Muscle and joint pain or stiffness
Muscle and joint pain can come from injury, repetitive strain, arthritis, or underlying inflammatory and rheumatologic conditions. Dr. McDonald looks at the painful or restricted area, along with the surrounding joints, muscles, and connective tissues, to understand what may be limiting motion or adding strain. When the pattern suggests something beyond a mechanical problem, he also considers whether further medical evaluation or coordination with another specialist may be appropriate.
or call (616) 342-2295
What commonly contributes
Sudden strain or overload
A lift, fall, workout, or unexpected movement can irritate a muscle, tendon, or joint.
Repetition without enough recovery
Work, exercise, or everyday movements can repeatedly load the same tissues over time.
Reduced motion or guarding
Pain, injury, or prolonged stiffness can change how a joint and the surrounding muscles move.
Arthritis or inflammation
Osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and other rheumatologic conditions can also contribute to pain and stiffness.
Hands-on treatment (OMT)
How OMT may help
Dr. McDonald examines before he treats: palpation to find where motion is actually restricted, rather than treating wherever it hurts. Treatment is gentle and specific, using techniques such as muscle energy, myofascial release, and counterstrain.
- Can help ease a strained, guarded muscle
- Often improves range in a stiff joint
- May release fascial tension where tissue healed tight
- Comes with practical guidance while the strain settles
If you need more than OMT
Hands-on treatment is not always the whole answer, and Dr. McDonald does not work alone.
Imaging
If your recovery needs a closer look, he can order it, including X-rays and MRI.
Referrals
He sends and receives referrals with physicians in physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurology, and family medicine, and with physical therapists. If your care should involve one of them, he will point you there.
Ready when you are
Start with a conversation
Describe what is going on, and Dr. McDonald will tell you whether hands-on treatment can help.