Welcome to
Richard W. Koss, D.O.,PLLC
When you’ve grown frustrated after seeing multiple physicians who only treat symptoms, but never the root of the illness, seek solace at Richard W. Koss D.O. PLLC. Dr. Richard Koss is a unique, holistic physician who specializes in Osteopathy, a hands-on, non-pharmaceutical branch of medicine that focus on healing the patient’s mind, body and spirit.
Helping Patients Throughout Maple Valley, WA
Achieve Optimal Wellness!
Dr. Koss provides Osteopathy treatment to all ages, from newborns to the elderly by manipulating the patient’s bones, joints and muscles. He focuses on healing patients with their musculoskeletal injuries that include concussions and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ). He also heals chronic conditions such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In just a few visits, Dr. Koss will show you the body’s inherent ability to self-heal and help you achieve overall wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Dr. A.T. Still is the founder of osteopathy. He was born in 1828 in Virginia. His father was a Methodist minister and physician. Early in his life he began an apprenticeship under his father to study medicine and become a physician. Dr. Still became a licensed MD in the state of Missouri and went on to completed additional coursework at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Kansas City, MO. He also served as a surgeon in the Union Army during the Civil War.
During this time period of the mid 1800’s medical treatments were crude consisting of using small doses of poison as medicine, bloodletting and what would now be considered barbaric surgeries. Dr. Still’s life changed when three of his children died from spinal meningitis in 1864. He lost hope in traditional medicine and devoted the next decade of his life to understanding the human body and creating new tools for treating diseases.
Q: What is the difference between DO and an MD?
A: There are only two types of fully licensed physicians in the United States that can practice a full scope of medicine including, prescribing medications, surgeries, and managing all aspects of illness and disease: MD’s (allopathic physicians) and DO’s (osteopathic physicians).
The pre-requisites for application and acceptance into both types of medical schools are identical. The basic four year medical school curricula are identical. The postgraduate training (residencies) are identical. The difference is that Osteopathic (DO) medical students have more training than the allopathic (MD) medical students.
Osteopathic medical students have 300 to 400 more hours in Osteopathic philosophy, diagnosis and treatment of all diseases as everything in Life is expressed through the neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) system. This includes the development of palpatory skills to evaluate and manipulative procedures to treat all illnesses. However with the full complement of medical education, the DO can discern when the modern conventional treatments (taught to the MD’s) is appropriate, and when and where to apply Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).
Q: What is Cranial Osteopathy?
A: The primary and most significant difference between the practice of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field and Cranio-Sacral therapy is the level of training of the practitioner. William Garner Sutherland, DO, introduced his cranial concept in 1929. Dr. Sutherland saw Cranial Osteopathy as a modality of diagnosis and treatment to be provided by licensed physicians as part of a comprehensive osteopathic treatment. As such, it is not merely a therapy, but an integral part of the physician’s overall management of their patient’s Healthcare.
Q: What is the difference between a DO and a DC?
A: The chiropractic perspective is primarily focused on the alignment of the spine, which influence the relationship between the spinal column and the nervous system. The chiropractor endeavors to influence the physiologic function of all of the organs and systems within the body by changing the position of the spinal vertebrae. The chiropractor is focused on alignment of the structure of the spine. In general, most chiropractors use a high force, thrust, technique to change the position of the vertebras although some are been trained in gentler methods. Most chiropractors will also recommend repetitive adjustment on a weekly basis. There is a significant concern and potential detrimental consequence with repetitive thrust adjustments. The ligaments and tendons around the vertebra are the stabilizer of the spine. With the repeated shearing forces, which occur with thrust techniques there can be a long-term compromise to the integrity of the ligaments and tendons. Over time there could be a compromise to the stability of the integrity of the ligaments and tendons supporting the vertebra and spinal column. The only cure that I have found successful in treating long-term chiropractic patients is treating with prolotherapy and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections, which will help to regenerate the micro tears in the ligamentous structures.
Q: What is a Cranial DO and a Cranial Sacral Therapist?
A: The primary and most significant difference between the practice of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field and Cranio-Sacral therapy is the level of training of the practitioner. William Garner Sutherland, DO, introduced his cranial concept in 1929. Dr. Sutherland saw Cranial Osteopathy as a modality of diagnosis and treatment to be provided by licensed physicians as part of a comprehensive osteopathic treatment. As such, it is not merely a therapy, but an integral part of the physician’s overall management of their patient’s Healthcare.
Q: How do I find a Cranial Osteopathic Physician?
A: Go to the cranialacademy.org website and enter in the zip code of where you would like to find a cranial osteopathic physician.
Under the graduation year is a percent, which indicates the percent that the osteopathic physician practices cranial osteopathy.
It is best to choose an osteopath whose practice is at least 90% OMM (Osteopathic Manual Medicine).
Make an appointment today with one of “Seattle’s Best Doctors”, Dr. Koss D.O.
Contact my practice today by calling (425)433-6073
