Dr. Leifheit's practice involves exclusively osteopathic evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.
Such conditions include "joint pain", sports- related injuries, and degenerative disc and joint disease of the spine and pelvis. Consultation usually is motivated on account of pain, though some conditions may be treatable before pain becomes a factor.
Osteopathic medicine (OM) is a philosophy of medicine which holds that a person's general health is enhanced when the muscles, joints, skeleton, and nervous system function optimally.
Treatment usually involves osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) by Dr. Leifheit in combina-tion with specific stretching postures done by the patient. Treatment may necessitate referral to a physical therapist, massage practitioner, or other health professional.
If you have a chronic problem, treatment may include addressing conditions of the pelvis and lower extremities using various types of orthot¬ics. Orthotics can be designed to address an individual's specific condition that contributes to joint pain and, when prescribed, should be used consistently.
Treatment may involve drug therapy to address arthritis, disc pain, or muscle contracture. As this approach generally treats symptoms, Dr. Leifheit will prescribe such drugs for only a limited period of time, while other treatment methods take effect.
If you have a severe arthritis or disc problem, injections (of anti-inflammatory medication) may be helpful in managing your pain. Referral to other physician specialists for such treatment will be arranged.
Your chances of attaining pain-free posture are increased when you are physically fit. Abdominal and trunk muscle conditioning is critical to obtaining an optimal response to any treatment.
A much better response occurs when the patient is conscientiously involved in their treatment program.
TEACHING AS A PHYSICIAN SERVICE:
Learning about your condition is a very important part of a visit to the doctor. Dr. Leifheit is committed to spending time to explain your condition or problem and the necessary steps and/or choices to treat it. For conditions that cannot be cured or resolved, methods will be described to lessen your pain, increase mobility, and enhance your quality of life. |
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