Dr. Jeffrey Furmanek understands that every patient is a whole person; the lifestyle they love is connected to the way their body functions. He believes in educating his patients so that they understand all of their treatment options.
For as long as Dr. Furmanek can remember, he has been interested in science, anatomy, and physiology, and in helping people. “I have always been interested in how the human body works,” he explains. “When I got my undergraduate degree in exercise physiology and biomechanics, all the pieces came together. I went on to earn my doctor of osteopathy degree and do a fellowship in sports medicine and arthroscopy.”
When patients ask about Dr. Furmanek’s osteopathic credential, he answers that a doctor of osteopathy is credentialed like other physician, but with a specific philosophical approach to patient care. “Osteopathy sees the body as a connected whole,” he explains. “We learn a lot of musculoskeletal care and study manipulative techniques to treat the spine, joints, and muscles. My training made for a nice transition into orthopedics. When I see patients, I am not just treating a hip or knee or shoulder or elbow. I ask my patients what else is going on in their life that may affect their joint. By understanding their work, daily activities, repetitive chores, hobbies, and any sports-related injuries, I can treat patients based on a whole picture of their life—not just an X-ray.”
Dr. Furmanek’s practice is focused on sports medicine for children and adults. In addition to seeing individual patients, he cares for athletes at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, staffing football games, working with athletes in the training room, and caring for the student athletes throughout the year. When surgery is appropriate, Dr. Furmanek’s arthroscopic training is reflected in his specialty areas: surgeries of the shoulder and knee.
“I feel really blessed to go to work to do something that I enjoy, and that helps people to live the life they love,” he says. “It’s great to see my patients do well. We all know what it’s like to be inconvenienced. Movement is life. Activity is life. It’s encouraging to me to see people wanting to be doing things. My patients inspire me to contribute to their goals. When they tell me, “Thanks, doc,” that’s what it’s all about. It’s good for the soul to be able to lend a helping hand to other people.”
When to seek treatment for your arthritis
Arthritis doesn’t have to spell the end of an active life. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms or persistent pain, the renowned arthritis specialists at Summit Orthopedics can help. We work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan. If nonsurgical treatments fail to support your lifestyle goals, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons will consult with you and discuss appropriate surgical options. Summit is home to innovative joint replacement options. Our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center is one of only two surgery centers nationally to receive The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.
Start your journey to healthier joints. Find your arthritis expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
