The Ones That Got Away: How Experience Helped One Patient Find Lasting Relief
Over the years, I’ve learned that some of the most valuable lessons in chiropractic care come from the cases we couldn’t fully resolve. These are patients who stick with you — the ones that got away. Their experiences challenge you to think differently, refine your approach, and become a better practitioner.
In the past, I’ve encountered patients with persistent foot pain that didn’t respond as expected, even after addressing the common causes. Those cases stayed with me. When Eric, a longtime Hosmer Chiropractic Health patient, came to me with heel pain that hadn’t responded to previous treatment, I had the benefit of knowing what hadn’t worked. Rather than focusing on the foot itself, I looked more closely at the muscles and nerves in his calf and ankle. That different approach ultimately helped us identify the source of his pain and develop an effective treatment plan.
Eric was also dealing with a shoulder injury that limited his ability to swim, lift weights, and stay active. Drawing on my experience treating shoulder injuries with Active Release Techniques® (ART®), we identified specific restrictions that were contributing to his symptoms and developed a targeted treatment approach.
Eric’s experience is a reminder that even the cases we couldn’t fully resolve can help us make a meaningful difference for the next patient.
I’ll let Eric share his experience in his own words:
I typically walk barefoot around my home, which has hardwood floors, without any issues. But after spending Thanksgiving 2025 on my feet preparing and cooking dinner, I noticed soreness in my left foot, particularly around the ankle. I didn’t think much of it at first and assumed a little rest would take care of things.
Unfortunately, the pain never went away. In fact, it gradually got worse.
I thought perhaps my workout and walking shoes were getting old, so I bought new ones. They helped a little, but not much. After a few weeks, I sought chiropractic care and massage, which provided temporary relief but nothing lasting.
Eventually, the pain became quite disruptive. I could no longer walk barefoot around the house without stabbing pain in my heel. Even walking the dogs became a painful chore, and I had to be careful how I placed my foot. Interestingly, after about 30 minutes of activity, the pain would sometimes subside. But as soon as I rested, it would come right back.
I eventually sought physical therapy and was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. For about two months, I worked on prescribed stretches and reduced activities like aerobics and using the elliptical machine. While that helped somewhat, the pain persisted.
With a trip to Germany and Sweden coming up in May 2026, I was getting desperate. I bought yet another pair of shoes and did my best to grin and bear it throughout the trip.
When I returned from Europe, Dr. Amy Goebel suggested I see Dr. Seth Hosmer for a different treatment approach at the Pearl District clinic.
During my appointment with Seth in June, I explained everything I had been experiencing. Rather than focusing exclusively on my heel, Seth evaluated the muscles and nerves in my calf and ankle. He suspected that the source of my pain was related to those structures rather than plantar fasciitis itself.
Seth developed a targeted treatment plan and prescribed specific stretches using a slant board, such as the Slant Board Session for Tight Ankles, that I could do at home.
Within less than a week, I noticed a remarkable difference!
I could walk the dogs without pain and return to exercising. By August, I was walking barefoot on my hardwood floors again without that stabbing heel pain. Actually, without any pain at all!
Once in a blue moon, I might feel a little discomfort, but I use the stretching technique Seth taught me and nip it right in the bud.
It’s such a relief to have my life and activity levels back again!
Overcoming a Shoulder Injury
While I was dealing with my heel pain, I also experienced an injury to my shoulder and upper arm.
In late April 2026, I led a neighborhood landscaping work party to remove invasive plants from our community greenspace. Toward the end of the day, I was pulling out one last stubborn ivy vine that simply wouldn’t budge. With one final pull, I felt a snap in my bicep and upper arm area.
Of course, this happened just before my European trip. I assumed it was a muscle strain that would gradually improve. On the bright side, it gave me a pretty good excuse not to carry my luggage!
But the injury had a noticeable impact on my daily life. I could no longer lift the weights I was accustomed to at the gym, move my arm comfortably during aerobics classes, or swim without pain.
I initially worked with Dr. Amy Goebel and other members of the Hosmer team. Amy began laser therapy and targeted chiropractic adjustments, which helped immensely.
During one of my appointments with Seth for my foot, he also began working on my shoulder. Along with adjustments and soft tissue work, he introduced targeted exercises and Active Release Techniques® to address the affected area.
It took some trial and error, but we eventually found a stretch that really made a difference. After consistently working on the targeted exercises and receiving additional treatment, I experienced a significant improvement. The pain quickly began to disappear.
Today, I’m back to lifting the same weights I was lifting before the injury, swimming without pain, gardening, taking aerobics and dance classes, and yes, even lifting suitcases!
More Than Just Chiropractic Treatment
I first discovered Hosmer Chiropractic Health in the fall of 2020, during the pandemic. I had just moved back to Portland and injured my psoas muscle while unpacking in my new home.
Having seen several chiropractors over the years, I knew I wanted someone with a sports-minded approach who incorporated a variety of treatment techniques.
When I started receiving care at Hosmer Chiropractic Health, I experienced relief almost immediately.
What I particularly appreciate about the clinic is its focus on wellness and the partnership between patients and providers. The team doesn’t simply provide treatment and send you on your way. They work with you to identify exercises and techniques you can use at home to stay healthy, manage discomfort, and help prevent future problems.
That partnership is what sets Hosmer Chiropractic Health apart from other practices I’ve experienced.
I’ve recommended Hosmer Chiropractic Health to my family and friends, and I’ll definitely continue to do so!
Ready to Get Back to the Activities You Love?
If persistent pain or an injury is keeping you from doing the things you enjoy, our team is here to help. Schedule an appointment to find out how our individualized approach to chiropractic care can help you move and feel better.
Call us at (503) 227-2279 or schedule an appointment online.
