What is an Osteopathic Physician (DO)?
- I am a fully licensed osteopathic physician providing comprehensive osteopathic medical care.
- The initials "DO" stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. As an osteopathic physician, my medical education and training are all that an MD is required to obtain, plus an additional thousand hours of training in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. The DO behind my name (rather than MD) allows a patient to know that I have completed this additional training.
- The philosophical basis from which I practice is broader. I approach you from the core perspective that your body possesses an innate ability to heal itself.
- When illness occurs, this self-righting mechanism becomes impaired.
- The goal is to treat in the total context of your life and health status and restore your structural and functional relationships to health.
- My treatment recommendations may include exercise, dietary counseling, stress management, prescription medications, and supplements. In addition, it may be appropriate to encourage the self-righting mechanisms of the body with osteopathic manipulation.
- Chronic pain, work, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, stress or trauma, pregnancy discomfort, and certain chronic disease situations are common problems where osteopathic manipulative treatment can help.
What do I bring to my first appointment?
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Please make sure to bring the following:
- Insurance card or billing information.
- If you have a work injury - please bring required forms and prior x-rays if available.
- Completed patient intake forms and registration paperwork.
- Be prepared to make a co-payment or payment in full at time of visit, depending on your insurance status.
- If you are coming in for an Osteopathic medicine appointment, please bring or wear comfortable appropriate clothing such as sweat pants. Denim jeans may interfere with accurate range of motion testing and osteopathic manipulative treatment.
What should I expect after my appointment?
- WALK - After each treatment it is a good idea to walk for 5-10 minutes before getting in your car. Walking will help your body settle into its new balance. Traffic can be stressful, and depending upon your particular situation, may cause your tissues to tighten up again....so take the time to walk first.
- REST - Although you may feel great (perhaps better than you have felt for years), your body remains in a vulnerable state for several hours. You may feel you can do anything. DO NOT! Let your body rest and heal. Though your body has been restored to a more normal state of functioning, it has not yet healed. Healing takes time. Treat your body with respect. Avoid any strenuous activity, especially sudden jolting movements, for one or two days after each treatment.
- DRINK WATER - Drink plenty of water for one to two days following your treatment. Some patients have reported feeling severely fatigued. As your tissues free up, previously trapped metabolites may be released into your bloodstream. It is a good idea to flush them out.
- YOU MAY FEEL SORE - Depending upon your particular problems, you may feel some soreness initially. This is a common, though not an essential, response and means your body is adjusting. If, however, it lasts for more than a few days, please call our office.
- AVOID OVER-TREATMENT - Too much treatment in too short an interval can be over-stimulating. As a general rule of thumb, I recommend not scheduling acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, or other types of physical treatment for four days or so after each treatment.
I need to refill my prescription?
- Prescriptions are confirmed by our office from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Wednesday.
- No prescriptions will be refilled on weekends, so please plan ahead.
What about billing?
- As a convenience to you, we will bill your insurance company and collect from them.
- Any portion not covered by your insurance will be billed to you. Your insurance plan and benefits are between you and your insurance company and you are ultimately responsible for the bill.
