Unlocking the Benefits of an Osteopractor with Pittsburgh Osteopractic
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining optimal health and well-being can often feel like a daunting challenge. However, with the right guidance and care, achieving and maintaining peak physical condition is within reach. Pittsburgh Osteopractic is committed to providing personalized, premium care in the comfort of your home. With a focus on one-on-one attention, our services stand out for their effectiveness and dedication to patient satisfaction.
What is an Osteopractor?
An osteopractor is a highly trained healthcare professional specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Unlike traditional physical therapists, osteopractors combine advanced techniques such as dry needling, spinal manipulative therapy, and cupping with evidence-based practices to provide comprehensive care. At Pittsburgh Osteopractic, our team, led by Dr. Scott Szelong, utilizes these advanced methods to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Dr. Scott Szelong: A Leader in Osteopractic Care
Dr. Scott Szelong, the driving force behind Pittsburgh Osteopractic, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field. Born and raised in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Dr. Szelong’s journey into healthcare began with his involvement in sports, particularly football and baseball. This passion led him to Hofstra University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. He continued his education at Chatham University, obtaining a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Dr. Szelong’s commitment to excellence is evident in his extensive certifications, including:
- Board Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialist (OCS) – ABPTS
- Diploma of Osteopractic – AAMT
- Certification in Dry Needling (Cert. DN) – AAMT
- Certification in Spinal Manipulative Therapist (Cert. SMT) – AAMT
- Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT) – Nxt Gen Institute
With dual physical therapy licenses in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Dr. Szelong is dedicated to providing top-tier care to his patients. His expertise and credentials ensure that you receive the highest standard of treatment tailored to your specific needs.
Comprehensive Osteopractic Treatments
Pittsburgh Osteopractic offers a range of advanced treatments designed to address various neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Our approach is rooted in three pillars: patient expectation, best available evidence, and clinician experience. Here are some of the key treatments we provide:
Dry Needling and Electro Dry Needling (EDN)
Dry needling involves the insertion of small filament needles into myofascial trigger points, tendons, ligaments, or near bones or nerves to stimulate a healing response. This modern, science-based intervention is highly effective for treating neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, dry needling is grounded in Western medical research and principles.
Dry needling works by targeting trigger points—tight, painful knots in the muscles—releasing tension and promoting healing. Electro dry needling (EDN) adds a mild electrical current to enhance the effects of the treatment, increasing circulation and reducing pain more effectively.
Spinal and Extremity Manipulative Therapy (SMT/EMT)
Spinal manipulative therapy, often referred to as spinal adjustments, helps reduce pain, improve motion, increase muscle strength, and restore normal activities. At Pittsburgh Osteopractic, we use a variety of techniques tailored to each patient’s specific needs, ensuring safe and effective outcomes.
SMT involves precise movements to the spine and other joints, correcting misalignments and improving overall function. This therapy can provide relief for conditions such as sciatica, neck pain, and chronic back pain, allowing patients to return to their daily activities with less discomfort.
Cupping
Cupping is a unique approach to soft tissue mobilization that creates an upward decompressive force on the skin, tissue, and muscles. This method contrasts with traditional massage, which uses compressive or translatory forces. Cupping can be performed statically or dynamically, depending on the patient’s condition and treatment goals.
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which increases blood flow and promotes healing. This technique is effective for reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and alleviating pain. Dynamic cupping, where the cups are moved around or the patient performs specific movements while the cups are in place, can enhance the therapeutic effects.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
IASTM is a technique that uses specialized tools made of plastic or metal to perform targeted massage and mobilization. This method is particularly effective for treating conditions such as muscle strains, ligament sprains, tendinopathies, and breaking down scar tissue adhesions.
IASTM tools allow for precise application of pressure to affected areas, helping to break down adhesions and improve tissue mobility. This technique can accelerate recovery from injuries, reduce pain, and restore normal function to muscles and joints.
Blood Flow Restriction Therapy
Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy involves the use of cuffs or bands to partially restrict blood flow to a limb during exercise. This technique allows patients to achieve significant strength and muscle gains with lower intensity exercise, reducing the risk of injury. BFR therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from surgery or those with limited mobility.
Flexibility and Mobility Exercise
Flexibility and mobility exercises are essential components of our treatment plans. These exercises help improve range of motion, reduce stiffness, and enhance overall function. Our personalized exercise programs are designed to address specific needs and goals, promoting long-term health and well-being.
Neuromuscular Re-education
Neuromuscular re-education focuses on retraining the nervous system to improve muscle function and coordination. This therapy is crucial for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries, as it helps restore normal movement patterns and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Corrective and Therapeutic Strengthening Exercise
Strengthening exercises are a fundamental part of our approach to rehabilitation. These exercises are tailored to each patient’s condition and goals, helping to build strength, improve stability, and prevent future injuries. Our therapists provide guidance and support to ensure exercises are performed correctly and effectively.
Conditions Treated
At Pittsburgh Osteopractic, we treat a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Soft tissue and muscular injuries such as strains and tears
- Neck pain and headaches, including whiplash and migraines
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ/D)
- Shoulder pain, including tendinopathy, bursitis, and impingement syndrome
- Elbow pain, such as medial and lateral epicondylalgia (golfer’s and tennis elbow)
- Mid and low back pain, including sciatica, rib dysfunction, and scoliosis
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJ) and piriformis syndrome
- Hip pain, including trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendinopathies
- Knee pain, including osteoarthritis and patellofemoral syndrome (PFPS)
- Ankle and foot pain, such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy
- Post-surgical rehabilitation for acute, sub-acute, and chronic pain
- Sports and running-related injuries
- Balance issues and fall risk
- Postural training and ergonomic assessment
Fitness and Wellness Services
In addition to physical therapy, Pittsburgh Osteopractic offers comprehensive fitness and wellness services designed to help you maintain your health and prevent injuries. Our services include exercise programming, functional movement screening, and injury prevention strategies.
Exercise programming involves creating personalized exercise plans that address your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re looking to improve general fitness, recover from an injury, or enhance athletic performance, our tailored programs can help you achieve your objectives.
Functional movement screening assesses your movement patterns to identify any imbalances or dysfunctions that may increase your risk of injury. By addressing these issues, we can help you move more efficiently and reduce the likelihood of future injuries.
Injury prevention strategies are essential for maintaining long-term health and well-being. Our therapists provide education and guidance on proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and exercise techniques to help you stay active and injury-free.
Why Choose Pittsburgh Osteopractic?
Choosing Pittsburgh Osteopractic means opting for a team dedicated to your well-being. Our commitment to providing the highest quality of care in your home ensures that you receive personalized attention tailored to your unique needs. With our evidence-based approach and the expertise of Dr. Scott Szelong, you can trust that you are in capable hands.
We understand that every patient is different, and we take the time to develop individualized treatment plans that address your specific concerns and goals. Our focus on patient expectation, best available evidence, and clinician experience ensures that you receive the most effective and appropriate care for your condition.
Contact Pittsburgh Osteopractic
Are you ready to experience the benefits of personalized, in-home osteopractic care? Contact Pittsburgh Osteopractic today to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward optimal health and well-being. Let us provide the quality of care you deserve in the comfort of your home.