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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 focuses on healing the patient’s mind, body, and spirit.
Helping Patients Throughout Maple Valley, WA, Achieve Optimal Wellness!
Dr. Koss provides Osteopathic treatment to all ages, from newborns to the elderly by manipulating the patient’s bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissues. He utilizes all Osteopathic techniques to focus on treating the patient’s musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions. He is also certified in Medical Acupuncture. Dr. Koss will show you the body’s inherent ability to self-heal and help you achieve overall wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Osteopathy?
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 a 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 influences 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 have 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.
Q: What are Fulford Techniques?
A: Robert C. Fulford, D.O. developed techniques that use the percussion hammer to utilize vibration, rhythmic balanced interchange, and the breath to create changes in the physical body that result in the release of restrictions and minimize or reverse the effects of trauma.
Testimonials
“Dr.Koss is wonderful and has been a huge help and blessing in my life while I recover from weaning off a long term medication. He has a calming demeanor and is very professional. I highly recommend Dr. Koss!”
“Dr. Koss is a true healer. I went to many other types of care before finding Koss. He figured out the issue with my shoulder in a matter of minutes and fixed it within 4 times of seeing him. I’ve continued to see Koss for maintenance and couldn’t more highly recommend him.”
“I’ve seen Dr Koss for 20+ years & he is the only healthcare professional that has truly helped me without drugs or surgery.
Dr Koss is a blessing in this world of ridiculousness. I wish there were more medical professionals like him everywhere.”
Make an appointment today with one of “Seattle’s Best Doctors,” Dr. Koss D.O. Contact my practice today by calling 425-433-6073.
Richard W. Koss D.O., PLLC
Contact
Phone: 425-433-6073
Fax: 425-433-6074
Email: rwkossdo@comcast.net
Hours
Monday - Friday: 10 AM - 6 PM