Shephard Clinic of the Chiropractic Arts

05/05/2008 Posted by LUCKYMIMI

I have used Chiropractic for 25 yrs, but have been extremely impressed with Dr Shepard's gentle manipulation and accupressure/accupuncture techniques. He was trained in this modality by the doctor who developed the program, Dr Herb Freeman. What is equally as impressive as the results obtained, is his care and concern, and the tenacity with which he approaches the problem. I've known only a few practicioners who have taken the time to explain the process and goals like he has! I came to the office with an unusual diagnosis called Trigeminal Neuralgia after having seen an M.D.and a neurologist, who told me that there would be no cure, and that I could only manage the pain and lesson the symptoms by taking an anti seizure medication for the rest of my life! This was not acceptable to me as I am only 48 and have a very busy and active lifestyle. I received treatments 3 times per week for the first couple months, but now am able to go in only once per week. The best news is that I have reduced my medication from 3 doses every day to 1 dose every 2 days, and have gone from using Darvocet every few hours for pain, to using 2 Advil only when necessary for the flair ups! I will caution that if you are using Blue Cross/Blue Shield you will want to verify your benefits directly with the company, as there seems to be some problems with the way the BC/BS reps understand the status of the clinic and how coverage applies. If you can get the financial aspect cleared from the beginning, you'll have no doubt that you made the right choice in selecting this office. They are using the techniques that in the future will be the standard of care! (Which so often are really just ancient wisdoms revisited and re-packaged for the current medical and social/cultural climate!) To your health!

03/23/2008 Posted by NathanH

I grew up on a farm in the country. I bucked big, heavy hale bales as a teenager. I worked at a lumber mill for 13 years doing heavy labor. All I have done all my life is very hard physical labor jobs. After I turned 50, 8 years ago, my back was "about to give up the ghost"! That was until I went to Dr Shephard. I was on short term disability and I got to meet several individuals where I work in pretty much the same boat as I was. The people I met chose not to get Chiropractic care and their backs continued to get worse and they ended up having surgery on their backs, which they told me did not help and even made their problems worse. Someone told me "Why don't you go to a Chiropractor?". I thought I would give it a try and I picked Dr Shephard out of the phone book. That is one of the best choices I ever made! Dr Shephard is very good at what he does. He is up front with you. He treats you like you are a very important person. I was on a medical doctor's care for 7 months and was not getting better. I only went to Dr Shephard for about a month and was then able to go back to a full work load.

Pros: Very nice office, very kind office staff, free parking, little if any wait time, excellent service

03/21/2008 Posted by khward

I have suffered from chronic neck, shoulder, arm, rib, and back pain for several years due to a serious bicycling accident in 2004. It was sometimes difficult, other times near impossible, for me to consistently do anything that I enjoyed: work, cycling, even lying down to watch some TV without spending the next several days in pain. Several people had mentioned to me that chiropractic care might be a good option. In the fall of 2007 I went to try that option with the Shephard Clinic. I was very impressed with my initial consultation, the explanation of what my problems were, and the up-front estimate in both time and money of what I could expect to be treated fully (this is important to me because a. I didn't ask for an estimate and b. I am self-employed and my health insurance was not an option). I have been seeing Dr. Shephard ever since, first on a very aggressive schedule and now with much less frequency. I like the light force technique very much. None of that neck-wrenching stuff. Very comfortable atmosphere, and a very friendly staff. I am also happy to say that I am mostly pain-free now, and can enjoy doing things again that were just too uncomfortable to do before.

Pros: good location, friendly staff, preferred technique, very little (if any) wait

Cons: None

01/13/2008 Posted by jodicarwan

Having a lot of experience with several alternative Chiropratic Doctors, I have found the most honest and friendly approach at the Shephard Clinic. From the time I step in until I leave, it is a comfortable environment with a warm and inviting staff. I am a patient that has experienced many years of chronic back pain, 2 surgeries and endless visits with Doctors. I have been a patient for 6+ months, sticking to regular routine visits and taking doses of advise as needed. In the first 9 treatments my spine corrected to normal as if I were 25 years younger, that was amazing! Imagine going from years of bandaiding the pain to never worrying about the pain. I sleep better, I exercise stronger, I complain less, I spend less and I live freely. Doctor Shephard has changed my mental and physical outlook and due to my dedication to heal through his care, I am able to live pain free. If you are seeking the best Chirpractor in Portland, look no further, make an appointment today and call Doctor Shephard. He is highly credited, educated and active in his community. He has the personal and professional experience to take you out of pain and to a new level of life. I recommend Doctor Shephard at the Shepard Chiropractic Clinic of Arts to anyone of any age, the experience is guaranteed to change your life.

Pros: great location, free parking, fast friendly service, amazing results!

Cons: none

07/28/2007 Posted by unbelieveable

I have been a patient at this clinic over a year now and can highly recommend them to my family and friends. The experienced staff here goes out of their way to make YOU feel comfortable no matter what happens! And unfortunately, I have arrived late to an appointment due to Portland traffic and this was handled professionally and courteously! I was not turned away but STILL SEEN! Now, I am not recommending coming late to your appointment here or anywhere else but I was very impressed with how my error in judging traffic time was handled. Without treatments by Dr. Shepherd, I would not be typing these keys on the computer with the ease and pain-free motion I now have in my right hand. When you are a patient at this clinic, you gain the expertise and compassion of Dr. Shepherd and all his staff in taking great care of you. From the physical aches to the billing of insurance to obtaining insurance information, it all was been taken done in an excellent, professional manner. I am very happy to recommend this chiropractic clinic!

03/07/2007 Posted by outdoorgirl

I was impressed with the knowledgeable staff and doctors. My treatment plan was followed, x-rays taken, and my insurance was accepted (which was great!) The billing statements were up to date, and explained thoroughly. My co-pay is $30.00 but well worth every penny! I haven't encountered any billing difficulties, and continue to be impressed with the clinic. I highly recommend this place, I'm so glad i found it.

Pros: Free parking, great staff, wonderful results, up-to-date statements

03/07/2007 Posted by laurelgwilson

I have been in 7 car accidents since 1997, and finally started going to a chiropractor in 1999 when I could no longer function as a normal, active, 22 year old woman. I have been consistantly going to a chiropractor for the last 8 years, battling chronic pain, sciatica, and paralyzing stingers. At the end of my rope, I found the Shephard Clinic of the Chiropractic Arts. I have been on a 2 visit/week treatment plan with Dr. Higginson, and in 4 weeks I have improved by at least 90%. The clinic's use of Light Force has worked for me when traditional manipulation failed for so long. The clinic has a great atmosphere, the Doctors listen to you, and the staff is helpful, attentive, and friendly. If you have chronic back pain, marginal back pain, or even minimal back pain, call them. I'm a new person after struggling for 8 years with little to no hope of ever experiencing a pain free life.

12/08/2006 Posted by boxerbuddy

Beware if you are using your insurance to pay for your visits! When I initially started visiting Shephard Chiropractic I was told that my insurance plan was checked and that I would only have to pay my minimal copay for each visit. Just to be sure, I asked if I could have weekly statements sent to me so I could stay on top of the running balance. After I hadn't received any bills for a few weeks I was told that they had accidentally switched two numbers in my address. Again I was told that I would receive weekly statements. Long story short, I never received any weekly statements so I had no idea that my insurance wasn't paying huge portions of my balance. In addition to the many restrictions my insurance company had, I was being double charged two copays per visit. After a long process going back and forth between insurance and Shephard Chiropractic, what should have been around $300 in copays is now $650. If I had been getting the weekly statements as promised (or at least someone letting me know) I would've stopped my appointments much sooner! Be careful- their unorganized billing office will not let you know if there are any problems with your insurance!!

04/24/2006 Posted by colleensherrer

The staff here is really awesome. The massage therapists are excellent and the chiropractor is really talented. They do all of the insurnce leg work for you as well which is a huge relief. Great location too. I usually go shopping after my appointments :)