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OUR MISSION: To foster healing and health for the people and communities we serve.

Bridges - Integrative Health

 
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Welcome

Welcome to Bridges Integrative Health Services at Exempla Lutheran Medical Center. Our job is to nourish your body, mind and soul with therapeutic services. Bridge the gap between holistic healing and hospitals- the ideal integration of Eastern traditional medicine and Western technologies.

On October 1, 2008, we moved back to our Bridges House at 8098 West 38th Avenue, Wheat Ridge 80033

We're conveniently located at the main entrance of the Exempla Lutheran Medical Center campus. 

Bridges is a blonde brick ranch house at the south east corner of 38th Avenue and Lutheran Parkway.  Client parking is available in front of our house.

To make your appointment, call 303.425.2262.

Bridges focuses on the whole person by bridging conventional medical treatments with a variety of rich healing traditions to enhance and enrich one's health and healing.

How can Bridges help you?   

Stress management

Health can be severely impacted by stress, both short-term and long-term.  We have massage, acupuncture, counseling and classes to support healthy stress management. 

Realizing the mind-body connection is the first step into getting a better understanding into how to manage stress.

Weight loss and nutrition counseling

Bridges is pleased to announce that we provide a wide array of services and support to assist you with weight loss and improving your overall health. You don't have to do it on your own - we're here to help!

Exercise Physiologist Consultation
Comprehensive Counseling
Classes in Weight Loss and Healthy Cooking
Consultations with Exempla Lutheran Medical Centers' Registered Dietician
Exercise classes in Yoga, Tai Chi and more
Acupuncture

Insomnia and sleep disturbances

Many health problems start from sleep disturbances.  We offer counseling, acupuncture, relaxation workshops and massage to treat sleep problems without drugs.

Pain management

Both acupuncture and massage therapy are used to provide non-medicinal relief for:  arthritis, chronic pain, musculoskeletal and joint pain, headaches and migraines, and cancer treatment side effects such as nausea, vomiting, neuropathy and pain

Holistic Surgery Path

treating patients before and after surgery has been shown to reduce stress and decrease post-operative side effects and recovery from anesthesia.

Exercise and Wellness support

Clients meet one-on-one with our Exercise Physiologist to develop a weekly workout plan that takes into account health history, exercise background, personal preferences and short and long-term goals.

Acupuncture and massage can help to alleviate muscle soreness, fatigue and even injury to joints or muscles that may result by starting a new exercise program or maintaining a current program.  We hold classes in Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi abd Stress Management.

Tobacco and other addictions

We offer comprehensive counseling, acupuncture and clinical hypnosis to help reduce cravings.  

Gastrointestinal conditions

We offer medication-free alternatives for abdominal pain, reflux, hyperacidity and a wide variety of other ailments.

Therapeutic Massage

Massage focuses on the health of the muscular, fascial and connective tissue that hold the body together, releasing tension and improving posture and flexibility.  Massage also enhances circulation of fluids throughout the body, increasing blood and lymphatic flow and enhancing immune system function.  Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Pre-natal, Swedish and Sports massages are some of the modalities available.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat many health conditions by regulating and restoring balance to the body. It is very helpful when used to help decrease pain.  The World Health Organization lists more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture may be used, including:  Arthritis, Back pain, Headaches, Migraines, Parkinson's disease, Post-operative pain, Respiratory problems, Infertility, Tinnitis, Dental pain, Menopausal symptoms, Premenstrual syndrome, Digestive problems, Addiction control, Blood pressure regulation, Chronic fatigue, Immune system tonification, Stress reduction.

Integrative Health Nurse Consultation

Our Integrative Registered Nurse will help you explore opportunities and provide direction to combine complementary and traditional therapies with modern medical treatments.  

Your nurse will work with you to help you choose therapies based on a review of your health history and your goals.  She can also provide lifestyle counseling and instruction in relaxation and stress management techniques. The goal is to assist the client in making lifestyle changes that are realistic and achievable.

Who can benefit from a consulting session?

  • Newcomers who wants to learn which complementary medicine therapies might be most beneficial
  • Newly diagnosed cancer patients
  • Those who want individualized plans for wellness, stress management or relaxation
  • Surgery patients looking for alternative ways to reduce side effects and get the best outcome

Counseling

The process of holistic counseling looks at the body, mind and spirit of a person as well as the environment in which they live.  This approach facilitates discovery, growth and healing. Through counseling, clients will identify these old habits and learn new skills that help change negative emotional habits into healthier ones. 

Nutrition Consultation

Our registered dietitian will meet with you to discuss your health and weight issues and goals.  With this information, she will create a personalized weight management plan with you, including a dietary plan and nutritional supplements.  This is an excellent process for clients who want to lose weight, improve their health and energy, and for those who are recovering from illness.

Exercise Physiologist Consult

Clients meet one-on-one with our Exercise Physiologist to develop a weekly workout plan that takes into account health history, exercise background, personal preferences and short and long-term goals.  Hands-on exercise instruction is a part of the first appointment, so clients leave with a clear idea of what type of exercise is needed to accomplish their goals.  Follow up appointments are scheduled 4-6 weeks apart to monitor progress and refine the program. 

Healing Touch

Healing Touch is a complementary therapy and can be used with other therapies to complement traditional medicine.  It can be used with patients who have skin infections, rashes, burns or other sensitivities; for patients undergoing chemotherapy, on infants and newborns, and in the ICU.  Some uses for Healing Touch are:  reduce anxiety and stress, promote relaxation, improve sleep; reduce anxiety and pain before and after medical procedures or surgery.Healing Touch is classified by the National Institute of Health as a biofield therapy and nursing intervention and is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Association. 

Bridges Integrative Health & Wellness is a division of Exempla Lutheran Medical Center.  We accept cash, checks or credit cards at the time of service. Additionally, our services may be covered by select insurance plans and Flexible Spending programs.

About Us

You'll feel safe at Bridges, and for good reason. Our clinic is the only hospital-based center of its kind in the metro-Denver area. We integrate mainstream, complementary, and alternative medicine, working with you to achieve emotional and spiritual balance.

All of our practitioners meet professional credentialing criteria for their specialties and are committed to giving you a level of service that sets us apart. As a member of the Exempla Lutheran healthcare team, we meet the medical center's best-practice standards of care.

Our Mission

Our mission is to bridge conventional medical treatments with a variety of rich healing traditions. Complementary therapies enhance healing and assist with physical, spiritual, and emotional balance. Used with conventional medicine, they give you the best of both worlds. Examples of integrative medicine include use of acupuncture and/or massage to help ease pain and discomfort following surgery, or a special diet to supplement cancer treatment. At Bridges, we only provide proven therapies with high-quality evidence of safety and effectiveness. 



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Healthwise Catholic KnowledgebaseLeg Injuries 08/04/2008
 An acute injury may occur from a direct blow, a penetrating injury, a fall, or from twisting, jerking, jamming, or bending a limb abnormally. Pain may be sudden and severe. Bruising and swelling may develop soon after the injury. Acute injuries usually require prompt medical evaluation and may include: Bruises ( contusions ), which occur when small blood vessels under the skin tear or rupture, often from a twist, bump, or fall.




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