Our Philosophy
Pain and/or disability can interfere or even consume your life. Any number of things, including degenerative conditions, work- or sports- related injuries, motor vehicle accidents, disc bulges and herniations, may produce pain and or disability. With this wide range of causes, no single treatment provides universal relief. Each patient with pain needs to be diagnosed and treated as a unique case, especially when the pain results from multiple conditions. Dr. Stein is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of pain, weakness, numbness, and functional impairment. Her goal is to successfully restore your quality of life to its maximum potential.
Dr. Stein aims to deliver the highest quality medical care to every patient seeking her help. Whether you are an injured professional athlete or just want to walk painlessly again, she will do her best to help you achieve your goal through non-surgical methods. She believes in a doctor-patient relationship based upon mutual respect and communication. For Dr. Stein, every patient’s pain is “real” and she considers each compliant seriously.
Communication is an essential part of every patient encounter because a detailed history and a comprehensive physical exam are the most valuable diagnostic tools. The history and physical exam enable Dr. Stein to manage the majority of patients without radiologic or electrodiagnostic testing. Test results can be helpful, but are not necessarily definitive. Many individuals without symptoms have incidental abnormalities on radiological studies (x-rays, MRIs, etc) showing arthritis or degeneration; similarly, many patients with genuine pain have normal x-rays.
As part of her emphasis on communication, Dr. Stein will make every effort to explain her impressions to you. Patients have a better outcome and lower recurrence rate when they understand their disorder. You, in turn, are expected to play an active role in your care. Dr. Stein needs your input and she expects your compliance once there is an agreed upon a plan of care. Even when a precise diagnosis cannot be determined, a treatment plan can still be developed based on educated hypotheses.
If appropriate, Dr. Stein designs an individual exercise program for each patient. More importantly, she will advise how to remain pain-free and avoid further injuries. To avoid ongoing dependence on her treatments, she teaches her patients self-care techniques as soon as feasible.
Dr. Stein appreciates the degree of suffering of patients with pain and disability and does everything in her power to help overcome their painful condition. In the event that an injury or condition does not allow for participation in one’s usual daily activities or hobbies, she will attempt to involve her patients in other forms of aerobic/recreational activities; there are almost always reasonable alternatives. In most cases, however, patients return to their desired lifestyle.