Back-to-back-to-back: R.I. Chiropractic enters third generation of care

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This Father’s Day will be a significant one for Dr. Joseph Lancellotti of R.I. Chiropractic Pain Control Clinic in Johnston.

Lancellotti will celebrate his regular traditions with his kids, such as playing golf in the morning and cherishing their time together. However, this year is different, as Lancellotti is welcoming his son, Dr. Josh Lancellotti, and his fiancée, Dr. Julie Lockwood, into the practice at 1524 Atwood Ave.

Dr. Joe, as he is affectionately known, said it is a “very, very heartwarming experience” to be able to continue the business into its third generation. His father began the practice in the early ’50s, and he said he would be proud to know that his grandson will carry on the family legacy.

“To be a good chiropractor, you’ve got to think mechanically because we deal with the biomechanics of the body and the function of the spine. So it’s good to have that kind of mindset and Julie and Josh have that mindset as well,” Dr. Joe said. “That’s something he gave to me – analyzing and taking apart and putting back together, whether it was an invention he had or the human body.”

Dr. Josh said it is a surreal experience. He told the Sun Rise over the phone Monday that he never would have imagined 10 years ago the prospect of being able to start a new job alongside his fiancée. Dr. Josh and Dr. Lockwood both graduated from the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic. Dr. Lockwood was valedictorian of her class, while Dr. Josh earned cum laude honors.

They will have several mentors at their disposal, too. Dr. Joe’s sister and partner, Dr. Michele Lancellotti, operates out of the East Providence and Central Falls offices. Dr. Joe said that his brother and a couple of cousins also went to chiropractic school.

“I really just want to learn from him and how balances life and work, how he’s able to come in ready to help people every day,” Dr. Josh said. “We all have those days where we’re not 100 percent motivated or focused, but you have to be able to give all that time and energy to the patients.”

Dr. Lockwood was especially delighted to have a female mentor in Dr. Michele. She said it’s a male-dominated field, and she has never had a resource like Dr. Michele in her previous jobs in Connecticut and New Jersey.

“It’s exciting,” Dr. Lockwood said. “And I know that I can speak for Josh that he’s very excited to work with his dad, to work as part of this company, of this practice that his grandpa built. We both feel very lucky and honored to be able to work with them in an office that’s so respected throughout the community and that’s had such a great name for so long.”

Dr. Joe’s father – the one who started it all – was “old school” and tough, but fair and had a certain way of going about his business. He attended the National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, Illinois, after returning from World War II.

When he started out, he would see patients during the day and work nights at the Narragansett Brewery. Now, Dr. Josh and Dr. Lockwood look to bring that same work ethic and energy to the family business. Dr. Joe said he is thrilled to see what new information and techniques the two of them can bring to the practice as well.

“I’m so happy,” Dr. Joe said. “I can’t tell you how happy I am, and proud of him and his accomplishments and Julie’s accomplishments. It’s nice to know what I’ve been working on for 37 years and the relationships I’ve built with patients will continue for the future and for another generation and a whole new set of patients will get excellent care.”

Dr. Joe said he has a few pieces of advice for his son and Dr. Lockwood as they embark on R.I. Chiropractic’s third generation of care. He encouraged them to attend seminars and continue to learn new techniques. He said his father knew five or six techniques, while he knows four.

His father never stopped thinking and creating, and he even had a few patents to show for it. He made a T-shaped instrument to work on patients’ backs, and even invented a body and foot massager made of golf balls called the Stroker.

His father passed away in 2005, but his memory remains strong in the relics and photographs around Dr. Joe’s office.

“He developed a tremendous reputation as a fantastic chiropractor, known throughout the country and New England,” Dr. Joe said of his father. “He was really, really good. Very energetic, firm believer.”

Dr. Joe also said that the two newest members of the team always have to remember to put the patients first as well. His dad operated the same way.

“Treat your patients with respect and honor them,” Dr. Joe said. “You’re there for them, to help them out. That’s very important. You don’t want to lose sight of that – to be open and honest, to be available. Even if it’s lunchtime, people walk in and I treat them. I might be having lunch, [I’ll say], ‘Come on in. Don’t come back again, get on the table.’ My dad was like that.”

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