Liz Chapek, D.O.
OSTEOPATHY, CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY, OMT and The HEALTH Within
Welcome!
Osteopathy focuses on the interconnection of a person's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts & the body's inherent ability to heal.
Liz Chapek, D.O.
Dallas Osteopath
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
and Cranial Osteopathy
6760 Abrams Road, Suite 203
Dallas, TX 75231
214-341-8742
Osteopathy's Beginnings
Osteopathy was founded over 125 years ago by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D. His philosophy focuses on the healing ability placed within each one of us by God and the interrelationship of all of the parts of one's totality - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. He trained physicians to use their hands, hearts and minds to encourage the patient's healing and he encouraged natural remedies of nutrition, motion, rest and prayer.
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) - what it is and what it is not
OMM is the hands-on method of evaluating and treating structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of bones, joints, soft tissues (connective tissues/fascia and muscles), nerves and flow of fluids to encourage self-healing mechanisms. OMT is the term used for the treatment part of OMM. I use various OMM techniques, including primarily Cranial Osteopathy, which when used by a doctor properly trained, is safe and effective for all ages, from a newborn to a frail elderly person. See "What OMT Helps" section for more information on what OMT can help.
OMT is not a cure-all, as permanent changes to one's anatomy and physiology (such as bone changes due to arthritis, or lack of oxygen to the baby at birth) cannot be changed by OMT. But OMT can help the body reach its highest potential to function within that permanent change, and often effect significant positive change.
My Philosophy
My Philosophy of healthcare, passed on to me by very old and very wise osteopathic mentors, focuses on God's creation: the human totality - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts are all interweaved in a lace-like pattern of infinite complexity. Healing changes begin when we address all aspects of our whole being. I believe in working with the Health within the patient, in the way it intends, respecting the innate wisdom within the totality of the patient.
I believe in working with the Health within the patient, respecting the innate wisdom within the totality of the patient.
Cure versus Healing
To cure a problem means to make the problem go away. For example: if the problem is pain, a cure may be a medication that kills the pain, or a surgery that removes or alters the anatomic part of the body causing the pain. So, taking an anti-inflammatory medication with a muscle relaxer and a narcotic pain killer may stop the pain temporarily. Putting tubes into a child's ears may open/ventilate the eardrum so
Healing addresses the cause of the problem and it goes much deeper than cure. Often the problem is not simple and straightforward, which is where healing is more important as a goal instead of simply curing.
the middle ear is less likely to become infected temporarily. A middle-aged woman with heavy female bleeding and cramping may have a removal of that organ surgically, thus stopping the bleeding and pain. These are examples of temporary fixes/cures. They do often work, which is why they are commonly used by many doctors.
To heal a problem means something very different. Healing addresses the cause of the problem and it goes much deeper than cure. Sometimes the problem is something simple and straightforward, like a muscle strain caused by lifting something too heavy, so simple OMT addressing the physical strain often can initiate change to allow the injured area to heal, along with providing the person instruction on how to avoid that strain in the future. But often the problem is not so simple or straightforward, which is where healing is more important as a goal instead of simply curing.
Pains today may be due to something long ago. A person may have a long-standing strain in their body which over time their body has grown accustomed to and they are often no longer even aware of its presence,
they think its just how they are, but it may be contributing to and/or causing their problem now. Anything from a little fall as a toddler off the couch, to a fall off the jungle jim as a child, to a minor fender bender as a teen, to multiple body or head impacts from playing sports can contribute years and even decades later to problems today. Even the pressures on the head and body of being in the womb and/or being born can contribute to problems a baby has with nursing, or the frequent ear infections a baby or toddler has, or the poor ability to concentrate or hyperactivity or asthma a child or adult has, etc. etc. A person's emotional distresses or traumas can lodge within the body structure and remain, and contribute to later problems as well. It's all connected. So healing tries to find and go back to and address the cause of the problem today, not just symptoms but the whole. For without addressing the whole, the cause will often contribute to or cause other problems down the road.
Change as an integral part of healing
Symptoms may be messages there is a need for change. Often one has to work through major shifts in thinking in order to accept this. As one begins to make changes, one may experience a sense of well-being which helps one reframe reasons for changing from fear of pain, debility, death to an increased joy of life. As one continues to make changes, unhealthy things start feeling wrong, which makes it easier to let go of them. I am here simply to assist you in your healing. You have the ability within you to heal. Let it begin.
Education and Training
Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree 1989 at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth, Texas.
Rotating one year Internship 1989-1990 at Dallas Family Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
In private practice since 1990.
Practice Focus
I focus my practice on OMM. With a strong background in preventive family medicine, I am better able to see the whole person who comes to see me for OMM.
Focus on the whole person, seeing the connectedness of all of the patient: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual,
each influences the others in the process of healing, and each can either help or hinder that process.
Encourage patient responsibility for health by instructing in healthy behaviors (eating, activity, stress, spiritual connectedness) and in how to help prevent re-injury, with liberal use of patient information sheets many of which I have written myself to ensure ease of readability and accuracy.
Serve to facilitate and promote the patient's inherent healing abilities, and help empower the patient in this process.
Committed to a concerned and caring approach, with an emphasis on listening.