With the expansion of their South side office opening in January 2015, Methodist Sports Medicine (MSM) offers a host of comprehensive services, one of which brings a unique combination for those suffering pain or injury of the lower back and/or spine.
According to the U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, one in 10 Americans suffer low back pain, and one-third of all work-related disabilities are caused by lower back injuries. Causes of low back pain vary; however, contributing factors are often the same: older age, obesity, job or life stress, anxiety or depression, or jobs that require heavy lifting. While these symptoms vary, one fact remains consistent – a high percentage of Americans, both men and women predominantly ages 40-80, have suffered from symptoms related to back pain at some point in their adult life.
At MSM, the physicians have a unique team-based approach in treating patients dealing with back and spine injuries. With a seasoned chiropractor on staff, as well as a spine surgeon, the MSM staff works together to provide a comprehensive pain management program tailored to individual patient needs. The physicians work diligently on properly diagnosing each patient and researching the most appropriate treatment plan for each particular injury. This, coupled with experienced physical therapists and athletic trainers, allows a first-rate treatment plan. One that allows patients to trust and know the team they are working with is genuinely interested in their healing and allowing patients to get back into living an active and enjoyable lifestyle.
Dr. Stephen Ritter, Dr. Tony Origer and Dr. Thurman Alvey are seasoned professionals in the treatment of lower back and spine. They have worked together for the past two years on building rapport with patients and learning the basics of providing the unique combination of chiropractic and medical services. Being former athletes and active in the South side community, they care about this community and are excited to be able to expand the suite of services now available at their expanded South side location in Greenwood (opening in January 2015).
Dr. Ritter, a native of Davenport, Iowa, was the first spine surgeon at MSM, joining their practice nine years ago. He specializes in the treatment of injuries of the spine including cervical, thoracic, lumbar deformities and degenerative abnormalities. Dr. Ritter completed his specialty fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic. He believes in utilizing appropriate options for minimal access surgery or treatment. Dr. Ritter is a former college athlete and works with various sports teams throughout Indianapolis.
Dr. Origer, also a native of Iowa, has lived and practiced chiropractic care in Greenwood for 14 years. He is merging his formerly private practice, Performance Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation, with MSM to allow the South side this unique and specialized service of back and spine pain management. Dr. Origer is very active in the South side community where he coaches his daughters in basketball, and is the founder of the Greenwood Trail Trek 5k Challenge, which just celebrated its eighth walk in September. The goal of this annual walk is to raise awareness and help those who are limited in their ability to exercise by simply doing the walk with others. “Staying active is the key to long term success with this type of injury,” stated Dr. Origer, who works with both high school and collegiate sports teams in the Indianapolis area.
Dr. Alvey is a fellowship-trained and board certified primary care sports medicine physician. He employs a comprehensive approach to his patient care from initial injury through rehabilitation and into prevention of future injuries. The Franklin native is in his third season as a member of MSM’s medical team that takes care of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. He is an avid supporter of scholastic wrestling, having coached at the developmental, middle school, high school and collegiate levels. Dr. Alvey and his wife have four daughters and reside in Center Grove.
What sets MSM apart from other related services in the South side? The team approach with a combination of surgical, chiropractic and rehabilitation services, coupled with the size of their practice, which allows patients to feel they are receiving personalized care without being lost in the shuffle. With a support staff dedicated to responding quickly to appointment requests, MSM patients at Greenwood can now receive appropriate specialized care for their specific musculoskeletal condition in a timely manner.
As one of just a few medical practices in the United States that combines the newer edge integration of chiropractic and medical care for their patients, MSM is thrilled to be bringing this expanded service to the South side. With the motto of “working hard to keep life in motion,” Dr. Ritter and Dr. Origer, as well as all of the physicians at MSM take pride in the services they offer and know that patients will appreciate the in-house care they receive, and the ease of doing business at one MSM location.
The South side welcomes these doctors and their specialized team as part of the larger MSM practice.
