Michelle Vande Stouwe PA-C
Michelle Vande Stouwe PA-C
Michelle is an experienced orthopedic and spine Physician Assistant. She takes a family centered approach to orthopaedic care, prioritizing your concerns and overall well being. As a board-certified physician assistant, she specializes in managing minor orthopedic problems and ensuring you get the right care whether through treatment or referral to Dr. Katsuura. She has an interest in lifestyle medicine and metabolic bone health, focusing on how nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness impact bone strength, healing and healthspan. Her goal is to make your experience seamless, personalized, and effective.
Michelle is originally from Long Island, NY and went to the University of Maryland, College Park to pursue her undergraduate bachelor's degree in biology. She graduated with her MSPAS from Dominican University of California in San Rafael, CA and has since been enjoying her time living in San Francisco.
In her spare time, Michelle enjoys cooking, reading, and hiking in new places. She is excited to help you navigate the world of spine and orthopedic care with the team.
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Undergraduate in Biology:
University of Maryland, College Park
Physician Assistant School: MSPAS
Dominican University of California
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Clinical Evaluation & Diagnosis
New patient spine consultations and history taking
Comprehensive musculoskeletal physical examination
Neurological assessment including motor, sensory, and reflex testing
Review and interpretation of spine imaging including X-ray, MRI, and CT
Functional outcome assessment using validated instruments (Oswestry, NDI, VAS)
Pre-operative and post-operative evaluation and management
Urgent spine triage and acute pain assessment
Non-Operative Spine Care
Conservative treatment planning and coordination
Physical therapy referral and progress monitoring
Medication management — NSAIDs, analgesics, neuropathic agents, muscle relaxants
Osteoporosis screening, workup, and treatment initiation
Bone health optimization including calcium, vitamin D, and bisphosphonate management
Orthobiologic treatment coordination — PRP, prolotherapy, BMAC
Orthotics — LSO and cervical collar fitting, dispensing, and patient education
Workers compensation and disability documentation
Injection Procedures
Trigger point injections — cervical, thoracic, and lumbar paraspinal musculature
Joint aspirations — knee, shoulder, and peripheral joints
Bursa injections — trochanteric, subacromial, and olecranon
Trigger finger injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections — peripheral joints and spinal structures
Prolotherapy injections — spinal and peripheral
Patient Education & Care Coordination
Spine condition education — disc herniation, stenosis, spondylolisthesis, fracture
Surgical option counseling — endoscopic vs. minimally invasive vs. open
Pre-operative optimization including weight management, smoking cessation, and bone health
Post-operative rehabilitation coordination and physical therapy progression
DME ordering and coordination — braces, walkers, and assistive devices
Prior authorization submission for procedures, imaging, and DME
Referral coordination with pain management, neurology, and physical therapy
Telehealth consultation management
Workers compensation case management and documentation
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Board Certified in California
