Chiropractor shows her community spirit
She is a 12th generation Floridian who loves helping others, being involved in community
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Friday, Dec. 8, 2006  |
PINELLAS PARK – Dr. Anna L. Laurance is a 12th generation Floridian and a chiropractor who goes the extra mile for her patients.
Laurance, along with her office manager and best friend, Arizona-born Julie Mann, operates the decade-old Chiropractic in the Park at 8695 66th St. that provides chiropractic services, exercise rehabilitation, physical and massage therapy.
Laurance is proud of her Florida heritage. Her great-grandfather, Joel McMullen, launched a newspaper more than a century ago that became today’s St. Petersburg Times. Her grandfather, Don Judkins, was Largo’s mayor, and a sister, Mary, was a city commissioner.
In 1978, Laurance was part of Pinellas Park High School’s first graduating class. She earned degrees at Samford University of Alabama, the University of Arkansas and Palmer College in Iowa.
With exactly 2,654 patients, according to manager Mann, the practice caters to people of all ages.
“They include young children to my 96-year-old grandmother,” Laurance said. “I try to be more personal with my patients and not be a run-in-and-out operation.”
Laurance has been known to drive patients home after dark to ensure their safety. Just recently she provided turkeys and food to needy people. A portion of her medical fees from schools is returned for various programs. She also supplies local police with stuffed bears that they give to children.
“My family has been in Pinellas County many years,” she said, “so I feel a need to give back to my community.”
Most people arrive with back and neck pains or with injuries suffered in auto accidents, falls and even bicycle mishaps.
Specialized medical tables, electronic equipment and even weights are used to treat patients who must provide a detailed written report regarding their medical and personal history and the nature of their complaint or injury.
Laurance even refers patients to medical doctors or specialists. Once she discovered through her own X-rays that a patient had cancer.
Some injuries are treated quickly while others take longer. Massage therapy is provided by Chuck Walker.
“One police officer,” Laurance said, “was so thrilled to be pain free that he actually did a dance in the lobby.”
Most major insurance carriers are accepted, but the fees are low enough to make them affordable for everyone.
Making an appointment by calling 547-8615 is easy.
“We are here for the people,” Laurance said, “and we are just a telephone call away.”
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Article published on Friday, Dec. 8, 2006
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