An Osteopath is a fully licensed and trained physician. An
Osteopath completes four years of basic medical education identical with M.D.
training. In addition, Osteopaths receive extra training in medical school on
how to treat the muscle-skeletal system with hands-on techniques. These include
spinal adjustment, cranial sacral therapy, muscle energy, and
strain/counterstrain to name just a few.
After graduation, D.O. (Osteopaths) obtain graduate medical
education through internship, residency, and fellowships. Graduate medical
education consists of three to eight years of training allowing D.O.s to
specialize in any area of medicine such as family practice, surgery, oncology,
or orthopedics. To go into practice, D.O.s must pass a national licensing exam
and be licensed by the state in which they will provide medical care.
What is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)?
OMT are techniques that are used by osteopathic physicians
when they use their hands to diagnose illness and injury and to encourage the
body’s natural tendency towards good health and wellness.
What is Medical Acupuncture?
Medical Acupuncture is acupuncture that has been successfully
incorporated into medical or allied health practices in Western countries.
Therapeutic insertion of solid needles in various combinations and patterns is
the foundation of medical acupuncture. Dr. Shea uses this in conjunction with
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment when deemed medically necessary.
What is the cost of treatment?
For the information on what it costs for treatment, you will
have to call Jessica at the Medical Billing Center of Colorado. Their phone
number is 303-444-3443 or 970-221-3456. Most times they will be able to tell
you what your insurance covers, what your deductibles are as well as your
copay.
What is an office visit like?
New patients are generally given one hour of time.
Established patients are given 30 to 40 minutes for each follow-up session. For
the initial treatment there will be an interview, a muscle-skeletal exam,
diagnosis, and treatment using Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment or Medical
Acupuncture.
Who can benefit from Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
(OMT)?
OMT can help people of all ages and backgrounds. Dr. Shea
has treated a very wide range of patients and conditions.
Our Services
Dr. Shea’s primarily relies on a traditional osteopathic
technique for treating muscle-skeletal conditions. This would include cranial
sacral therapy, muscle energy techniques, myofascial release and spinal
adjustments. In addition, if it is deemed medically necessary he will also
combine his osteopathic treatments with medical acupuncture. He is also
available to do Independent Medical Examinations involving muscle-skeletal
injuries.
Generally, Dr. Shea does not do primary care, family practice, or
wellness examinations.
