Mobility and Being Pain Free-Means Quality of Life
I have to admit I was a little skeptical about going for a free consultation at Riverbend Medical Center. I have had trouble with bones, posture, and pain for 49 years. Riverbendworks with my medical doctors and specialist and add their holistic techniques and medical knowledge that is improving my quality of life.
This is not an overnight process and it means entering a partnership with the Riverbend staff. They do their part and the patient must be just as committed as the Riverbend staff in order to get the full benefits of the program. They make up an individualized health program for each of their patients. The program they have mapped for me has had startling results in just a very short period of time. At this point I am only half way through the regimen of the holistic treatment plan and I am feeling better than ever.
The staff are jewels. Dr. Briggs, Dr. Burns, Lauren, Sheila, and the rest work as a team and create a comfortable enviroment at the center. I have noticed that they give each patient 100% of their attention and they really care about the patients. I tease them and tell them they are turning back the clock for me and making me into a "Spring Chicken."
Cathy W.
When I started my treatment for left arm pain, my pain level was an 8/10. After combination treatments of medical, chiropractic and physical therapy, my pain level now is 1 or 2/10. I can now raise my arm above my head. Thank you Dr. Briggs, Dr. Burns, Dr. Bud, Todd, and Shelia. All the staff was excellent!!!
Joanne B.
A year after my back surgery and several falls during that year, I found myself in constant pain in the neck and lower back. After a couple of months I began improving but then I had a hard fall that was followed by a car accident. Even though this set me back the Dr's and therapist all worked as a team to bring me where I am today. My balance and mobility have greatly increased. And more important my pain level has been reduced so that I am taking less pain medicine. The caring staff has treated me more like family, always encouraging me not to give up. I am so grateful for everyone at Riverbend Physical Medicine and the friendships that I have made with several patients who have been on the same journey!
Sharon F.
I first heard about the pain management center in the Advantage paper in Alton, Il. I was in so much pain and was unable to function well but I thank the good Lord for this place, the people here are out standing! Dr. Briggs and all the other doctors are great. When I first saw Dr. Briggs he took me under his wings and told me that he could help me I was so happy. I can now walk a lot better I am now at least 75% better praise the Lord! I thank God for my new sister Sheila who was always by my side and all the crew.
Willie T.
Whatever forces were at work the Saturday in March we met, I suspect it was meant to be.
Having managed peripheral neuropathy (non diabetic)for over 10 years, I wasn't skeptical going into our initial consultation, but I was realistic. Improvement of any kind would be worth the effort. My minimum daily dose of Lyrica and comfortable shoes was the extent of my daily management. I thought our initial back x-ray session was fundamental to understanding more about the nerve areas impinged by a spinal column that had twisted out of pain over the years,and its possible effect on my feet. From that point on, we moved into your recommended treatment program: some standard, some unique to me, but collectively effective.
It's difficult to express a degree of pain or even a degree of improvement when one gets involved in any treatment scenario. Pain level is in the eye of the beholder for sure. On a scale of 1 - 10, I was an 8 to start. After our sessions, I would estimate my improvement t a 6. While the numbness still exists, there was improvement in the area of the hot sensations, and pins and needles associated with my peripheral neuropathy. It might not seem like much, but ask someone who battles witht this every day, a 20% improvement is worth the time and investment.
The biggest surprise of the treatment program should not be overlooked. While the treatment plan (recommended for my neuropathy) did help in that area, I felt the overall wellness achieved in my back was significant. I simply felt better after the collective therapies. Also key to this plan is the recommended home exercise program, including:
A TENS unit, thoracic roll (it's my opinion this simple addition is key for my day to day back wellness), back brace (for those long days of excessive physical activities), exercises - assorted but dedicated to the L4,L5 spinal area, Vitamin supplement increase (D specific)
Note- I remain intrigued by the 905nm laser treatments,. While we were just starting these at the end of my program, I think the effects could be as beneficial (and maybe more) as some of the other therapies in helping inflammation, and the release of endorphins and serotonin in the treatment specific area.
Having been through multiple physical therapies over the years, your staff is unmatched. Its a comfortable surrounding, staffed by caring and knowledgeable people, all giving the tools they need to be successful, and helping the patient is their primary concern. I would recommend anyone visit your offices for a consultation.
There's no silver bullet as I have found out over the years. My feeling is managing peripheral neuropathy going forward will require a package of treatments. I look forward to my follow-up maintenance visits with your office. i volunteer to fe your first patient for any future neuropathy protocols you may develop. I thank you and your staff for a very positive experience.
Guy A.
Member US National Water polo Team, 1974-1976
Member US Olympic Water polo Team, 1976
