Durango Osteopathic Care, PC
treating patients using osteopathic medicine in Colorado
Once you fill out the very basic information on our Request Appointment page,
our office will be in touch with you to confirm the details of your appointment,
including answering any questions regarding insurance coverage.
No payment will be processed until you are seen in our office.
Or if you prefer…
Phone: 970-828-6500
Our medical practice focuses on caring for and treating patients using integrative osteopathic medicine.
Learn more about… treating patients using osteopathic medicine.
Board Certified
As physicians board certified in osteopathic manipulative medicine, we use our hands to diagnose and treat patients safely and gently with osteopathic manipulation.
A.T. Still, the founder of osteopathy said, “To find health should be the object of the doctor. Anyone can find disease.” We follow the principles set forth by A.T. Still by supporting the health and using a holistic, whole body approach with our patients.
Commitment To Your Health
We are committed to helping patients’ re-establish normal relationships of the bones, muscles, fascia, tissues and fluids of the body.
You will find we use an integrative and collaborative approach with our patients to bring them the best care possible.
We are trained in a wide range of osteopathic modalities, with an emphasis on Cranial Osteopathy and Biodynamics.
We treat all ages, from newborn to age 100.
Durango Osteopathic Care, PC
You’re Not Alone. And I’m Here to Help!
I believe there’s more to good health than the absence of pain or disease. As an Osteopathic Physician, my whole-person approach to medicine focuses on prevention, helping promote the body’s natural tendency toward health and self-healing.
“My experience with Dr. Emmy has been one of the most beneficial medical experiences I have ever had. She approaches each client from a holistic perspective, evaluating the needs of each person. She is well connected to other providers and makes recommendations to support the health of the whole person. I always felt heard, seen and valued. My quality of health has significantly improved by seeing Dr. Emmy. I highly recommend her!”
When I met Dr. Emmy years ago now, I lived in a constant state of fight or flight, highly anxious, deeply depressed and yet yearning for true healing. I took all of her advice to heart, and left my sessions pain free and feeling deeply grounded. Quickly, I weaned off heavy narcotics, and now just a few years later, I am working full time, engaging in vigorous exercise and feeling more free than ever before. Dr Emmy has taken me from surviving to truly thriving.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More About Osteopathy, Biodynamics, Functional, and Integrative Medicine
What is Cranial Osteopathy?
Cranial Osteopathy was discovered and developed by William G. Sutherland D.O., a student of Dr. A.T. Still. He first palpated subtle movements in the cranium, which he found extended through rhythmic fluid movements in all areas of the body through the “primary respiratory mechanism”. Cranial Osteopathic treatment includes a gentle hands-on approach to treatment contacting various parts of the body.
For more information about Cranial Osteopathy, please see: About Osteopathy from Cranial Academy
What is the difference between Osteopaths and Chiropractors?
The difference between osteopaths and chiropractors generally lies in their level of training and their scope of practice. Osteopaths and chiropractors both perform manipulation. The difference is that chiropractors are not licensed physicians and have not attended internship or residency. The principles of practice are also different. Osteopathic medicine is based on the principle that the body is self-healing and treatment is aimed at changing physiology through manipulation. Chiropractic medicine primarily focuses on spinal alignment and the neuromusculoskeletal system while working with the body’s “innate” intelligence.
Does your practice work with supplements or nutrition?
Nutrition counseling and supplementation can be appropriate, especially when working with specific health issues such as pain and inflammation. We do make supplement and dietary suggestions from time to time on an individual basis.
Can you be my primary care physician?
No. We are fully licensed physicians with a specialty practice in osteopathic manipulative medicine and neuromusculoskeletal medicine. We will happily work with your other health care providers, including primary care physicians as appropriate.
Do you take Insurance?
We take most major insurances. Please call to find out if your plan is covered. You may need to contact your insurance company to find out specifics about your coverage. Patients with HMO plans need to contact their primary care physician for a referral before their appointment.
Office visit copay and deductible amounts are due at the time of service. We will do our best to bill insurance on behalf of our patients, but it is the patients’ responsibility to be aware of their insurance coverage and benefits.
Please note that we are a specialist practice. Unfortunately, we are out of network with Medicare/Medicaid.
Peak Elevate
Cancellation Policy
We require at least 24 hours advance notice by phone for cancelling or rescheduling an appointment. In the event that an appointment is not cancelled within the 24-hour time frame, it is our office policy to charge for the missed appointment.
What is Functional and Integrative Medicine?
As they relate to Osteopathy…
Functional Medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the underlying causes of illness, rather than treating symptoms. It looks at the patient as a whole, including lifestyle, environment, nutrition, and genetics.
Integrative Medicine is a practice that combines conventional medicine with complementary and alternative therapies to help treat a wide range of conditions. It seeks to find the best treatment option for the patient, considering their physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health.
What is Biodynamics?
James Jealous D.O developed the Biodynamic view of Cranial Osteopathy. It focuses on the relationship between embryology and the healing process of the patient. Please see http://www.body-dynamics.net/pdf/jealous-article.pdf for more details.
What is the difference between Cranial Osteopathy and Craniosacral Therapy?
Cranial Osteopathy is performed by a fully licensed and trained physician. Craniosacral therapy requires a 24-hour training course, and is usually done by allied health professionals (massage therapists, physical therapists etc.) and is sometimes done by non health care practitioners. There is no formal licensing for craniosacral therapy. The training for cranial osteopaths includes many hours both in medical school and in cranial osteopathic courses for physicians, in addition to the rigorous anatomy and physiology training received during medical training.
For more information visit: https://cranialacademy.org/patients/faq/
Can anyone of any age receive an osteopathic treatment?
Yes, even those with serious health conditions. There are a variety of different treatment modalities, ranging from very gentle to more direct, and no two treatments are alike. We always tailor an osteopathic treatment to each individual patient.
What are your office hours?
Office hours are: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8am to 5pm. Open occasional Wednesdays as well. Closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Do you treat people after motor vehicle accidents or work with workman’s compensation?
We do see patients for these types of injuries. You will need to bring all necessary information to your first appointment, including claim number, date of injury and case manager or attorney contact information. For motor vehicle accidents, we will not bill third parties, regardless of fault. Please call our office for further details.
Do you prescribe narcotics?
Seldom, and only for short periods of time.
Do you prescribe medical marijuana?
No.