Johnston Chiropractic Health Center

I went today for my first appointment and so far I am impressed. I’ve been to one local chiropractor before and decided to seek someone else, my insurance provided me a list and I chose this practice because of the reviews online. I can’t speak as far as the treatment because I’ve only had one visit, but I was impressed with the atmosphere. The waiting room is very comfortable and has nice drinks to choose from, then I had a brief consult, had xrays done, and was put on a table with a vibrating massager on my back before being adjusted. I made an appointment to come back.

This is my first chiropractor, and I couldn’t feel luckier to have found this one. A couple months ago I started having sciatica symptoms, and it was a real pain in the… well, you know. Eventually we found out that I had slipped two disks. Doctors Johnston and Worthington and the whole family here at Johnston have walked with me every step of the way. With their help, I’m avoiding surgery and I’m getting so close to being able to be out living life again! With the emotional support and a wealth of natural routes for personal care, I couldn’t ask for a better, more knowledgeable and friendly crew to help me through this rough time. I highly suggest trying them if you haven’t. And if you’re that person laying there on a weekday morning asking yourself if you can take off another day for your back pain like I was, I would highly suggest just doing it. Reasonable prices, great options for payment and insurance. All-​around great people at an all-​around great practice.

This was my first chiropractic experience. I am a dental hygienist by trade and spend a lot of my time bent over peoples’ heads and working in tiny spaces. Thus, my neck and upper shoulder and hips were killing me! I found Dr Jon on google at first. He has over 100 rave reviews on there! I got a same day new patient appointment. There is a mini fridge in the waiting room stocked with water and sugar free sodas. I was given a ‘welcome bag’ with some goodies inside.
Next, Christopher (assistant to Dr Jon) gave me a full tour of the clinic. It is definitely not a new clinic by any means. The building itself is pretty dated and the hallways are narrow. However, I think the staff’s kindness and professionalism make up for this. I would rather have stellar care over fancy décor any day.
Dr Jon met me and asked about my problems. He is very enthusiastic and gave me lots of high fives LOL. He explained the chiropractic process in detail and then I was off to the back room w/​Christopher for my xrays. I got two of my upper spine (front and side view) and two for my hips (same views). I imagine if you didn’t have hip pain then you wouldn’t necessarily be required to get the hip xrays. While we were waiting for the xrays to be developed (go digital Dr J!) Christopher showed me some ideal xrays and what they will be looking for.
Anyways, this is getting longer than I intended! Dr Jon explained my problem and recommended a treatment plan to set me on the right path. I then laid on the «rollie pollie» table which feels amazing! Then Dr Jon did my adjustments. I felt better but still couldn’t put my head back all the way (like you’re looking in the sky). Then another helper came and gave me a back massage with some magical machine for about ten minutes. I went home satisfied and slept great for the first time in months!
The next day though is when the miracle happened. I could tilt my head back all of the way with NO PAIN! I am ecstatic. Dr Jon knows what he is talking about and is about the most mindful spirit I have ever come across. I will be going to him so long as I live in Gainesville.
$ 99 is what I paid for the xrays, exam, and adjustment

After moving to Gainesville I wasn’t motivated to find a chiro because I knew my old one would be hard to beat. I tried Dr. J twice, initially because I had a headache from misaligned cervical spine and second because of a rib. I’ve tried about 8 chiros in my life and have seen one for 15 years so I know not only what makes a good chiro from a kook but also what I look for in a doctor. He’s not a kook but just not what I’m looking for.
Positives:
The staff stayed past their regular closing hours to see me after I got off work and I got a little goodie bag. He did adjust my neck which was way out and caused a lot of tension release. Overall he had good tips for day-​to-​day life but most were just reinforcing what I knew of previous chiro care, general knowledge of the body, and my own health history. The office staff is super friendly and helpful and the environment is pleasant, and Dr. J was personable and made me feel comfortable. They really do have a great facility. After my second visit I got a great upper back/​shoulder massage to help the effectiveness of my adjustment.
Negatives:
Dr. J took x-​rays to tell him and me what I already knew regarding the general status of my back and neck — yeah, it’s routine, but I still felt it was a little unnecessary and I asked if it was necessary and got the vibe that I had to do it. Anyway. I was told that insurance might cover treatment but they don’t until I hit my deductible, so oh well. However, in order to find this out I had to call back 3 times to get an answer, and this was several weeks after my original appointment. I pointed out a few things to the Dr. as to why I may be out of alignment that I’m not certain he would have known had I not mentioned it. The second time I went in I saw the other guy, who whip-​popped me into shape. I did like that he was very «manual» as I call it (less of this new agey gentle tool-​assisted stuff) but his adjustment ultimately did not help — the rib just went right out again. A regular visit is $ 80 and I was seen for all of 15 minutes that time, including the mini massage, so not only did it not help my sole complaint, but there just isn’t a lot of value in what you have to pay.
Ultimately:
He’s not as old-​fashioned as I would like and I’m not in need of fancy appointments that involve massages. While the first appointment fixed the ailment, the second one did not do anything, and it’s too expensive for what it ought to be for the time spent with a doctor. I would prefer someone with a little more attentiveness rather than a practice that seems to be an assembly line to get patients in and out of there. I have no doubt he helps some people out but Johnston just isn’t for me.

Best Chiropractor in town. I’ve been to about 20 different chiropractors in my life and this doctor is by far the best. The staff is always very friendly and welcoming. Plus the music is awesome!