George Fries
Practice
Member of the Strauss Chiropractic Center since March 4, 1975
In our ongoing efforts to recognize extraordinary practice members
of the Strauss Chiropractic Center, we proudly introduce George Fries.
George first came to the Strauss Chiropractic Center almost 29 years
ago (March 4, 1974 to be exact) with his then 12-yr-old son, who according
to George “had a hitch in his giddy-up.”
His son had fallen off of the monkey bars at school and was walking
with a forward posture and experienced pain if he even tried to straighten
up. George was telling a friend about how the doctors and specialists
had failed to help his son and he suggested that they go see Dr. Joe.
George admits that he only got his own spine checked that first day
so that his son would not be afraid. They continued to come 2 to 3
times weekly in the beginning, as Dr. Joe had recommended and within
a month his son was “cured,” as George puts it, and back
to doing all the things a boy loves to do.
Meanwhile, George was reading the pamphlets and newsletters that
were around the office and talking to Dr. Joe and learning more and
more about chiropractic. “I came to understand that you go to
a dentist regularly because you can’t see what’s going
on in there. Why wouldn’t you do the same for your spine?”
He realized over the years that the migraines he once frequently suffered
with were now non-existent and when he sought medical attention for
degenerative disc disease he recovered in less than half the time
his doctors told him to expect. He attributes this in large part to
his regular chiropractic care. “I’ve been coming at least
once a week for almost 30 years. It’s a way of life for me now.
I wouldn’t go without it.”
When asked if he understood what a subluxation was George hit the
nail on the head. He responded, “that’s when your spine
is out of adjustment and it’s got to be all in line to make
everything work right; if it’s not in line then you’re
in trouble.” It’s so simple that people often miss it.
They know their nerve systems run their entire body including all
of its functions. But then they somehow miss that interference in
that nerve system is always bad.
Unfortunately, subluxations can be caused by a myriad of things.
When asked what he thought might create subluxations in his spine,
George spouted of a list of things including his hobby of woodcarving
which often finds him bending over his work for hours at a time. Also
on his list were yard work, swimming which he enjoys doing for exercise,
fishing (although he noted it was casting not reeling in huge fish
that presents a problem), or even just sitting funny watching TV.
He also noted that being a Philadelphia sports fan does him in. Whether
it’s the Phillies, the Flyers or the Eagles, he’s stressing
out in every season about something. “Every sports fan in Philadelphia
should be under regular chiropractic care.”
He noted that over the years the office and the people here have become
like family to him. “We have shared good times and bad times.
Joe’s pleasant smile and good nature has not changed despite
rough spots in life. Really, I hope to be coming to this office for
another 30 years. I’d like to see my grandkids grow up, go to
college and get married and see what they will become and I think
my chances of doing that are better with chiropractic.” And
George is right. While no one is guaranteed tomorrow, everyone is
always better off with a good nerve supply rather than a bad one.
When asked what he’d like to say to the hundreds of people
who would read this his closing comments were “Just come. You’ll
never regret it. I know I haven’t.” Thanks George for
sharing your story with us and for sharing chiropractic with so many.
We love you.
© Strauss Chiropractic Center
2003
