San Francisco Osteopathic Physicians
Dr. Irène Minkowsky, M.D.
& Dr. Robert Minkowsky, M.D.
For 30 years, Osteopathic Doctors Irène and Robert Minkowsky have been successfully treating complex musculoskeletal problems.
Their traditional medical backgrounds in Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Internal Medicine coupled with their knowledge and experience in Osteopathic Medicine – including craniosacral and visceral manipulation – help them provide a comprehensive approach both in evaluation and treatment.
In addition, Dr. Irène Minkowsky was a pioneer using proliferative injections for ligament laxity. Emphasis is placed on clinical evaluation with a detailed history and physical examination. Thinking globally and inclusively about the body yields better results than focusing solely on a symptomatic region. Although information provided by MRI scans may be helpful, it is an inadequate substitute to talking to patients and examining them.
Once a diagnosis is established, the emphasis in treatment is nonpharmacologic. Muscle weakness and structural imbalance is identified and corrected through osteopathic manipulation, a specific exercise program and improved ergonomics and body mechanics. Individuals are self-empowered through understanding all of the elements of their problem and how to address them. The approach is very personalized with a high success rate due to the complex, multifaceted approach with attention to detail.
The doctors are available at their offices in San Francisco, CA as well as via online consultations, for example via Zoom.
Simply put, they are spine and joint specialists, experts in headache treatment and migraine and other pain management, where treatment looks at a holistic approach, using functional medicine, instead of turning immediately to surgery and medication.
Meet San Francisco osteopathic physicians Irène and Robert Minkowsky online, and then schedule an appointment to see how they can help you.
What Is the Physicians’ Back Institute?
We are a Spine Medical Center focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the back, neck and musculoskeletal system (hips, shoulders, knees, etc.). We offer a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of spine and joint problems and our orthopedic specialists listen to their patients. The focus in our office is on clinical diagnosis and restoration of neuromuscular balance.
As spine rehabilitation specialists, we have a unique insight into conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis and scoliosis. In addition to being traditional medical doctors, we also use an osteopathic approach to help patients manage their spine and joint health. Physicians’ Back Institute Spine Center provides patients with a holistic, comprehensive personalized approach to spine and joint care.
More About Conditions We Treat and Our Osteopathic Approach
Spinal disorders such as disc herniation can cause low back pain, sciatica, neck and arm pain and headaches. Issues with the sacroiliac joints and coccyx are also common. Nonpharmacologic treatments, such as osteopathic manual therapy (OMT), a therapeutic home exercise program and correction of postural deficits can offer relief for acute and chronic pain. In our office, nonsurgical orthopedics focuses on improving function, decreasing pain and managing symptoms without surgery. This approach is crucial for conditions like sciatica and migraines, where a comprehensive diagnostic and holistic therapeutic approach is essential for the successful long-term resolution of symptoms.
Regenerative injections such as prolotherapy offer a non-surgical approach to treating spinal disorders with instability where the ligaments in the low back and pelvis are lax due to chronic ligament strain or chronic sacroiliac joint issues. Instability can also occur following spinal fusion and with the hormonal changes in pregnancy. Regenerative injections are also helpful in cases of hypermobility such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). By promoting the body’s natural healing process, these injections help strengthen ligaments and reduce pain. Additionally, visceral manipulation techniques can be used to address underlying imbalances in the body’s cavities that frequently refer pain to the spine and musculoskeletal system, contributing to chronic pain. Inclusion of these treatment modalities provides a comprehensive approach to treatment of spine and joint disorders. Our broad approach permits us to help many individuals who have previously been unsuccessful in resolving their symptoms with other doctors or healthcare practitioners.