dr. Poulin’s office) and I must say he is just as good! But, don’t tell Dr. Poulin I said so. LOL

I received wonderful massages from Kim Smith who worked in conjunction with Dr. Poulin establishing the best therapeutic approach to ones care. I believe Kim recently became and RN! Kim and I would joke that she had one mean elbow if you desired deep tissue work (the BEST).

Dr. Poulin’s staff is always warm and professional. They billed my insurance correctly and let me know immediately should there be a denial of a claim. If you tell them your financial situation they will establish a workable payment plan. I never once felt embarrassed or that money was the only concern.

I am moving to Ohio next week and Dr. Poulin’s office printed out chiropractors in my area that utilize the special table he has. He offered to call and speak with the new chiropractor direct in the transfer of my care. A service not even offered to me by my medical providers! In short if you are looking for a chiropractic office that provides exceptional, quality and warm care then seek out Dr. Poulin and his staff. I truly wish I could pack them up and take them with me."

April M., patient

"Dear Dr. Poulin and Dr. Seery:

As you may recall, I tore two discs in my lower back over a year and a half ago. I had trouble doing almost anything without feeling pain, and I tried just about everything to fix it. I tried physical therapy, injections, medication, acupuncture and even some off-the-radar therapies. Nothing worked.

While researching laser surgery, I came across information for the Cox® Disc Decompression Technique. I called the Cox referral line and they immediately recommended you when I told them I lived in Northern Virginia. Frankly, they raved about your practice and now I understand why.

I’m happy to say that, thanks to you, I have had an amazing...yes, miraculous...recovery. I can now sit, tie my shoes and sleep without any pain. For a year and a half, I couldn’t remember what it felt like to be without pain. Now, I can’t remember what it felt like to be in daily pain. In fact, thanks to you, I was able to perform in my first plays at The Shakespeare Theatre Company here in DC. I simply couldn’t have done it without you.

I have recommended you to a number of friends and associates, and will continue to do so. Thank you for giving my life back to me!

With gratitude,"

Craig K., patient

"Dr. Poulin and staff,

I’m sixty-one years old, never had a broken bone in my life until I recently developed a thoracic vertebral compression fracture in my back while lifting. My primary doctor missed the diagnosis, thinking it was a back strain/sprain. Therefore, I kept working for three weeks while the vertebrae bone had collapsed: I called Dr. Poulin who sent me to Reston Hospital Radiology for a nuclear bone scan and CT scan. Dr. Poulin was there for me from the beginning of this ordeal through my recovery. He had called ahead to Reston Radiology – they were waiting for me when I got there (because of Dr. Poulin, thank God). I was in so much severe pain.

Dr. Poulin had studied and learned of a procedure for this type of conditions called vertebroplasty. Dr. Poulin was there for me. He helped me relax, feel good, and confident. His expertise assisted me as I got through this.

After the surgery, Dr. Poulin provided my post-operative therapy. It is awesome! The Cox ® Disc Decompression Table stretches my spine gently and we increased pressure as I got better and better, which I would not have been able to do. After six weeks with Dr. Poulin’s care and treatment and God’s help, I was able to go back to work full time, free of all pain. Today I can do everything I could do before the surgery. I feel great! Because Dr. Poulin responded to the situation with efficiency and professionalism, I have recovered swiftly and completely.

Thank –you for all your great help,"

Martha V., patient

"Dr. Mike Seery is absolutely amazing! Without his wonderful care and encouragement, I doubt that I would have been able to once again run in my favorite 10 mile Cherry Blossom race in Washington, DC in 2008. Especially, in view of what happened to me a couple years ago.

In late 2006, I was diagnosed with moderate lower lumbar scoliosis-a surprise to me since, as a runner and biker, I enjoyed a very active lifestyle. Under chiropractic care I was advised to use a heel lift in one shoe, which I did for eight months. I later found out that this “correction” to one foot had unintended consequences. In August 2007, I began to experience severe hip and back problems, along with excruciating pain that affected my ability to move freely or sit for any length of time. I found myself very frustrated when my days of running, biking, hiking, and yoga were suddenly over! I could barely even walk. My “new’ problems kept getting worse after almost two months of treatment with no relief. At that point, I was very fortunate to finally find Dr. Seery and be treated by him.

Mine was a challenging case. Dr. Seery took the time to gradually and effectively undo the damage that had been done, and I began to heal. His skill, expertise and willingness to work with me were incredible. Finally, I began to walk and sit without pain and began to participate once again in my previous sports and yoga activities. There were some brief setbacks along the way, but Dr. Seery’s care, encouragement and great sense of humor helped me regain my optimism as I improved.

After my long road to recovery, running in my 7th Cherry Blossom 10 mile race in 2008 was a great accomplishment-not bad for someone in their early 60’s! Thanks so much, Dr. Seery-I couldn’t have done it without you!"

Peggy H., patient

"There are no words substantial enough to convey the gratitude I have for Dr. Poulin and his staff. The treatment that I have received and continue to receive has been compassionate, to say the least. “THANK YOU!” doesn’t seem to begin to harness all the appreciation I have.

I went from doing what I want, when I want, how I wasn’t, to doing nothing because of paralyzing pain. My situation was severe enough that I was off work for two months without pay.

With the benefit of Dr. Poulin’s professional help and knowledge, I had 2 MRIs to rule out the possibility of a large tumor on my spinal cord. He then helped me with referrals to specialists, informed me of medications, gave me numerous scientific study articles on similar situations, told me about websites that may be helpful, and made time to make me laugh when I needed it most. His resourcefulness not only shows me his concern, but also enables me to make choices that I feel comfortable with.

One neurosurgeon told me that I would never get better, and could only try not to get worse. Well, I at lest feel better. Dr. Poulin’s treatments are the only thing I had to look forward to for awhile. They gave me some relief, I still look forward to my treatments, and I so appreciate the gift of moving and being productive and functioning again with very little discomfort. I feel I owe this possibility to Dr. Poulin and his staff.I have been seen at the Herndon and the Ashburn office. My comfort has always been a priority to the staff at either office. They are caring, thoughtful, and always professional. Honestly, Dr. Poulin and his staff converted me from a skeptic to a believer in chiropractic care. My proof is my experience."

Samantha L., RDH

"Dr. Poulin,

Please accept my sincere appreciation for the very successful care you provided for my leg and back pain. Your treatment has all but eliminated the sciatica that I have suffered with for several years. Additionally, when I came hobbling into your office about two weeks ago with an exercise back injury, your initial adjustment of my back significantly reduced my discomfort immediately, and I am now completely free of any pain or discomfort. Your competent and concerned care is all anyone can want for a medical problem. Your office staff, Mandy, Amelia, and Lynn are exceptionally accommodating and helpful in scheduling, insurance, and everything else as well. Just as important, you all do it all with unparalleled friendliness and good cheer. I would, and do, recommend you to everyone without hesitation. Sincerely,"

Donald M. S., Ph.D.

"Thank you very much for fitting me into your busy schedule the other day. My neck is already feeling better. I appreciate your good work with my patients with musculoskeletal problems. Your office staff, including Mandy and Lynn, were both quite professional and this gave me confidence in continuing to refer my patients to your practice.

I hope to see you in the near future, although my busy schedule may make it difficult to come back on a regular basis. Once again, thanks and have a Merry Christmas."

Local Medical Doctor

"I traveled all over the country, so I have been to many different chiropractors, over the years, trying to keep up with adjustments that, from the right hands, make it possible for me to live a normal life.

Scoliosis runs in the women in my family and I have watched my mother suffer her entire life from neck and back problems, that in her day, were 'untreatable' due to the, then, lack of acceptance and access to good chiropractic care. Scoliosis may be considered untreatable by mainstream doctors, and although Dr. Poulin doesn't offer a silver bullet, I can always count on him to give an adjustment that works.

His consistent willingness to slip me in on short notice and ready smile are all the things that keep me coming back. He is, without a doubt, the best chiropactor I've met over the years."

Lorri V., patient

"I was in a car accident several years ago. The impact of the accident affected my back and neck causing some numbness in my toes and fingers. As days passed, the pain intensified and it was obvious to me that this was not going to go away by treating it with aspirin or ice packs. I found a chiropractor in the Herndon area and began therapy 4-5 times a week for over a year. I felt like I was in a cattle farm and the doctors were only interested in pushing through as many patients as possible in a day. Evaluation results, after several months, were never discussed with me. I had no idea whether the results indicated that I was getting worse or was progressing. I was beginning to wonder if the doctors were only interested in obtaining the insurance money rather than rehabilitating my back to some sort of normalcy.

Although I indicated to the chiropractor that the pain and numbness was still occurring off and on, his/her treatment did not change. The routine stayed the same. After mentioning that I was becoming concerned that the pain had not subsided, the treatment did not change, I finally decided to sever ties with the doctor. Enough time passed where some sort of progress should have been evident. In doing so, I knew that I would have to find another chiropractor who was willing to try various methods of treatment in addition to listening to his/her patients. I knew that I could not go on for very long without treatment otherwise the injury would worsen.

During my first appointment with Dr. Poulin, I explained my concerns and that I was not willing to repeat another year of 'no results'. Dr. Poulin reviewed the previous doctors methods and discussed his method of treatment considering my back and neck injury. He agreed that if the previous methods were not productive then a new approach was necessary.

After one week of treatment with Dr. Poulin, I felt no more pain! I could not believe that I had wasted over one year hoping that the other chiropractors method would eventually work. I thought the method they used was the 'right' method. I was too scared to challenge them. And when I eventually did, they did not listen. I was so angry at myself for not listening to my body, not for trying someone new...but I thought the doctors knew best. I was wrong.

I am indebted to Dr. Poulin for taking the time to listen to my concerns and my previous experience. After my first month with Dr. Poulin I felt no more pain and to this day have not had the pain return. I continue to recommend my friends to Dr. Poulin and firmly believe his philosophy and approach to 'wellness' works."

Gisele A., patient

"Today is April 29, 2008 and I have something very IMPORTANT to say.

For a very long time, focused more on the last 5 years, I have been to my Primary Care Physician and countless other doctors complaining about my general loss of “flexibility”, mobility and most important, PAIN. In all the doctor’s appointments, and specialists I had seen, the common thread of diagnosis was, “You are getting older, …you need more exercise, and …it’s all normal”. I am not sure what threshold of pain and lack of flexibility is normal for a person of any age, but when you need to stop driving your car because of a pain described best as having a constant feeling of a “hot wire” running from your lower back across your buttocks and across your inner thigh/groin area; ….as being so bad that you could only drive or sit for an hour or so, ….then we should all be hooked up to an I.V. of morphine carry out your daily tasks! I have a boat, and it came to a point last summer where I was unable to bend over enough to pick up the anchor to toss overboard ( I was straining to reach down to the deck). I was quickly becoming a CRIPPLE, and avoiding the things I enjoyed to do like, running, golfing, even plain waking. I was quickly coming to a point where I was struggling to reach down to tie my shoes or put on my socks in the mornings. During this entire time period of degenerative life, my body was telling me to “stretch”, to move my back… I was constantly trying to “crack my back” for relief, ..bought things like an inverted bed to hang from, anything to give me some relief of the dull pressure I felt, …SOMEWHERE. I was FRUSTRATED and in constant pain. My body was telling me what was wrong, and I was going to my doctors like you should, but…, the results were all the same and no relief or progress had been made, UNTIL!!!

By the LUCK of the Gods above, I came to find POULIN CHIROPRACTIC. I called them out of desparation and arranged an appointment. I had never been to a CHIROPRACOTR and heard all kinks of good vs. bad stories about the services rendered. At this point in my life, I would have done anything, I was in so much pain and walked all hunched over to one side, any potential help was welcomed. ON MY VERY FIRST VISIT, I met with Dr. Seery. He interviewed me and in a matter of MINUTES, suggested to take an X-Ray of my hip joint. The results of that X-Ray and in combination with Dr. SEERY actually LISTENING to my aliments, he made an astonishing discovery. In fact, in review of the X-Ray’s, Dr. Seery refused to touch me until I saw an Orthopedic Surgeon/Specialist and even made the phone call to set up my appointment. The problem seemed to be that my hip joint and pelvic bone looked very suspicious almost like it had a hairline fracture, and most definitely, my hip JOINT was (and I quote Dr. SEERY here), a MESS! I was asked how I was able to even walk with the condition of my joints. He had never seen such damage in his career. His diagnosis was lumbar disc herniation with degeneration at L5/S1 and L4/L5 which was serious. I left with some relief to finally know what was wrong with me, and then added some worries about the condition my body was in and the number of years of neglect that should have been caught years ago.

I immediately (meaning that same day after leaving Dr. SEERY) was able to visit the ORTHOPEDIC Specialist because Dr. Poulin cared enough to call a local orthopedic for a favor and they todl Dr. Poulin to come over, right away. The orthopedic doctors diagnosis after a second set of X-Rays, was for TOTAL HIP REPLACMENTS, on both Hips. I was left shocked, I am just turning 50 and I have the desire of a very active lifestyle. I demanded to hear all my options from the ORTHOPEDIC Specialist. He gave me his diagnosis that I could continue until the pain became so unbearable, and then surgery would be something I would be asking for to relive my pain and immobility. He advised that I did not have a hip fracture, that the line suspected of that were calcium deposits formed from the shock of not having any joint material (the shock absorber between joint and bone) remaining. He said I would be clear to continue CHIROPRACTIC Therapy but he did not feel that would result in anything positive, that the damage had gone on too long and replacement was inevitable.

I returned to POULIN CHIROPRACTIC and both DR. SEERY and DR. POULIN consulted over all the information collected. They started me out on a very mild therapy treatment, and began me on some over the counter medication called DISCAT. The goal was to help return some of the mobility in my back joints, which in turn help the hip joints handle the daily “shocks” of activity, and work to relieve the pain in my hip and see if my body would respond to the treatments offered. All the explanations of treatment were easy to understand and the amount of care provided was OUTSTANDING. I have been going to POULIN CHIROPRACTIC for a little over one year now, and continue my treatments once a week. The RESULTS:

• I can bend over to tie my shoes now
• I am NOT IN PAIN
• My Flexibility has returned
• I am more active
• I have returned to the GYM where I participate in low impact cardio exercise
• Last Month, I “raced” my son who is young and FAST, and the point is not who won, the point is I RACED!
• Most important, …I have not had the need for a HIP REPLACEMENT, and therefore not needed to call the Orthopedic Surgeon. I know, there may be a time for that, but not today!

So what did POULIN CHIROPRACTIC do for me? First, they listened, they cared and they put me on a regimen of therapy that worked for me. Before you expect ideal results, please remember one thing. YOU HAVE TO DO WHAT IS PRESCRIBED, follow through, and don’t expect anything too unrealistic. For me, I have never been more happy and only wish I had visited POULIN CHIROPRACTIVE years earlier. I will recommend POULIN to anyone with pain or joint stiffness. We hear every day on T.V. radio about medication to relieve joint stiffness. DON’T BE FOOLED, see someone like POULIN who knows what to do, and is connected in the community to refer you to SPECIALIST if needed. The amount of RESPECT I have for this office at POULIN is at the highest level, they LISTEN, they CARE and they PERFORM!

I have something important to say, THANK YOU !.Dr. Seery and Dr. Poulin, and all the staff at POULIN CHIROPRACTIC!"

Bill, patient

Dr. Cox-

I can remember back pain beginning in my teens. I was even diagnosed with "sciatica" by the age of 13 in the '80s. My chronic low back pain flared up in 1997, and I will never forget it. I was 25 and could not move without excruciating pain. I remember the couple days before going to my family MD with exquisite detail. The 45 minute walk on crutches to the restroom that was one room away will be something I could never forget.

My family doctor could not believe the fact that he could not move me an inch without a scream. He injected me in his office with no relief. MRIs showed bulges and herniations in the lumbar spine. My MD referred me to seek chiropractic care. I was incredulous and did not want to see "one of those guys". I held off until the pain returned, and I sought care from the chiropractor as I did not want surgery.

The first DC gave me some relief, but not what I would have liked. The second, however, worked miracles in my mind. It was on some weird table that he strapped my ankles into. Due to my career, I moved twice and that doctor did not move with me, so I sought other DCs in my new towns. They did OK as well, but it wasn't the same.

I moved back to my hometown and resumed treatment with that doctor with great success. I was so impressed that I switched careers. I am now a Trimester 7 intern at Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis. I just finished the "Cox" class with Dr. Brinkman, and I look forward to bringing the same relief to my patients that I received myself as a patient. I owe a debt of gratitude to that first field doc who introduced me to this technique and to Dr. Cox for developing it.

Thank you for the relief that it has brought me. It is my goal to have my future patients thank you for the relief that it brings them. Cox® Flexion-Distraction has truly changed my life.

Hi my name is Melvin. I have had chronic low back pain and leg pain for years. It had progressively gotten worse. I tried the gamut of medical care and therapy with no help. It got to the point when I was walking all bent over and moving with two inch steps. The pain was becoming unbearable and I was almost ready for the nursing home. I could barely walk.

I heard about Dr. Allen Unruh and decided to give him a try. I asked him if he could help me. He was honest and said, “Your back problems are really chronic and you have multiple degenerative discs. I have no idea if we can help you, but you have basically three options: 1. You can learn to live with the pain (not an option). 2. You can go live in the nursing home and cope with it by taking drugs. 3. You can try one last ditch effort to improve your health naturally. If you decide to try our method of care distracting the spine, it will take at least a two month commitment at about three times a week. Everything we do is natural and treatment will be modified to your individual motion of the spine. There is no risk to the care we give, and in two months you may improve but there are no guarantees it will help.”

I decided to commit to two months of regular care as the nursing home didn’t sound exciting, and with surgery I may never walk again. I also knew that I couldn’t live with the pain. I admit, I was extremely skeptical but didn’t have a lot of options.

After going through Dr. Unruh’s recommended course of care, I can’t tell you how my life has changed for the better. I am now golfing four to five times/week. I am able to go bowling. I can mow my own lawn. I can drive my own car. I couldn’t do any of those things prior to coming to Dr. Unruh.

Now, consider this: The nursing home would have cost me over $100,000.00/year just to live. The drugs would have cost me much more than the Chiropractic care I received. I’m not living on pain pills any more. Dr. Unruh emphasized that the human body can perform miracles if you just give it a chance. I’m glad I put my faith in the healing power of the human body rather than man made chemicals. I must also emphasize that the specialized care with the distraction instrument Dr. Unruh uses is gentle and it feels great to be stretched. I was so stiff I could hardly walk. Medicare this last year expanded prescription drug benefits for seniors. However, they are cracking down on Chiropractic care to help pay for more drugs. I am living proof that this is the exact opposite of the direction health care should be going for senior citizens. We need more opportunities to stay well naturally and enjoy life. Dr. Unruh has kept me moving and enjoying life again. I highly recommend anyone to get the care he recommends to get the results I did. The benefits are miraculous.