We were lucky to catch up with Ravyn Cotton recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ravyn, thanks for joining us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?
As a chiropractor, I often meet patients who desperately need regular care but struggle to afford it, juggling their living expenses and the cost of treatment. One day, I had an encounter that really highlighted this challenge. I was at the gym in my townhomes, working out like usual, when I noticed a woman, probably in her mid-70s, trying to get through her routine. She was determined but clearly in pain, especially with her shoulder. For about 10 minutes, I watched her perform the same exercise, because she couldn’t perform any other shoulder movements without excruciating pain.
I couldn’t just stand by anymore, so I walked over and gently asked if she needed help. That’s when she opened up to me. She was 75 years old, living on a fixed income and without a car. She worked only two days a week and had been dealing with excruciating shoulder pain for months. She explained that she had seen a chiropractor before, and the care helped, but the cost of continued treatment was simply more than she could afford. Her budget barely stretched to cover rent, utilities, and groceries, let alone medical care.
Her story really resonated with me as both of my grandparents are also on a fixed income and deal with their own ailments. Here was a woman, doing her best to stay active and take care of her body, but limited by financial circumstances. As a chiropractor, I knew I could help her. I also knew my office was too far—about 40 minutes from our townhomes—and that getting there without a car would be another burden for her.
Right then, I made a decision. I offered to treat her regularly right there, in our home gym. It wouldn’t be about the money; it would be about her well-being. For me, patient-centered care is about meeting people where they are, literally and figuratively. It’s about making sure they get the treatment they need, regardless of their ability to pay for it. This was more than just a patient; she became like an abuela to me, and serving her filled me with a sense of purpose.
Helping her with her shoulder pain, week after week, made me realize that caring for people isn’t just about having them walk into a clinic. It’s about seeing their struggle and meeting them halfway, even if it means adjusting your approach to their specific needs. Her shoulder improved over time, but the joy in her eyes when she could move without pain again was worth more than any payment I could have received.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Dr. Ravyn Cotton founded Iasoto Chiropractic Wellness Center because, during her time as a student and prior to graduating, she noticed gaps in the chiropractic profession, particularly in the integration of rehabilitation and long-term patient care. Many practices focused solely on adjustments without addressing the full spectrum of recovery, wellness, and preventative care. Dr. Cotton saw the need for a more comprehensive, multimodal approach that not only provided immediate relief but also focused on the active rehabilitation of patients to ensure sustainable health outcomes.
She envisioned a practice where chiropractic care would extend beyond adjustments, incorporating techniques like dry needling, soft tissue work, and active rehabilitation. This vision motivated her to create a patient-centered wellness center that prioritizes the long-term well-being of each individual, especially in underserved areas like DeSoto, TX. By filling this gap, Dr. Cotton aimed to elevate the standard of chiropractic care, emphasizing holistic healing and recovery for lasting results.
Iasoto Chiropractic Wellness Center was opened in DeSoto, TX, because Dr. Cotton recognized the city’s dynamic growth and its commitment to the success of its community members. She chose the name “Iasoto” from the Greek term used in the bible meaning “healed” or “cured” . DeSoto is a thriving and diverse city with promising potential, and Dr. Cotton wanted to contribute to its flourishing future by offering quality, multimodal chiropractic care. Her mission is to provide patient-centered services that emphasize rehabilitation and long-term well-being, reflecting her passion for helping individuals maintain active, healthy lives.
Additionally, the decision to open in DeSoto holds a deeper significance for Dr. Cotton, as it’s a community that has poured into her and one she is proud to partner with as it continues to thrive. She aims to set a standard of excellence in healthcare and contribute to the city’s growing infrastructure.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Dr. Ravyn Cotton had to unlearn the practice of rushing through appointments and spending minimal time with patients—a behavior she observed while shadowing many doctors in the field, though it was not something she was taught during her formal education. She realized that this approach did not align with her vision of patient care. Instead, she wanted to offer a more thorough, thoughtful, and patient-centered experience at Iasoto Chiropractic Wellness Center, where every patient receives the time and attention needed for comprehensive care and long-term healing.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
If Dr. Ravyn Cotton had to choose the chiropractic profession again, she absolutely would. One of the most fulfilling aspects of her work is the ability to tailor care to each specific patient, ensuring individualized treatment plans that address their unique needs. The wide scope of chiropractic practice, with its many specialties, has allowed her to focus on pre/postnatal care, geriatric care and sports rehab, are a few of the areas that have been particularly rewarding for her both professionally and personally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iasotochiropractic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iasotochiropractic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Iasoto-Chiropractic-Wellness-Center/61554393527340/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ravyn-cotton-737338b6/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/IasotoChiropractic?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5c216c59-ea1c-4743-9f3d-e375bb36059b
Image Credits
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