Treatment

First appointments are 1 hour 30 minutes, follow-up appointments are 1 hour.

Clothing/attire: We request that you wear comfortable, loose clothing for your appointments, as you stay fully clothed during treatment, except for your shoes. Please avoid wearing tight clothes, tight jeans, skirts, hooded tops, etc.

Strong fragrances: Please do not wear any strong fragrances, perfumes, essential oils, or engage in recent cigarette smoking, as other patients are sensitive and allergic to strong odors.

For 2 days after a treatment, we ask that you refrain from any very strenuous activity. Treatment starts a process of change in your body and tissues, and that process continues more actively for about 24 to 48 hours.  Any very strenuous activity can tend to interrupt the response, and you will get the most benefit by allowing your body and tissues a time of relative rest. Talk with Dr. Spector for any questions about your individual situation.

Other treatments: We ask that you refrain from receiving other therapeutic treatments, such as physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, etc., for at least 48 hours after a treatment. Talk with Dr. Spector for any questions about your individual situation.

Paperwork: For your first visit you will need to fill out paperwork online and submit prior to your appointment see New Patient Forms. Submit by email copies of pertinent medical reports, including X-ray, MRI or other imaging tests results, other test results, operative reports, etc.

First visits last 1 hour 30 minutes.

Before treatment can begin, a thorough medical history is obtained, which may include questions about:

• Birth

• Injuries and traumas

• Large singular impacts or strains

• Multiple small impacts or strains

• Illnesses, including inflammatory disease processes and prolonged high fevers

• Surgeries and residual scar tissue (adhesions)

• Dental History and Procedures

Dr. Spector is interested in understanding what you have been through and your body’s response and adaptation to adverse influences. Both trauma and illness can disturb the tissues and alter function. If left untreated, sometimes altered tissue function can remain present throughout a person’s life, long after the disruptive influence has passed. In osteopathic treatment, your structural dynamics are perceived, and can often be linked to your presenting complaint and trauma history. A “cause and effect” relationship frequently emerges, and is an essential component of osteopathic diagnosis. Patients are frequently relieved to know that their symptoms make sense.

After history-taking, pertinent physical and osteopathic structural and functional exams are given while you are standing, seated and mostly while lying down. The osteopathic exam involves a gentle touch, with Dr. Spector placing her hands underneath or over some part of the body. Tissue motion and function are evaluated; the quality of motion, its balance and organization are noted.

Treatment is usually performed with you lying down. You stay fully clothed except for your shoes, so wear comfortable clothing as mentioned under General Office Information. At times you may be asked to change positions or to participate in some way in the treatment process. Accommodations are always made to make you as comfortable as possible.

During Your Treatment:

During treatment, Dr. Spector is constantly having a “conversation” with your body with her hands, and treatment and assessment/re-assessment is an ongoing, interactive process during your treatment time. She utilizes your body’s own inherent mechanisms to initiate a therapeutic process of change. This is quite different from other methods of hands-on work, where forces are initiated from outside you, to attempt to create a desired change. It is why osteopathy is gentle yet highly effective – your body is doing the work in a way that is harmonious with its needs and abilities, with Dr. Spector’s skilled assistance.

Treatment is typically very gentle and relaxing. Each patient’s experience is unique. Some patients sense only a gentle touch, some feel a shifting and releasing of tissues and fluids, while others feel their body change immediately. Some patients simply feel a deep sense of relaxation (sometimes even falling asleep), and others feel nothing at all. Though treatment is very gentle, patients can occasionally experience some temporary discomfort during certain stages of the treatment. This is simply a part of the healing process and as treatment progresses, the discomfort subsides.

In fact, most patients don’t feel like much is happening during an osteopathic treatment, except for a sense of relaxation, as it seems like Dr. Spector is “just holding” areas of your body. At times she may reposition you or use gentle pressure or movement of parts. Almost always, patients are pleasantly surprised at how much benefit they get from a treatment that seems so gentle. The patient’s perceptions during treatment do not necessarily equate with the treatment response.

Dr. Spector utilizes a variety of osteopathic methods. A primary focus will be on your body’s Primary Respiratory Mechanism, which was discovered, understood and taught within the osteopathic profession by physician William Garner Sutherland DO, founder of Cranial Osteopathy (see Cranial Osteopathy). This mechanism of subtle motion exists in every cell and tissue of your body and is your body’s natural striving for health and normal function. Percussion osteopathy, developed by Robert Fulford, DO (one of Dr. Spector’s teachers), and fascial release osteopathy are other common methods used. Muscle energy, counterstrain, lymphatic mobility, gentle thrust approaches and other osteopathic procedures may be used as indicated. Dr. Spector often engages with your vasculature (heart, arteries, veins and lymphatics) to restore a primary aspect of healthy function. All of these are performed with very little force.

Whatever osteopathic methods are used, the principles upon which the treatment is based do not change. Dr. Spector works to support your innate ability for healthy change to occur. During treatment, tissues are supported in a particular osteopathic way that allows them to shift and change, often quite dramatically, and as a deep therapeutic process is initiated, healthy function is restored.

Because the osteopathic perspective recognizes the continuity, connections and interrelationships between tissues, fluids, organs and systems in your body, head to toe, Dr. Spector will assess and treat you as a whole, regardless of your complaints. So she may contact areas of your body that you do not associate with your pain, injury or symptoms, including your feet, your tailbone, your head, your abdomen, etc. At times she may pay particular attention to your head, since the brain and nervous system and related tissues are a primary source of directive function for the whole body.

After Your Treatment:

Patients vary in their response after osteopathic treatment. Most people feel very relaxed. Osteopathic treatment initiates a process of change which continues on more actively for about 24 to 48 hours. This is the body’s way of completing a therapeutic process. During those first couple days, some people feel relief immediately, some feel a gradual improvement over a few days to a week, and some may have a temporary time where they feel tired, achy, and perhaps their symptoms temporarily become more prominent. If you have such a response, know that it is normal, a good sign, almost always temporary, and you usually don’t need to do anything unusual to “treat” this, other than the obvious general things to make yourself comfortable (e.g. rest, heat or ice, gentle stretching, medications you might normally use). If this occurs it is almost always a temporary response, and as it subsides and goes away, usually within the first couple hours or days, you will improve and begin to feel much better overall.  Rarely are there exceptions to this normal response, but if you have any concerns, please call Dr. Spector’s office.

It is always advised to take it easy and not plan or do any very strenuous activities during the first 24 to 48 hours after a treatment. Get adequate rest, limit high impact or intense physical activities, avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine and keep hydrated. Because your tissues are in a state of flux during this time, challenging your body may cause tissue patterns to return to their state before treatment. You will get the most benefit by allowing your body and tissues a time of relative rest. Gentle walking and stretching are good. Speak with Dr. Spector about your individual situation for more specific recommendations.

We ask that you refrain from receiving other therapeutic treatments, such as physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, etc. for at least 48 hours after a treatment. This allows your system adequate time to fully respond to each treatment without interrupting the process or overwhelming your system. Feel free to talk with Dr. Spector about your individual situation, as her recommendations about this vary with the individual.

How Many Treatments Will I Need and How Long Does It Take To See Results?

The number of treatments needed and the extent of improvement possible depend on many factors, the most important being the body's inherent vitality (ability to heal), the severity of and the duration of the problem. Some conditions will respond immediately, some require a series of treatments.

Most patients notice a beneficial effect within the first 3-5 treatments, and typically within the first 1-3 treatments. If there is no change noticed by the 5th treatment, unless Dr. Spector notices a significant improvement on her exam and evaluation and concludes you may need a bit more treatment for you to feel the difference, she will usually work with you to identify other options or treatment plans.

Your Complete Treatment Program

Osteopathic care is part of a complete treatment program, and Dr. Spector will often recommend and/or collaborate with other members of your health care team (other physicians, as well as physical therapists, acupuncturists, counselors, etc.) as needed. She may also recommend other modalities, such as therapeutic exercises, homeopathic medicine or general dietary or medication changes, as part of your overall treatment plan.

Osteopathic physicians are trained with a full medical understanding of your whole body and its functions, interrelationships of all systems and dysfunctions in disease. We are also trained to understand the necessity and characteristics of healthy motion in cells, tissues, fluids and organs in order to have good healthy function. There are many types of motion in your body, both external and voluntary (e.g., moving your arms, legs, spine etc. freely and easily) and internal and often involuntary and subtle (e.g., primary respiratory mechanism of motion in all cells and tissues, movements of the nervous system, of organs like your heart, lungs, stomach, bladder, of fluids and lymphatics, etc.) Then we are trained to apply all this knowledge in treating the body with our hands in a unique osteopathic way.

Therefore, as physicians we treat most all medical complaints with osteopathic manual medicine. Dr. Spector treats all ages, from newborns on up to people in their older years. Many problems respond especially well to these treatments when inherent motion, function and vitality are restored. Dr. Spector has helped many people who have not responded to conventional medical, surgical or other therapeutic treatments, or for whom other physicians and health care practitioners have not had an answer.

See Patient Testimonials section for some patient stories and examples. 

Below is a list of problems that have been helped, but it is not a complete list, followed by brief descriptions of 4 particular problem areas that are especially responsive to osteopathic treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Spector’s office if you have questions about the appropriateness of seeking care for your particular problem.  

Osteopathic treatment addresses each individual’s unique structure and vitality, which may vary among patients with the same diagnosis. You are understood and treated individually rather than given a predicted treatment based on a medical diagnosis alone. We can answer general questions about your problem, but more definitive answers are revealed as you are seen, examined and treated.

COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED:

Cardiovascular:

·        Certain Arrythmias

·        Circulatory Problems

Dental:

·        Malocclusion

·        Orthodontic problems

·        TMJ Syndrome

Digestive:

·        Constipation

·        GERD

·        Irritable Bowel Syndrome

·        Nausea

Ear, Nose & Throat:

·        Acute or Chronic Ear Infections

·        Allergic Rhinitis

·        Meniere’s

·        Sinusitis

·        Tinnitus

·        Upper Respiratory Infections

Genitourinary:

·        Menstrual Difficulties

·        Prostatitis

·        Stress incontinence

·        Urinary Tract Infections

Musculoskeletal:

·        Back Pain

·        Joint Pain Syndromes

·        Neck Pain

·        Various Pain Conditions

·        Strains and Sprains

·        Traumatic and Sports Injuries

Neurological:

·        Disk Disease

·        Dizziness & Vertigo

·        Head Trauma

·        Headaches, including Migraine Headaches

·        Paraesthesias (Numbness & Tingling)

·        Post-concussion Syndrome

·        Post-MVA Inertial Injury (Whiplash)

·        Sciatica

·        Visual Disturbances

Orthopedic:

·        Hip Problems/pain

·        Knee Problems/pain/injuries

·        Kyphosis

·        Lordosis

·        Postural Imbalances

·        Scoliosis

·        Shoulder problems

Pediatric:

·        Autism

·        Behavioral Problems

·        Birth Trauma

·        Colic

·        Developmental Delays

·        Ear Infections

·        Failure to Thrive

·        GERD

·        Learning Disorders

·        Nursing or Sucking Difficulties

·        Plagiocephaly (misshaped head)

·        Respiratory Problems

·        Spitting Up

·        Strabismus (Cross-Eyes or Lazy Eyes)

·        Tear Duct Disorders

·        Torticollis

Pregnancy:

·        Back Pain

·        Groin Pain

·        Prevention of Labor Problems

·        Varicose Veins

Respiratory:

·        Allergies

·        Asthma

·        Bronchitis

·        Frequent Colds

·        Recurrent Sore Throats

·        Sinusitis

Somatic:

·        Arthritis

·        Fibromyalgia

Osteopathic Manual Medicine (OMM) is gentle and safe for babies, particularly after difficult births, and for pregnant and nursing women who wish to avoid medications and prefer body treatment without strong forces. Dr. Spector has successfully treated many pregnant moms and newborns since 1989.

PREGNANCY: Osteopathic care is wonderful during pregnancy. It can help relieve many common problems of pregnancy, decrease and stop pain, restore ease, allow for a smoother labor and delivery, and facilitate an easier recovery after delivery.

Osteopathic treatment works to ensure the body is adapting freely to mechanical and biochemical changes for the most comfortable pregnancy and the best possible birth outcome. Restoring and maintaining good body function, pelvic mechanics and optimal fetal positioning can help for a physically easier pregnancy and birth for the mother and baby.

Examples of conditions that respond well include: aches and pains (pelvic, hips, neck, mid or lower back pain, rib pain, groin, lower abdominal or pubic symphysis pain, muscular tension, sciatica, headaches); nausea and vomiting, heartburn, constipation; fluid retention, swelling of the extremities, varicosities (enlarged veins) in the legs or vulva area, hemorrhoids; malposition of baby, failure to progress; mastitis or milk duct blockage, prevention of chronic back pain after pregnancy.

More forceful and often more difficult labors from inductions, C-sections, and both quick and prolonged labors can all affect pelvic structure and function as well. A study in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association in 2003 showed that women who received Osteopathic care during their pregnancy had lower rates of cesarean section delivery, preterm delivery, umbilical cord prolapse, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid compared with women who did not receive Osteopathic care.

THE NEWBORN: The trauma of the birth process may result in structural strains and consequences that may or may not be observed by pediatricians. These strains can affect many areas of function and development, and can be identified and treated by a DO skilled in Cranial Osteopathy, a very gentle form of treatment, resolving problems such as torticollis, shoulder and collar bone distortions, and other obvious structural abnormalities. Subtle strains on the head and neck may predispose a baby to feeding difficulties, ear infections, or neurodevelopmental issues. Other problems that can be helped include: plagiocephaly (flat head or odd shaped head), suckling/feeding difficulties, colic, spitting up, excessive crying, regurgitation, discomfort lying on his/her back, excess mucous production, chronic colds or sinus/respiratory/ear congestion and infections, headaches, sleep disturbances, constipation, diarrhea, diaper rash, unsettled restless babies, developmental delay or difficulties, etc. Several studies revealed that up to 80% of newborns checked had some form of strain pattern in their cranial mechanism. Early treatment can help avoid many problems of infancy and childhood.

Children of all ages respond favorably to osteopathic treatment. It is comfortable, pleasant and we are able to naturally restore many areas of function that may be impaired, to help children to grow into their full potential. See the Common Conditions list above under "Pediatric".

Regardless of the area of the body, the particulars of symptoms or how long ago an injury occurred, symptoms that began after a trauma or injury respond particularly well to osteopathic treatment. Your body can maintain a memory of trauma in the tissues and fluids long after an initial injury, resulting in a change of tissue structure and impairment of function, particularly in the vasculature, collagen fibers, fascia, bone and the nervous system. Dr. Spector has helped some people whose restricting injury patterns occurred 20 or more years previous to seeing her.

Force vectors are often a result of an impact injury. They can set up a pattern of cellular and tissue restriction that can continue long after the injury. Dr. Spector has treated many problems related to an injury. When force vectors are identified and treated osteopathically, a return to healthy function is often the result.

These conditions respond especially well to Cranial Osteopathy. Dr. Spector has treated many TBI patients with great success. Our understanding of, and ability to interface directly with, the resultant changes in your head, brain and body after a TBI offers patients a service that no other treatment modality seems to address so specifically and directly. In addition to the common well-known and helpful recommendations for treatment of TBI's, Cranial Osteopathy offers a unique and specific therapeutic treatment that further facilitates TBI recovery. For information on Brain Physiology and Anatomy and Concussion Research information see cranialacademy.org/research/news-highlight.