Grateful Patient Donates Piece of Equipment for Future Osteopathic Medicine Patients

Bassett Medical Center's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine will soon have a new exam table for administering osteopathic manipulation therapy (OMT) thanks to the generosity of a grateful patient. For some time, the donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has received OMT from Dr. Matthew Chung, senior attending physician in Orthopedics.

"I have dealt with skeletal imbalance and pain issues most of my life," says the donor. "As a licensed massage therapist I have a good understanding of complementary therapies and the importance of maintaining good structural balance in order keep as active and pain-free as possible, especially as we age. I have been very impressed with Dr. Chung's skill and the results of his treatments."

According to Dr. Chung, the donation meets a clear need. OMT is a hands-on technique in which a practitioner uses stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance to correct structural imbalances in the body, reduce pain, and improve circulation. Dr. Chung has a table optimized for this procedure at Oneonta Specialty Services. It can be raised or lowered as he moves the patient's body and applies force. In contrast, the more typical exam tables in Cooperstown are high. "When I do OMT there, I sometimes have to get on a chair to achieve the correct angle," he explains.

The donor, a Cooperstown patient, agreed to appointments in Oneonta where the therapy could be easier and more effective. The remarkable results turned out to be worth that inconvenience. But the donor knew that the extra drive could deter some other patients from trying the therapy.

"Both as a thank you to me and for the benefit of future clients, the patient graciously offered to pay for an OMT table for Cooperstown," explains Dr. Chung.

"It's quite humbling, honestly. As a doctor you can sometimes get lost in the day-to-day operation of taking care of patients. Unexpected generosity like this reminds you how much of an effect you can have on your patients."

The new table is expected to arrive in July. Dr. Chung's office already has a list of patients waiting for appointments at the new location after the table is installed.