Our Services

Family Practice    Medical Acupuncture 
Osteopathic Manipulation    Bio-identical Hormone Replacement
  Thyroid Disorders   Infertility  
Stomach and Intestinal Disorders

Family Practice

Family Practice is the medical specialty that provides continuing and comprehensive health care for each family member. The family practice physician must complete a three year residency program and pass a certification exam. Family practice is the only medical specialty that requires all members to be recertified every seven years. www.aafp.org

Our specialty is Family Practice. Steinmetz Medical Associates provides the following medical services:

• Complete physical exam, including annual pap smears
• Chronic Disease Management - diabetes, hypertension, asthma
• Menopausal symptoms
• Acute respiratory problems
• Health and Wellness
• Collaborative agreement with a select group of hospitalists who treat hospitalized patients including coronary care and intensive care units
• Pediatric care over five (5) years of age

Medical Acupuncture

At Steinmetz Medical Associates we combine traditional Chinese techniques, French energetic acupuncture and American researched pain management techniques using acupuncture needles. We commonly use acupuncture for the following conditions that are recognized by the World Health Organization as being helped by acupuncture:

• Digestive Disorders, including gastritis and spastic colon
• Respiratory Disorders, including sinusitis and asthma
• Neurological and muscular disorders, including headaches and sciatica
• Muscular disorders, including plantar fasciitis, low back pain, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel
• Menstrual and Urinary disorders
• Infertility

Osteopathic Manipulation

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement

As women go through the hormonal changes of middle age, they often experience symptoms ranging from sleep problems, sweating, hot flashes and mood changes. There are many approaches to these problems; one of which is bioidentical hormone therapy.

If we feel that hormones would be helpful to you, we begin your treatment with measuring your hormones. The hormones we measure can include estrogens, progesterone, testosterone and/or DHEA. In addition, we follow the breakdown products of estrogen to decrease you risk of estrogen related tumors.

Based on your results, we have a pharmacy compound appropriate bioidentical hormones and monitor their use to assure the lowest possible dose for your symptoms. Some European studies suggest that bioidentical hormones are safer than synthetic but we still must be cautious since we don't have the long term studies. This is why it is important to have regular follow-up with your doctor.

Dr. Jeanne Shiffman, in our group, has a special interest in this method of treatment. In addition, we offer other treatments for menopause including herbs, homeopathic remedies, acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatments.

Thyroid Disorders

Although Dr. Kate Lemmerman is no longer with our practice, we were fortunate she took the time to teach the other physicians in our practice her methods to treating thyroid disease.

We look at many aspects of the functioning of the thyroid gland both the conventional ones(your amount of thyroid hormone and if you have inflammation of the thyroid) and scientific but not always used markers like iodine, reverse T3 and the effect of other hormones from your adrenal gland or ovaries.

We base our treatments on your symptoms combined with your laboratory tests. In addition, we make sure that your symptoms are not caused by problems related to intestinal problems or food sensitivities. Each person is looked at as an individual and we do not use a one size fits all approach. All of our physicians can take care of the concerns that you have about your thyroid gland.

Infertility

We work with many of the leading infertility specialists in the area to enhance the effects of their treatments with the ancient art of acupuncture.

A study, published in the April, 2002 edition of the medical journal Fertility and Sterility, found that acupuncture increases the chances of becoming pregnant for a significant number of women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Researchers studied 160 patients undergoing IVF. The patients, who were all required to have good quality embryos, were randomly divided into two groups similar in age and diagnosis. One group was given acupuncture treatments and one was not.

The difference in pregnancy rates was notable: 42 percent of the patients who received acupuncture treatments became pregnant vs. 26 percent of the other group.

We offer multiple options:

• Acupuncture only while undergoing your fertility treatment from your infertility specialist.
• Acupuncture and herbs while undergoing infertility treatment.
• Acupuncture and herbs only without other treatments.

Each person is an individual and we will work closely with you and your fertility specialist to decide if we could help you. In addition, we can work with your partner to determine if treating him with acupuncture or supplements may help increase your chances of conception.

Stomach and Intestinal Problems

Many people suffer from chronic stomach and intestinal problems. They are often put on chronic medications that treat the symptoms but not the root of the illness. Many of these medications can have side effects when used for long periods of time. Some of the medications are new and we have no experience with their long-term use. Our goal in treating intestinal problems is to look first for the root of the problem and use the least toxic medications, treatments or supplements to work with your body to cure or improve your condition.

First, we review your medical records to be sure a complete medical workup was done. Our initial approach is to improve diet and life style to improve your condition. We then test for any delayed food sensitivities and stool tests to check on multiple aspects of digestive health. With the help of these tests, we can design a program specifically for you. We start with modalities that have the least potential side effects to try to get your gastrointestinal system in balance. This could mean simple supplements, acupuncture or referral out for modalities like manipulation or lymph drainage. We add herbs if necessary always following you closely and being certain there is no interaction between any prescription medications and herbs. When long-term prescription medications are necessary, we supplement with any vitamins or minerals that may be decreased by taking these medications.

We have many years of experience successfully treating stomach and intestinal problems with an integrative approach. Your gut must be healthy for optimal absorption of nutrients and to prevent toxins from entering your system.