About

Frances E. Demmerle, D.O. is a fully trained and licensed general practice physician who specializes in manual medicine treatments for the musculoskeletal system (muscles and joints) with particular attention to the spine. She believes in treating the body as an integrated whole. 

Dr. Demmerle graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine medical school with a D.O. in 1995. Kirksville is the world’s first osteopathic medical school established by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in 1892.

She has been in private practice for 25 years with offices in in Arlington, VA and Charlottesville, VA and approaches each patient with kindness and respect. She will listen to you and design treatment that addresses your unique concerns. 

Treatment Philosophy:  Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine 

Impediments to normal bone, tissue, muscle and organ movement can cause pain and discomfort.  Dr. Demmerle works to remove impediments through gentle, hands-on manipulation of the musculoskeletal, visceral and circulation systems.  When restrictions to movement are eliminated there is often an involuntary release of old traumas locked inside the body.  The goal of treatment is to improve circulation of vital fluids in the circulatory and lymphatic systems, halt further abnormal tissue movement and relieve stress on bones, organs and joints.  

Patients achieve pain relief and enjoy an increase in mobility.  And, this very gentle intervention often reduced the need for more invasive therapies.  Osteopathic manipulation is also highly effective treatment for infants and children, offering relief to many chronic conditions (link to list of conditions) and dramatically improving quality of life.