By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Marion County is fortunate to have a group of physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists who are willing to work together to provide the best care they can for patients. They see themselves as complementing each other rather than competing.

Health professionals have their own areas of expertise, and often a combination of therapies is needed to obtain optimal results.

“I regularly refer to physical therapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists,” Dr. Paige Hatcher of Marion said. “I have received all of these services myself. I manage many patients together with these health professionals.”

Dr. Michael Reeh of Hillsboro said he has referred patients to physical therapists and massage therapists. He also has referred patients to retired chiropractor Bruce Skiles in the past.

“I think that’s helpful,” he said.

Carol Wituk, massage therapist at St. Luke Integrated Health Care Clinic in Marion, is nationally certified. She conducts an interview with new patients to determine their needs. She said she sometimes refers a client to a physical therapist or medical doctor if, after three or four massages, the problem isn’t better. On the other hand, other professionals sometimes refer patients to her.

Wituk said she sometimes gives massages to people who need to get a chiropractic adjustment to loosen their muscles prior to the treatment. Other times, if they are sore following a chiropractic adjustment, they get a massage to soothe their aches and pains.

Athletes who sustain physical injuries often go to chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists for treatments to expedite the healing process.

Kodi Panzer of Hillsboro, a nationally certified chiropractor, works with medical doctors and physical therapists to provide health care. In addition to adjustments, she also offers acupuncture as a means to restore the body’s energy balance. She uses a computer program to determine which points in the body’s energy pathways are blocked, and then uses electric stimulation and needling to clear them.

When all is said and done, these health professionals remind people that a person’s diet and exercise habits are most important for maintaining a healthy life. But it’s good to know there are treatment options available when the need arises.