Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Coco Rowlette.
Dr. Rowlette, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Although I wanted to be a chiropractor when I was a kid, I had no reason to give. My family didn’t go to a chiropractor, and I did not understand what it is a chiropractor does. I made it nearly all the way through college at The University of Michigan as a Women’s Studies and Poetry major before chiropractic came back to me. In the middle of the winter, I came down with a nasty 3-month case of pneumonia that I had to factor in while at school and working. I was devastated physically, emotionally, and monetarily by the medical model before seeking the help of a chiropractor after excessive coughing misaligned (subluxated) by ribs causing sharp and constant chest pain. After the first visit, not only was my chest pain gone, but I found something I needed more hope. In the following 2 weeks, my chiropractor surprised me by being a doctor that actually cared. He looked at my body as a whole, rather than a walking and talking case of pneumonia. With adjustments and nutritional counseling, I finally began to remember what it felt like to breathe and sleep through the night. My path back to health sparked my journey to become a chiropractor, as I wanted to be that hope for people who have never been educated about their body, for people who have been diagnosed and forgotten. I made my way to Georgia for chiropractic school at Life University in Marietta and began a new life with my husband in Atlanta. I’m honored to serve this community, and I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Becoming a chiropractor is a harrowing experience. After undergraduate studies and additional prerequisite classes, I was launched into a year-round quarter system, with about 12 classes per quarter, for 3.5 years. During this time, it is nearly impossible to focus on anything but science. My brain became a vessel for Embryology, Biochemistry, Spinal Biomechanics, X-ray Physics, Clinical diagnosis, etc., which left little room for self-care, relationships, sleep, food, and sanity. I would wake up at 2 AM often panicking about projects or the 8+ finals I had in the next week alone. Later in the program, students start managing patients at various clinics in addition to the heavy course load. Unlike medical doctors who are often placed at certain hospitals, doctors of chiropractic must seek their own opportunities, many becoming business owners right out of school.
To women beginning their career journey in general, I say be bold. Identify and work on your weaknesses while exploring and openly sharing your strengths. It is not enough to have confidence, you must back it up with knowledge. Identify why you have started this journey, and keep that fantasy alive. Above all, be your own biggest fan and protector-check in with your self-doubts and reward your accomplishments, you deserve it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Coven Chiropractic (within Phoenix Wellness Center) – what should we know?
As a chiropractor, my goal is to identify and remove subluxations in the spine and extremities. A subluxation (less than dislocation) is a misalignment, which creates a less than optimal environment for the nervous system to function properly. Every function in the body is governed by the nervous system. The chiropractic philosophy states that the body is a self-healing system when free of interference. Interference causes pain and disease, and this is what the chiropractor is seeking – the cause of a problem. The goal is not to cover up the symptoms, which does nothing to heal the patient.
While some chiropractors remain philosophical purists (which is awesome), I enjoy learning about the patient’s past traumas, present issues, and future goals in relation to their physical and mental health. With this knowledge, I can create a realistic care plan including nutritional counseling and exercise suggestions. I also incorporate soft tissue management (particularly cupping) to help the patients hold their adjustments longer.
A chiropractic office may bring forth thoughts of a gray sterile space in a strip mall with a sign that only says CHIROPRACTOR, but I could not bear the thought of opening a practice anything like what I’ve seen before. I once heard a chiropractor say the office should look serious and without bright colors so that it’s not uncomfortable to give patients bad news. I thought this was horrible advice. The world can so easily seem like a gray and ugly place, why not create a positive space filled with light, levity, and love. I am thrilled to be included in the Phoenix Wellness Center (Little Five Points), a new business dedicated to positivity and inclusivity, especially for women and the LGBTQ community.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I believe women make the best chiropractors. The most impactful adjustments I’ve received have been from women using expertise, precision, skill, and speed, rather than brute force. The loving and intuitive touch of a woman puts me at ease, which is crucial when you’re putting your health in the hands of someone else, literally. I am constantly in awe of the women and doctors I’ve gotten to know through this profession, and their ability to not only carve out a path for themselves but light the way for those coming after.
Pricing:
- Initial Visit (health history, physical exam, treatment if applicable) : $100
- Chiropractic Adjustment: $50
- Cupping: $35
- Adjustment + Cupping: $75
Contact Info:
- Address: 483 Moreland Ave NE #1, Atlanta, GA 30307
- Website: drcocorowlette.com, phoenixwellnessatl.com
- Phone: (470) 440-5545
- Email: drcocorowlette@gmail.com
- Instagram: @coven_chiropractic, @phoenixwellnessatl
Image Credit:
Greta High
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