Community Spotlight: Grace Chiropractic Center
In the small town of Cabot, Arkansas, Dr. Clay Gross has quietly become a beacon of hope and healing for many. His practice, Grace Chiropractic Center, is not just a business; it’s a testament to his life’s journey, his philosophy of care, and a tribute to his grandmother, Grace Golden.
The Roots of Grace
Gross’s story begins far from the walls of a chiropractic clinic. Growing up in Ward, Arkansas, he was surrounded by the values of hard work and community service. His grandmother was a revered school teacher in Cabot for over 40 years, and her legacy of care and dedication left a lasting impression on him. She was more than just a family matriarch; she was a community pillar whose influence extended far beyond her classroom. When Gross established his practice in 2006, naming it after her was both an honor and a mission statement.
“I’ve had lots of strangers stop and tell me, ‘Your grandmother paid for my lunch in elementary school,’” Gross recalled. “She would bring everybody home if she had to. I mean, she was a caretaker, and she was all about kids.”
The Path Less Traveled
Gross’s journey into chiropractic care was unconventional. Unlike many of his peers, he had never visited a chiropractor before he decided to look into it as a career. His initial foray into healthcare was as an escort in a hospital, where he observed the day-to-day realities of medical doctors and specialists. What he saw and heard from these professionals led him to question if this path was right for him.
“I went and talked to 10 or 12 medical doctors there and asked them what they liked most about their job, what they liked least about their job, and would they do it over again,” Gross explained. “None of them said they would do it over again. And that surprised me.”
His mother’s hurt shoulder led her to visit a chiropractor, which led Gross to speak with the chiropractor about his job. “I asked him what he liked most and least about his job, would he do it over again, and he said absolutely,” Gross said.
This led Gross to study chiropractic care at Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas, a field where practitioners spoke passionately about their work and the impact they had on patients’ lives. This discovery was a turning point, solidifying his decision to pursue it as a career.
Building a Practice, Building a Home
Grace Chiropractic Center is housed in a charming building on West Main Street in Cabot. This building, originally a house built in 1925, reflects the warmth and personalized care that Gross is known for. He chose this location deliberately, seeking to create a space where patients could feel comfortable and at home.
“We focus more on getting people results quicker instead of how many visits their insurance pays for,” Gross said. “We don’t schedule people weeks and weeks at a time. Physical therapy may sign some up for eight weeks, and if they’re not better, eight more weeks. We don’t know where you’re going to be in eight weeks. Evidently, they do, but I don’t.”
This approach has resonated with the community. Grace Chiropractic Center has become a haven for those seeking more than just quick fixes. Here, treatments are tailored to individual needs, emphasizing physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and preventive care. The decision to stop accepting insurance was a bold move that allowed Gross to provide the care he believed in, free from the constraints of insurance company dictates.
A Community of Care
Gross’s commitment to his patients is mirrored in his involvement in the community. From sponsoring local sports teams to participating in health fairs, Grace Chiropractic Center has been an integral part of Cabot’s social fabric. Gross is also a member of the Arkansas Chiropractic Association and the Christian Chiropractors Association, reflecting his dedication to both his profession and his faith.
The practice’s patient base is diverse, ranging from pregnant women and infants to athletes and seniors. Each visit is an opportunity to connect, understand, and help, embodying the holistic care that Gross champions.
Looking Forward
Gross’s vision for the future is clear: to continue providing exceptional care. His ultimate goal is to be able to provide his services for free, he said. His passion for chiropractic care is as strong as ever, driven by the joy of seeing his patients thrive.
“It’s not work when you enjoy it,” he said. “It’s just very satisfying, and if I wasn’t doing this, I don’t know what I would be doing.”
For those seeking a unique blend of expertise, compassion, and personalized care, Grace Chiropractic Center is more than just a chiropractic practice. It’s a place where the legacy of care continues to flourish, guided by the hands and heart of Clay Gross.
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