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PATIENT RELATIONS
As physicians and therapists, we believe in a relationship based
upon mutual respect and communication. We will make every effort
to explain our impressions and suggestions to you. You are expected
to play an active role in your care. We need your input, feedback,
complaints, and suggestions and we expect your compliance once we
have agreed upon a plan of care.
We appreciate the degree of suffering of
patients with pain and disability. We will do everything in our
power to help you to overcome your condition.
our philosophy
» Every patient's pain is "real"
and is, therefore, addressed seriously.
» A very specific diagnosis allows
for a very specific treatment and a higher chance for a resolution
of a patient's complaints.
» Many individuals with absolutely no complaints or symptoms
have abnormal incidental x-rays showing arthritis or degeneration;
similarly, many patients with genuine pain have normal x-rays. Test
results must always be placed in their proper perspective.
» A detailed history including a discussion of the relationship
of symptoms to various positions and activities is our most powerful
diagnostic tool.
» A
history and physical examination allows us to manage the majority
of patients without the need for any radiological or electrodiagnostic
testing.
» In
the event that a precise diagnosis cannot be determined, a treatment
plan can still be laid out and initiated based on educated hypotheses.
» Patients have a more successful
outcome and lower recurrence rate when they are educated about their
disorder.
» To avoid ongoing dependence,
we teach our patients self-care techniques as soon as feasible.
» In the event that an injury
or condition does not allow for participation in one's usual avocational
activities, we will attempt to involve our patients in other forms
of aerobic/recreational activities; there are almost always reasonable
alternatives.
» Our treatment is not complete
until biomechanics are addressed so that we maximally avoid a recurrence
of one's problem
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