Not Just Any Physical Therapist – Understanding Osteopractic Therapy With Pittsburgh Osteopractic
Osteopractic therapy is an advanced form of physical therapy that focuses on treating neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Pittsburgh Osteopractic offers innovative treatments to help you feel better and improve your quality of life. Let’s explore what Pittsburgh Osteopractic can do for you.
What Makes Osteopractic Therapy Different from Traditional Physical Therapy?
Osteopractic therapy combines several manual techniques. These include dry needling, spinal adjustments, and soft tissue mobilization. Dry needling uses small needles to target painful knots in the muscles. Spinal adjustments help improve motion and reduce pain. Soft tissue mobilization breaks down scar tissue and promotes healing.
Traditional physical therapy often focuses on exercises and passive treatments. Osteopractic therapy, however, uses hands-on methods to treat specific areas of pain and dysfunction. This approach can lead to faster recovery and better outcomes.
The Role of a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists undergo extensive training. Often, they must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and pass a licensing exam. Specialized certifications, like those in osteopractic techniques, require additional education and practice.
Physical therapists use their skills to diagnose and treat various conditions. They create personalized treatment plans for each patient. This specialized care is crucial for managing neuromusculoskeletal problems effectively.
Dr. Scott Szelong’s Approach
Dr. Scott Szelong leads Pittsburgh Osteopractic. He has a strong background in physical therapy and osteopractic techniques. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Chatham University and holds multiple certifications.
Dr. Szelong believes in providing personalized, evidence-based treatments. He tailors each session to meet the patient’s needs and goals, and his approach ensures high-quality care and effective results.
Common Conditions That Can be Treated
Pittsburgh Osteopractic treats many common conditions. Here are some of the main conditions and how osteopractic therapy can help:
- Neck Pain and Headaches: Neck pain and headaches can result from poor posture, muscle strain, or injuries. Osteopractic therapy addresses these issues through techniques like spinal adjustments and dry needling. These treatments reduce muscle tension and improve alignment, which can alleviate pain and decrease the frequency of headaches.
- TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders cause pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles. This condition can result from teeth grinding, jaw injuries, or arthritis. Osteopractic therapy, including manual therapy and soft tissue mobilization, helps reduce jaw pain and improve function by targeting the muscles and joints involved.
- Shoulder Pain: Shoulder pain can stem from conditions like tendinitis, bursitis, or rotator cuff injuries. Osteopractic therapy uses techniques such as dry needling, cupping, and specific exercises to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and strengthen the shoulder muscles. This comprehensive approach helps restore normal shoulder function and relieve pain.
- Sports Injuries: Sports injuries, such as sprains, strains, and overuse injuries, are common among athletes. Osteopractic therapy focuses on promoting quick and effective recovery. Treatments like Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and targeted exercises help repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve strength and flexibility, enabling athletes to return to their sport safely.
- Back Pain: Back pain, including conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, and muscle spasms, can significantly affect daily life. Osteopractic therapy offers spinal adjustments, dry needling, and soft tissue mobilization to relieve pain and restore mobility. These treatments target the root causes of back pain, such as muscle imbalances and joint dysfunction, promoting long-term relief and better overall spinal health.
Osteopractic therapy can help manage these conditions by addressing the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction. This approach promotes healing and improves overall health by focusing on the whole body rather than just the symptoms. Through personalized care and advanced techniques, Pittsburgh Osteopractic helps patients achieve better physical well-being and a higher quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a session? Each session begins with a thorough examination. Dr. Szelong reviews your medical history and assesses your condition. The treatment plan may include dry needling, spinal adjustments, or soft tissue mobilization.- How long are the sessions? Initial visits last about 75 minutes. Follow-up visits are typically 60 minutes long. These sessions include both examination and treatment.
- Will I see the same therapist every time? Yes, you will see Dr. Szelong for each session. This consistency helps build a strong patient-therapist relationship and ensures continuity of care.
- Do I need a physician’s referral? In Pennsylvania, you do not need a physician’s referral for the first 30 days of treatment. If treatment extends beyond this period, a referral is required.
- What about insurance and Medicare coverage? Pittsburgh Osteopractic does not bill insurance directly. Patients can pay using cash, check, FSA/HSA, or credit cards. Medicare does not cover services provided by Pittsburgh Osteopractic. However, some non-covered services, like wellness and maintenance therapy, may be available.
Pricing and Payment Options
Pittsburgh Osteopractic’s pricing plans are straight forward and transparent. The initial visit costs $175 and lasts 75 minutes. This session includes a comprehensive examination and an abbreviated treatment. Follow-up visits are 60 minutes long and cost $150. Pittsburgh Osteopractic accepts cash, checks, FSA/HSA, and major credit cards for payment.
Service Areas
Pittsburgh Osteopractic serves several areas, including but not limited to:
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Upper St Clair, PA
- Wexford, PA
- Franklin Park, PA
- Ross Township, PA
- McCandless, PA
- Canonsburg, PA
- Cranberry Township, PA
These locations ensure that many patients can access high-quality osteopractic therapy.
Be Proactive About Your Pain Today
Choosing Pittsburgh Osteopractic means opting for advanced, personalized care. Dr. Scott Szelong’s expertise in osteopractic therapy can help manage and treat various neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The convenience of in-home visits ensures comfort and individualized attention. Schedule a consultation today to experience the benefits of osteopractic therapy.