Finding hope, life without chronic pain

Intense, chronic pain can stop you from doing things others take for granted—like leaving the house, caring for loved ones, walking, or simply getting out of bed in the morning. Years of chronic pain can also cause anxiety and depression.

 No matter how many times previous treatments have failed you, there’s no reason to wait any longer. One local physician—Patrica Delzell, MD, founder of Advanced Musculoskeletal Medicine Consultants (MMC) in Chagrin Falls—is achieving results for patients where other healthcare providers could not.

That’s because she and her team blend traditional medicine with advanced diagnostic tools and complementary therapies that focus not just on symptoms but on the whole person. This integrative approach helps identify the true source of chronic pain and offers significant relief.

“By the time patients find us, they’ve usually spent years going from doctor to doctor,” Dr. Delzell says. “They’ve tried meds, injections, surgery, and often they were told nothing more could be done for them. But we’ve found—again and again—that’s just not the case.”

As a powerful symbol, Advanced MMC’s logo is a phoenix rising from the ashes, symbolizing hope, healing, and a path back to a fulfilling life.

Initially, Dr. Delzell spends hours reviewing the notes from the patient’s previous providers followed by an extended office visit reviewing the patient’s story with them including what is happening in their current day-to-day life to determine where she can give control back to the patient to enable them to optimize their body and mind for healing.

In a second visit, she uses cutting-edge ultrasound technology to see details within the soft tissues, including dynamic function, that MRIs and CT scans often overlook. She often finds scar tissue within the fascia that can impact kinetic chain function as well as nerve function.

“Whether from a past injury, surgery, repetitive stress or overuse, scar tissue can restrict tissues that need to move freely. The fascia also intertwines somatic nerve fibers with autonomic nerve fibers. Therefore, pain sensations can be exacerbated throughout the musculoskeletal system simply by over activity of the sympathetic nervous system,” she explains. “We offer a combination of conventional and complementary treatment options including lifestyle medicine and techniques within traditional Chinese medicine that address not only the anatomic dysfunction but the underlying root cause of the pain.”

Although we sometimes hesitate to share our healthcare experiences with others, Dr. Delzell’s patients are often eager to tell their stories to help others find relief from chronic pain. That’s why her practice has nearly 100 Google reviews with a perfect five-star rating. Here, we share three firsthand accounts.

Thirty-four Pills and Still in Pain

After Richard Seligson fractured several vertebrae in his back and underwent neck fusion surgery, he was left in severe pain. He saw around a dozen doctors seeking relief. Although he was taking 34 pills daily, he continued to experience pain and suffered from brain fog.

He had to retire early at age 62.

Then Richard learned about Advanced MMC and decided to schedule an appointment. He says Dr. Delzell is unlike any other physician he has seen.

 “After being through so many doctors, it was refreshing to find one who finally listened to me,” he says. “She addresses my pain on every level—physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional.”

Richard’s treatment included acupressure. “Although I was initially skeptical, acupressure with Dr. Delzell dramatically reduced my pain,” he adds. “I’ve gone from barely being able to walk a hundred feet to doing what I really love—taking my dogs for hikes.”

“She Changed My Life!”

After suffering from debilitating back pain for 10 years—two of which she spent bed-bound—Lindsey Uchbar had seen many specialists, and by the time she met Dr. Delzell, she had already had five back surgeries to address herniated disks.

“Just the smallest activity caused me excruciating pain,” she says. “I couldn’t drive a car—or sit in a chair—or walk very far. I was on a cane. The only position my body felt somewhat comfortable was lying flat.”

After reviewing Lindsey’s medical history, Dr. Delzell created a comprehensive plan that combined targeted treatments with mind-body techniques.

“She gave me a completely new toolbox to manage my symptoms,” Lindsey says.

I’m enjoying quality time again with my husband, our three children, and friends. Please, I encourage anyone suffering from chronic pain to regain control with help from Dr. Delzell. She changed my life!”

Help for Pulmonary Fibrosis

After a Covid-induced bout with pneumonia that put Don Kautzman in the hospital for several weeks in 2021, he learned the illness had caused pulmonary fibrosis, a scarring of the lungs that restricts breathing.

This lively 75-year-old, who still works full-time in finance and accounting, was not pleased with the diagnosis, which meant he would need to use oxygen for the rest of his life.

So, he conducted his own research.

That led him to Lee Fogle, author of A Matter of Life and Breath, a guide to helping people battling lung disease. One of Fogle’s recommendations stood out: infrared laser treatment. That suggestion brought him to Advanced MMC, which uses the Summus Class IV infrared laser to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease.

“I saw significant improvement in my breathing capacity and less coughing,” explains Don, who began treatment last year. “My lungs feel much better and are less inflamed. I take a test called a DLCO, which measures how well the body absorbs oxygen and exchanges it for carbon dioxide. My results had been declining ever since I got sick, but after I started laser treatments with Dr. Delzell, the curve of decline flattened.”

Because Don’s disease has stopped progressing, he’s able to walk every day again.

Ongoing Support

A key part of Advanced MMC is its Mind Body Program, where patients meet monthly with Dr. Delzell to explore how breathwork, meditation, Qigong, and acupressure can help relieve pain. Suggested books and workbooks support the program. The program also includes a 6-week Qigong Series with Ana Maria Carillo, PhD as well as a six-week Pain Reprocessing Support Group currently led by therapist Sarah Stein, LISW.

Weekly sessions enable patients to share experiences, exchange strategies, and connect with other “pain warriors.” 

About Dr. Delzell

Patricia Delzell, MD, earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University and holds fellowships from Brown University and the University of Arizona. She also studied for two years with integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Andrew Weil. She lectures both nationally and internationally. 

Advanced Musculoskeletal Medicine Consultants

8401 Chagrin Rd., Suite 20A, Chagrin Falls 

440-557-5011

AdvancedMMC.com