Dr. Phillip Snell

This was the BEST chiropractor I have been to. My impression was that he is a doctor who knows how to re-train the muscles (and the mind) in a way that builds long term strength instead of just short term relief from back pain (although short term relief from pain was part of the treatment). He listens, he hears, and he incorporates up to date back research and physical therapy techniques for treatment. His attitude encouraged me to engage in healing a back injury for the long term instead of the more typical experience of going in to be 'fixed' by the chiropractor on a regular basis. And after a few short visits and over a month of working on my own, I am more pain free and mobile than I have been in years.

??My experience: When I was a college athlete I had a bad head and back injury. Throughout the subsequent years I have had some physical therapy and periodic chiropractic sessions with other doctors to manage the injury. In general there was little cohesive treatment with an eye toward long term movement, and the general attitude was that surgery was an option and in the meantime I could just keep coming back for more sessions. I was tired of feeling dependent on a chiropractor when my back went into a spasm, absolutely did not want surgery, and felt that I just needed to find a way to strengthen what had become weak inside. After a short treatment plan with Dr. Snell, I have learned exercises to strengthen specific core muscle groups, learned how to work through the 'good pain' vs. 'bad pain' ?syndrome (i.e. soreness from working specific muscles vs. pain that is your body yelling 'stop!'), and I feel for the first time in twenty years that I no longer have to be 'crippled' periodically by this injury.

??I HIGHLY RECOMMEND DR. SNELL to anyone, especially if you are suffering from an athletic injury or other pain that is preventing you from being fully mobile or as active as you would like to be.

Pros: effective, caring, listens, professional

Cons: none

Posted 09/14/09

I had an excellent experience using Dr. Snell's services, and I would recommend him unreservedly to anyone who wants relief from back, neck or joint pain. I went to Dr. Snell for neck pain as a result of severe coughing from a case of the flu. I had lots of pain on the right side of my neck that stopped me from sleeping. He quickly diagnosed the problem, explained it to me with a great balance of scientific information and layman's terms, and described what he would do to treat the problem. Using both Chiropractic and the Graston Technique (he excels at both) I got great relief after three visits, with a steady improvement after each (I was still coughing for most of this time). Dr. Snell gave me some very effective exercises to strengthen my neck, even going so far as to show me on my own body in what ways my neck and back were weak so that I would know exactly how I was improving. This is so much more helpful than just being given a sheet of exercises and being told "Do these". The location is very convenient, the building is lovely, there is adequate parking and the reception staff are kind and helpful. I also found Dr. Snell's rates to be very competitive, especially as I don't have insurance that covers Chiropractic. Dr. Snell is a great doctor who is primarily interested in getting his patients healthy and pain-free as soon as possible, and then assisting them in independently keeping themselves well. He says this in his marketing information and he holds true to it in his practice. He has even made a website, fixyourownback dot com, that shows people how they can do this. As we would say in Australia, he's a good bloke.

Pros: Prompt, effective, knowledgeable, kind, good-humored

Cons: None

Posted 03/31/09

i waited and waited for a call back to get my back fixed but no one called back, i hate waiting especially when i am in pain

Posted 10/06/08

I went in to see Dr. Snell after he was recommended by a friend who raved. I was having problems with my hip, which were affecting my running and forced me to reduce my training mileage drastically. I had been weary of chiropractic care, having been told that physical therapy was the better option. Dr. Snell definitely changed my way of thinking. He not only quickly diagnosed the problem, he gave me a variety of exercises and resources to guide my physical training, and then used the Gralston technique to great effect. 4 months later and my running form has completely changed, I'm running longer, faster and more comfortably than I ever have before. Deciding to follow through on my friend's recommendation was the best decision I could have made.

Pros: excellent care, great resource, very knowledgable

Posted 04/24/08

Dr. Snell took a very complete history and alleviated many of my concerns before starting any treatments. He used muscle stimulation and manipulation to treat my neck pain and stiffness. My neck pain was relieved in one visit. He is a very knowledgeable and caring doctor who I would recommend to anyone who is in need of chiropractic care.

Posted 04/10/08

They may have just messed up with me, but just in case I need to share my story. I had a great visit, I liked Dr. Snell and he even taught me stretches to help my back. However there was a significant oversight when I paid the non-insured price and they ended up charging my insurance the whole price anyhow. I was upset because they did not call me before I got the announcement from my insurance company, however once I called to straighten it out they handled it well. Wish they had called me earlier, but otherwise it was great.

Pros: Great doctor

Cons: Unfortunate billing mistake

Posted 12/14/07

Dr. Snell is an amazing doctor. I came to him after visiting a couple different doctors for plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis. The previous doctors gave up on me for I took too long to heal. I have had Graston and other chiropractic adjustments, but nothing worked as well as Dr. Snell doing his Graston. He knows his muscles and due to his persistence, I finally got well. I also had a shoulder problem around the shoulder blade and he did some different kind of maniupulations along with Graston and the typical adjustments. My shoulder has never felt better in the last 3 years. I like that Dr. Snell gives exercises to do at home and he is one of the few doctors I have ever known to encourage self-care at home. Instead of him feeling threatened, he would be very happy when I came up with something that I could do that would help myself feel better. Anytime I had questions about the body and what was happening, he always had time to explain it to me. In my mind, Dr. Snell is the true meaning of what a doctor should be like in every sense of the word.

Pros: Understanding, knowledgeable, Explains things, Office staff excellent

Posted 11/13/07

I'm a medical doctor, and I sought out Dr. Snell after reading his article in the Southeast Examiner about the Graston Technique. I had been hearing a bit about this technique, and I thought it might be an appropriate treatment for my chronic and recalcitrant foot pain. I injured my left foot over 8 years ago, and since then I've consulted many care providers, both traditional and alternative, in my journey to be as active and pain-free as possible. Some of them have helped in small or temporary ways; some have unfortunately caused further damage. In contrast, Dr. Snell was able to catapult me ahead on the road to healing. With the Graston Technique, I saw immediate improvement. But it was Dr. Snell's comprehensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and his philosophies of scar formation and body mechanics that helped me understand my injury and steered me down a new path toward recovery. Since my visits with Dr. Snell last year, I have gone on to work with a yoga teacher and a personal trainer, whose philosophies overlap and compliment those of Dr. Snell. I do my exercises faithfully, and I'm getting incrementally stronger. In fact, I enjoyed a multi-day backpacking trip this summer for the first time in over 8 years, a true accomplishment for me! I'm not certain I would have found this path had it not been for Dr. Snell's knowledge, compassion, and guidance. In the next few months I will be opening my own family medical practice here in town, and I will have no reservations entrusting my patients to his skilled hands.

Posted 10/22/07

I had to wait for my insurance to approve chiropractic care for me (they threw pills at me for 6 months after my accident) but it was worth it. As a very physically active person I needed some help healing my back and neck pain, not something to temporarily cover up the pain. Dr.Snell used the Graston Technique on me and also taught me some excercises I could do at home to keep my back aligned and strong. My pain was significantly reduced the first week. Dr. Snell was very knowledgable, humerous and made me comfortable. I know that I will skip the insurance company if I need chiropractic care again. If you are in pain I suggest you visit the good doctor!

Pros: Chiropractic care works!

Cons: Insurance companies are a pain.

Posted 09/04/07

I saw Dr. Snell in January after living with chronic lower back pain for over 18 months. He was professional, informative and caring. Since completing my treatments with him, I have had little recurrence of pain and just ran the Hood to Coast with no problems. I highly recommend him.

Posted 08/29/07

Dr. Snell is knowledgeable, patient and forward thinking. From the beginning he was clear, concise and methodical in collecting the data he and I needed to give me the best care. He tells you what he's doing, why he's doing it and how it will help you. He is up to date on the latest research and likes to keep his patients abreast of information relevant to their condition. Add to that a team of efficient staff, great massage therapists, accupuncturists, yoga(etc...) at the Hawthorne Wellness Center and a sense of humor and you have a winning combo. Did I mention that the prices for services are reasonable? Of course, in a wasteland where health providers seem bent on taking advantage of people in need, this appears to be a small oasis.

Pros: Knowledgeable staff, great service, reasonable prices

Cons: Not enought time to read the magazines in the lobby

Posted 07/24/07

Dr. Snell is the best medical practitioner I have seen, ever! After much painful suffering and a going through a myriad of Dr's, finding no help and no cure I finally turned to Dr. Snell out of desperation. Before his treatments I was literally unable to move part of my body and was in tears due to severe pain. He referred me for an MRI which found four herniated discs in my neck. Other Dr's I had been to, including an unnamed hospital had totally missed this. Also, once my pain was managed and I had some remaining symptoms still, he referred me to an area Neurologist who was able to address my remaining issues. (I received a diagnosis of Endolymphatic Hydrops). Dr. Snell is not only knowledgeable, but so caring, and truly is a kind, generous individual. I am forever grateful for the care I received.

Pros: compassionate, knowledgeable, well-versed in a variety of areas

Cons: none!

Posted 07/22/07

Dr. Snell was everything that people have said on this site - he knows what he's doing, sure enough. He spent a while diagnosing the problem, taught me some great stretches, gave me a fabulous adjustment. One of the best chiropractors I've been to for technical knowledge, pain-free adjustment, and prescribing exercises and stretches. I never had the Graston stuff, so I can't speak to that, but everything else was stellar - right up to the end of the adjusting.

After the adjustment, he spent five minutes telling me why my insurance sucked, why I was getting ripped off by them, how he wasn't getting paid for half the great treatment he had just given me, and how much he resented it. When I told him I had no alternatives, and asked him to stop, he did, for a few minutes, then launched right back in. At which point I had had enough, and left.

If you're paying on your own nickel, or you have the kind of insurance he likes, or you really don't mind being on the receiving end of a lecture like I received, he's a great chiropractor. Really great - almost great enough to put up with the insurance speech. But, for me, not quite.

Just so you know.

Pros: Great technical knowledge, thorough exam, incredible self-care suggestions

Cons: Has problems accepting alternative care insurance, and will tell you why, at length

Posted 07/15/07

Dr. Snell is a very good listener and understands the mechanics of the human body. Dr. Snell was able to pinpoint my hamstring problem from my first visit in his office, while other doctors never were able to pinpoint the problem. From my first visit, Dr. Snell gave me hope that I would get back to my running routine and within weeks I was able to run without pain. Dr. Snell understands the Graston technique very well and I think he knows what will work for patients' injuries. I am very happy to have found such an awesome chiropractor that does not feel it is necessary to overtreat my condition. I would recommend Dr. Snell to anyone who is searching for a chiropractor that can produce results without years and years of treatments.

Posted 07/05/07

This guy is amazing, and not just because of how great i felt a day later... I went in with a charlie horse in my neck and after what must have been an hour long treatment and consultation I felt not only that my pain had been thoroughly addressed, but that I understood everything that was going on with my injury. Dr. Snell took the time to get to know me, and my medical history in a very personable way. the conversation never felt condescending, or nicey and irrelevant. i felt he truly wanted to connect to me as his patient, and that is something I really appreciate. ALSO, the graston technique is awesome, and proved much more useful to me then getting the usual neck adjustment.

Pros: 2 free classes at the HWC when you see a doctor there!

Cons: none, and I'm a critic!

Posted 05/29/07

I found Hawthorne Wellness Center and Dr. Phillip Snell (just don't call him Dr. Phil), after a recent car accident, almost by accident (pun intended). I chose him from my insurance provider list, based purely on the fact that the facility was close to my house. Two luck accidents for me!
He's a miracle worker, and I don't toss that remark around lightly. Within the first few minutes with Dr. S, I knew I'd come to the right place. He asked, and answered, more questions for me in that first visit than my regular doctor had in 10 years. I walked, or more accurately hobbled, into that first appointment hunched over and in agony. An hour later, I walked out upright and nearly free of pain. I was able to bend over and touch my toes and I couldn't even do that before my accident!
Not only does Phillip provide much more than competent care, he also puts you at ease immediately, has a fantastic sense of humor, and shows up for your appointment on time. Unheard of!
As if that weren't enough, this charming office, housed in a converted older home, is packed to the gills with competent professionals who work in conjunction with each other, to provide a level of care that is, in my experience, unparalleled. I'm almost grateful to have been rearended by a semi because it led me to this wonderful facility where I have been treated not only for accident related issues, but also several other issues that have plagued me for years.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Pros: Too many to list.

Cons: I've tried and tried but can't think of a single one.

Posted 04/25/07

Fantastic knowledge of the body and how things work together. Thoroughly explained to me what was wrong and what we were going to do to fix the problem. Dr. Snell also seems very updated on all the new technologies and treatments that are available right now. If you have pain, go see this guy.

Posted 04/03/07

These are just a few words I might use to describe Dr. Snell; humorous, well-informed, thoughtful and thoroughly decent would be others. Having broken my ankle, complete with torn ligaments, in late December of 2006, I went to see Dr. Snell because he was trained in the Graston technique. From the moment I walked in Dr. Snell had a keen awareness of what I, as an athlete, needed to do in an effort to expedite the healing process. What's more, following my initial visit Dr. Snell called to say that I could contact him any time should the need arise.

Whether it was measuring the degree of flexibility in my legs, recommending numerous stretches I should do, explaining the intricacies of health plans or breaking down how the 'ATP machine' (not the official name for it mind you) will help my healing, Dr. Snell took the time to explain what he was doing and why he was doing it. What's more, he did so with grace and aplomb such that I looked forward to returning. When my five visits (as limited by my health insurance plan) were up, Dr. Snell had the decency to say that future visits were unnecessary. Such candor was, and is, refreshing and though I was a bit surprised at the time to hear him say this, upon reflection it is simply yet another reflection of a man who clearly enjoys what he is exceptionally well-trained to do. Thank you Dr. Snell.

Pros: Please see review

Cons: None

Posted 03/20/07

So, I was rear-ended, my neck was crazy painful, and I had no idea what to do or who to ask for help. None of my friends had ever been injured in an accident, so I turned to my fellow Citysearch reviewers for a recommendation. And, boy, am I glad I did! Dr. Snell is awesome. He listened to my concerns, asked further probing questions, and got right to work on helping me to feel better. Ahhh.... :] He's a very friendly guy that made me feel right at home, and comfy even, in no time. Thanks!

Pros: parking, other wonderful, helpful, and related services in the same building, knowledgeable, communicative

Cons: none

Posted 02/24/07

I'm an aging athlete with chronic lower back pain. I also sit in front of a computer screen for 8-10 hrs a day. I've spent quite a few years visiting different offices trying to get help to reduce the reoccurrence of my back pain. I would get massages and adjustments but never the instruction needed to strengthen my back. I tried him because of his sports/physical therapy approach. In just two visits I have had great success in reducing my back pain. This is due to Dr. Snell?s ability to identify the problem then explain the solution process, rather than merely treat the symptoms. He?s concise, reassuring, and listens well. Better yet, his questions have helped me understand how I?m using (misusing) my body. I am encouraged having access to someone who can help me achieve improving my flexibility and strengthening my core muscles.

Pros: Strong communicator, Concise, Listens well, Great approach to healing.

Cons: none

Posted 11/15/06

I have seen a few massage therapist/ chiropractors and Dr. Snell really does the job. I had some muscles that needed some attention. I couldn't do my everyday things. I have never been in any accidents but for my chiropractic/ massage needs....Dr. Snell knows what he is doing and will educate you as well. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM.

Pros: Clean, educated, location

Cons: none

Posted 10/30/06

I recommend Dr. Snell to anyone seeking a Chiropractor. He is very thorough in explaining care and the techniques used. I arrived not being able to move my neck and by the time I left I had almost full range of motion without pain. I was very surprised to be able to get that much relief so fast. I was even more surprised to receive a follow up call from Dr. Snell himself.

Pros: Great location in SE, clean environment, friendly

Posted 10/30/06

I went to see Dr. Snell after getting in a car accident and suffering from some neck and back pain. He is the best chiroporactor I've seen! He explained why I had this pain and how the treatments I was receiving would help to eliminate that pain. He's genuine and sincerely concerned about his patients which is rare. I would recommend Dr. Snell to anyone who is thinking about going to see a chiropractor. After only a little more than a month I am done with my treatment and feeling great!!

Pros: great care, nice staff

Posted 10/26/06

I got in an auto accident, had some minor neck injuries and some impact on existing injuries in my middle back - Dr. Snell really listened, not only did he tell me more about my back than all the doctors I have seen throughout my entire life but his intelligence also helped me discover medical situations I was having relating to my thyroid issues (stuff medical doctors haven't figured out in 5 plus years). He sent me to a naturopathic doctor in the same clinic, who was equally compassionate and informative. This is the first time in my life I've felt a medical clinic and there doctors really listened to anything I had to say and really cared. If you need back help Phillip Snell in my opinion is the best you can get!

Pros: actually listens, intelligent, understanding and educated.

Cons: Calls me mate but is not British or Australian

Posted 10/12/06

After reading one of his articles in the SE Examiner in Spring 06, I saw Dr Snell for chronic patellofemoral syndrome which had been occurring for almost 1 year, due to cycling over-use. Previously, I had been receiving physical therapy for this condition for several weeks, but saw no functional improvement at all, even after religiously strength-excercising, stretching and taping the patella.

After receiving 3 Graston treatments, my condition began to steadily improve. I had about 7 treatments total, and am able to cycle without pain again (as long as I continue stretching and ramp up again gradually). At the time of this review, it's been about 3 months now since my last treatment.

I highly recommend him for the following reasons:

1. Does an extremely thorough, detailed examination and assessment.
2. Very upfront about treatment plan, possible outcomes and limitations. Takes the time to answer your questions, listens and communicates well.
3. He is very competent.
4. Doesn't pressure you at all to get additional treatments (especially if you don't see improvement after the first 3).
5. Office staff at the center are friendly and low-key - again no pressure to keep coming back.
6. Very reasonable fees.

Posted 09/26/06

After seeing 2 other chiropractors for a few months and getting the same routine treatment for my neck pain (which was recurring), I tried Dr. Snell after reading the reviews on this site. The treatment he did was more of a muscle treatment on my traps, lats and back which some odd metallic tools. Surprisingly, from the day of the treatment to one day later, the neck pain is completely gone. I've referred two of my close friends as well.

Pros: New treatments, Leading edge, Sports Fitness

Posted 05/21/06

After reading all the reviews here on CitySearch about Dr. Snell, I decided to give him a try, I've had chronic lower back pain off and on for 10 years, been to many different Chiropractors in that time, most of them would adjust my back and send me on my way
and I would be comfortable for a few days, but it always came back, Dr Snell took the time to explain why I was having trouble and taught me how to correct my posture and showed me exercises to help strengthen my muscles to keep better posture., Oh and I also had a muscle causing spasms in my upper neck which he fixed. Also when he adjusted my spine he was very gentle and did no force anything, he seems to be very professional and knew his stuff.

Pros: Gentle, On time, Professional

Posted 05/03/06

Dr. Snell and the Graston Technique has been a god sent therapy.

For the past 2 ? years I have had chronic knee pain. I visited a few different M.D.s who suggested knee replacement, drained my knee and give me cortisone shots

I was not satisfied with the assessments and decieded to check some alternative options.

I haphazardly came across Dr. Snell and Graston technique (treatment of connective soft tissue) I have had 4 appointment and my pain has been dramatically reduced by 95%.

To top it off Dr. Snell has excellent bed side manner he explains the purpose and history or the techniques he uses in terms that anyone can understand.

I Highly recommend Dr.Snell to everyone that could benefit from his treatment.

Posted 05/03/06

I have chronic back pain. I'm used to it. It's part of the daily routine. But, I have never been in so much pain as I was the other day. Hands down, the worst pain I've ever been in to date. I called Dr. Snell's office to see if by some saving grace I could get a same day appointment. Booked, as expected. Jacqulin, the front office lady talked to the good doc and they offered to get my in after hours which was amazing. She said she could tell I was in a lot of pain and when something freed up earlier in their schedule, she called me to come in sooner. I felt super comfortable and tons, tons, better when I left. I highly recommend Dr. Snell. He even called me the next day to check on me and make sure that I was feeling better.

Posted 04/04/06

Today was my first session with Dr. Snell. He put my mind at ease with his approachable and compassionate bedside manner. Dr. Snell was easy to talk to and validated my feelings. He is gentle in his treatment and told me the entire process before treating me. I would highly recommend anyone who is nervous about seeing a chiropractor, or at all apprehensive about treatment, to see Dr. Snell. I look forward to seeing Dr. Snell again.

Pros: compassionate, friendly, approachable

Posted 03/29/06

The man with the tools I call him, And belive they do work, You have to see phil to belive it , I have been to a lot of chiropractors in my life time but he has to be the best overall . Greeted with well respect on my first visit I walked in there with great pain .What I thought was going to be 10 seesions only turned out to be 4 And the problem was gone .I have no hesitation on recomending this doctor for you belive me you will not be dissapointed

Posted 03/16/06

Dr. Snell is the first chiropractor I have seen and he provided excellent treatment. He had me feeling much better right away, and even called to see how I was progressing. He also was willing to take time to explain my injury, and to give me a few things I could do at home to avoid future problems. I would certainly recommend him to family and friends.

Posted 02/14/06

I was seeing Dr Snell for injuries related to a car accident. My concern was that I did not want to be over treated to beef up lawsuit charges. Dr Snell has a lot of integrity and does not over treat for any reason. I felt really comfortable with Dr Snell and he has great knowledge and ability to explain the treatment course and why we're doing what we're doing. He also is great about giving home exercise and things I can do on my own to heal quicker. I highly recommend Dr Snell.

Posted 01/31/06

if you are looking for a cure, and one that you participate in go to Phillip

Pros: informative, intelligent, effective

Posted 01/30/06

I have been to several chiropractors but Dr. Snell was the best. He explained the diagnosis and the treatment in understandable and thorough terms. His treatments were very helpful. He was careful not to overtreat nor undertreat. His staff is friendly and competent.

Posted 01/19/06

Besides being friendly and personable, Dr. Snell provided fast and effective treatment for my lower back pain. He then empowered me with the tools and incentive for effective maintainence. I would certainly recommend him to my family and friends.

Pros: efficient, personable, effective

Posted 01/16/06

I've been to a number of chiropractors over the last few years for a hip problem and my aching knee. I stopped by their clinic because they're down the street. I didn't know what to expect. I quickly found Dr. Snell is one of the best. He is incredibly knowledgable about his craft, and happy to patiently explain everything he does and why. He is friendly and available. And...I'm feeling a lot better. I recommend his services.

Pros: reasonable prices, incredibly knowlegabl, listens well

Posted 12/08/05

I was referred to this doctor by a friend who said he'd helped him with knee pain he'd had with running. I had been to a couple of chiropractprs in the past and was not impressed with those experiences. Twice I had been subjected high pressure sales techniques by "doctors" who insisted I sign up for many treatments. Dr. Snell was straightforward, got to the cause of the pain, and showed me ways to help myself. I never felt I was being "sold". I was impressed and would definitely recommend him.

Posted 06/26/05

Called and got an appointment that morning! He used Grafson (sp?) technique tools on my neck before adjusting me. The tools freaked me out at first, but they worked out stuff I've been living with for years. Dr. Snell was really down to earth and helpful. Go see him...feel better.

Posted 10/26/04

This guy is honest, straightforward, really helpful. Fixed my neck, then even helped with my knee pain I'd had for years. Highly recommended! inexpensive too.

Posted 10/25/04