Question 1

What is osteopathic medicine?

Accepted Answer

Osteopathic medicine is a branch of medical practice that emphasizes the interrelationship between the body's structure and function. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who receive additional training in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) — a hands-on approach to diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. At Hagopian Health, Dr. Michael Hagopian, DO, combines OMT with evidence-based medicine to treat the root cause of conditions rather than just managing symptoms.

Question 2

What conditions does Hagopian Health treat?

Accepted Answer

Hagopian Health treats a wide range of conditions including chronic back pain, migraines, headaches, sports injuries, asthma flares, ear/sinus/oral conditions, allergies, fertility challenges, and pregnancy-related discomfort. We also offer peptide therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, neurodevelopmental care for ADHD and autism, aesthetic care, and diagnostic laboratory services.

Question 3

What is peptide therapy and how does it help with injuries?

Accepted Answer

Peptide therapy uses short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins — to signal specific healing processes in the body. Unlike NSAIDs, which only mask pain, or corticosteroids, which suppress inflammation but can weaken tissue over time, peptides work at the cellular level to promote actual tissue regeneration. They can stimulate collagen production, increase blood flow to damaged areas, and accelerate the repair of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and cartilage. At Hagopian Health, peptide protocols are used for both acute injuries (sprains, strains, post-surgical recovery) and chronic conditions (tendinopathy, degenerative joint issues, slow-healing wounds) as part of a comprehensive integrative treatment plan.

Question 4

How do I know if my headache needs medical attention?

Accepted Answer

You should seek medical attention if your headache is sudden and severe ("thunderclap" onset), occurs after a head injury, is accompanied by fever and stiff neck, causes confusion or vision changes, or is the worst headache you've ever experienced. Chronic headaches lasting more than 15 days per month also warrant evaluation. At Hagopian Health, we perform a full structural and neurological assessment to identify the root cause — which may be musculoskeletal tension, cervical misalignment, or an underlying condition requiring treatment.

Question 5

What is the difference between a headache and a migraine?

Accepted Answer

A tension headache typically causes a dull, band-like pressure around the head and is often related to stress or posture. A migraine is a neurological condition that causes moderate-to-severe throbbing pain (usually on one side), often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances called aura. Migraines can last 4–72 hours and may be triggered by hormonal changes, certain foods, or environmental factors. Osteopathic treatment at Hagopian Health can address both through cranial and cervical manipulation, postural correction, and trigger identification.

Question 6

Can osteopathic treatment help with chronic back pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is one of the most effective non-surgical approaches for chronic back pain. Studies published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association show that OMT reduces pain intensity and improves function in chronic low back pain patients. At Hagopian Health, Dr. Hagopian uses techniques including myofascial release, muscle energy, and high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust to restore spinal mobility and reduce pain at the source.

Question 7

Is osteopathic treatment safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy is safe and beneficial when performed by a trained DO. The American Osteopathic Association recognizes OMT as a safe complementary approach for pregnancy-related discomfort including lower back pain, sciatica, round ligament pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction. At Hagopian Health, Dr. Hagopian provides gentle, pregnancy-adapted techniques that support both maternal comfort and fetal wellbeing.

Question 8

What should I expect at my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit at Hagopian Health typically lasts 45–60 minutes. Dr. Hagopian will review your complete medical history, perform a thorough physical examination including an osteopathic structural exam, and discuss your health goals. Based on this assessment, he will create a personalized treatment plan that may include OMT, lifestyle recommendations, and any necessary diagnostic testing. Treatment often begins during the first visit.

Question 9

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Hagopian Health operates as a fee-for-service practice to provide unhurried, thorough care without insurance constraints. We can provide superbills (itemized receipts) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Contact our office for current fee schedules and payment options.

Question 10

What is PRP therapy and what conditions does it treat?

Accepted Answer

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a procedure that uses your own blood platelets to accelerate tissue healing. A small blood sample is drawn, processed to concentrate the platelets, and then injected into the injured area. PRP is clinically effective for tendon injuries (tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis), mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis, ligament sprains, and muscle injuries. At Hagopian Health, PRP is combined with osteopathic treatment to optimize recovery outcomes.

Question 11

How can osteopathic medicine help with fertility?

Accepted Answer

Osteopathic treatment can support fertility by improving pelvic blood flow, reducing structural restrictions in the pelvis and lumbar spine, and optimizing nervous system function that governs reproductive organs. Research suggests that addressing somatic dysfunction in the lumbar and sacral regions may improve uterine and ovarian function. At Hagopian Health, fertility support is part of a comprehensive approach that may include OMT, hormonal evaluation, nutritional guidance, and coordination with reproductive specialists.

Question 12

Where are Hagopian Health offices located?

Accepted Answer

Hagopian Health has two offices in the greater Los Angeles area. Our Santa Monica office is at 1821 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 306, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (phone: 424-238-5003). Our West LA office is at 12300 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 220, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (phone: 310-576-2505). Both locations offer the full range of our osteopathic medical services.

Characteristic	Tension Headache	Migraine
Pain Type	Dull, band-like pressure	Throbbing, pulsating
Location	Both sides of head	Usually one side
Duration	30 minutes – several hours	4–72 hours
Nausea	Rare	Common
Light/Sound Sensitivity	Mild or none	Often severe
Visual Aura	No	Possible (flashing lights, zigzag lines)
Common Triggers	Stress, poor posture, eye strain	Hormones, foods, weather changes
Osteopathic Treatment	Cervical OMT, postural correction	Cranial OMT, trigger management, cervical treatment

Characteristic	Acute Back Pain	Chronic Back Pain
Duration	Less than 6 weeks	More than 12 weeks
Onset	Sudden (injury, strain)	Gradual or recurring
Common Causes	Muscle strain, disc herniation	Degenerative changes, postural dysfunction
Red Flags	Numbness, weakness, bowel/bladder changes	Progressive weakness, unexplained weight loss
Treatment at Hagopian Health	OMT, activity modification, monitoring	OMT, PRP therapy, diagnostic testing, root cause analysis

Characteristic	Peptide Therapy	NSAIDs	Corticosteroids
Primary Mechanism	Stimulates cellular repair and tissue regeneration	Blocks COX enzymes to reduce inflammation	Suppresses immune response and inflammation
Pain Relief	Gradual, as tissue heals	Rapid (within hours)	Rapid (within days)
Tissue Healing	Promotes actual regeneration (collagen, tendon, cartilage)	No healing effect; may impair healing at high doses	Can weaken tendons and cartilage with repeated use
Duration of Benefit	Long-term (structural repair)	Short-term (while taking medication)	Weeks to months; diminishes over time
Best For	Tendon injuries, chronic joint issues, post-surgical recovery, slow-healing wounds	Acute inflammation, mild-moderate pain, short-term use	Severe inflammation, autoimmune flares, joint injections
Common Side Effects	Mild injection site reaction; generally well-tolerated	GI irritation, kidney risk, cardiovascular risk with long-term use	Weight gain, blood sugar elevation, bone thinning, tissue atrophy
Repeat Use Safety	Safe for repeated protocols	Risk increases with prolonged use	Limited to 3–4 injections per site per year
Root Cause Treatment	Yes — addresses underlying tissue damage	No — symptom management only	No — suppresses symptoms without repair

Frequently Asked Questions