Getting Started

What to expect:

Before your visit:

• Appointments can be easily booked online through the booking page.

• After booking, you will receive a link to the new patient packet to be completed online before your appointment.

• You will be asked to store a credit, debit or FSA card on file; payment is due at the time of your appointment.

• You may want to check with your insurance company about reimbursement if you have a PPO (more information coming soon)

• If you have questions about the office or if Osteopathic treatment is right for you, feel free to book a complementary 10 minute Question and Answer call with Dr. Akers.

• Please note, as of August 2024, Dr. Akers has opted-out of Medicare. If you have Medicare, you will be asked to sign a form stating you understand you cannot seek reimbursement from Medicare for care provided by Dr. Akers.

• Bring a list of your current medications and supplements, past medical procedures, and prior imaging or records related to your current concerns

• Wear something comfortable and easy to move in, such as sweatpants or yoga pants and a T-shirt. Treatments do not require disrobing or significant access to the skin.

• Please do not wear perfume, cologne, scented body products on the day of your appointment

• Please bring a face mask to your appointment if you are experiencing any cough or cold symptoms

• Reflect on your goals for your health & our work together

• If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you can do that online as well up to 48 hours prior to your appointment to avoid late-cancellation fees.

• If you are experiencing new signs of an infection such as fever, cough, chills, or sore throat, or have tested positive for COVID, please do not attend your appointment and contact the office to reschedule. Proof of positive rapid or PCR is NOT required to reschedule.  

At your visit:

The office is located in the Covell Business Park. You can find accessibility information here. When you arrive, please have a seat in the waiting area and Dr. Akers will come to meet you and bring you back to the treatment room.

At your first appointment, Dr. Akers will hear from you about your current medical concerns, and review your health history with you.  She will review your medications, supplements, and other treatments you are using.  

Dr. Akers will perform an Osteopathic examination and other aspects of a physical examination if deemed appropriate, followed by osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). During treatment, Dr. Akers uses gentle pressure and movement to assess and treat different structures in the body. You'll be asked to remove any belts, wallets, keys etc, but otherwise remain fully clothed for the treatment. Most often, you will be lying down on your back on the treatment table, but accommodations can always be made if patients need to be seated, semi-reclined or side-lying, or if they need to remain in a wheelchair or with other assistive devices.

After treatment, Dr. Akers will discuss a treatment plan and recommendations for future visits. Follow-up plans vary, but often patients are recommended to return for a follow up in 1-2 weeks for repeat treatment after the first visit. Many patients return for treatment every 4-8 weeks once a treatment plan is created, but everyone’s situation is unique.

Patients often say it’s hard to describe Osteopathic manipulative treatment, because it is unlike other types of body work or medical care they have previously received. Many patients describe the treatment as relaxing and that they feel more “integrated” after, in addition to the relief they experience from their primary symptoms.

After your visit:

After treatment, it is recommended that you hydrate by drinking 1-2 extra glasses of water on the day of your visit. If possible, it is recommended to spend sometime outside in nature after being treated. Some patients feel tired after treatment, and if so rest is recommended. It is advised to avoid other body work (massage, acupuncture, physical therapy, etc) or strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours after treatment. Some patients experience mildly sore or achy, or a flare in their symptoms after treatment - if so, this should improve in 24-48 hours, and can be treated with supportive care (heat/ice) or your usual care practices.

Health and Safety:

Face masks covering the mouth and nose are required to be worn by all people age of 12 and older in the treatment room if experiencing cough or cold symptoms. Dr. Akers wears a K95 or N95 mask while working with patients to protect patients, their families, and our community. Dr. Akers washes or sanitizes her hands before each visit, and the table is disinfected for each visit. There is a HEPA filter in the treatment room. To protect chemically sensitive people and provide an accessible clinic, we ask that patients and anyone accompanying them to the clinic do not wear perfume, cologne or scented body products on the day of the appointment. Please see more accessibility information under FAQ.