Dr. Timothy Fetter, DC, MSW

About Dr. Fetter

Dr. Fetter began his career in Psychotherapy before attending Chiropractic College at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Upon graduation, Dr. Fetter continued to practice both Chiropractic and Psychotherapy while also teaching undergraduate Psychology at The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. His Chiropractic practice focused on structural alignment and rehabilitation, as well as Functional Medicine and nutritional supplementation to provide a more holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Fetter specializes in chronic pain, inflammation-based disorders, and stress-related disorders. His passion is in the integration of the mind and body and how physical and mental health influence one another. He also has a strong interest in lifestyle management and meaningful behavior change to influence both the recovery from, and prevention of illness.

Q&A with Dr. Fetter

What are you most passionate about professionally? Personally?

Professionally I am most passionate about the role of education and empowerment in the recovery and prevention of chronic health problems. I believe strongly in helping people learn how to independently manage their own health as much as possible. Education is power and the word Doctor refers to Teacher, which I take very seriously.

Personally, I am an avid mountain biker, and I am incredibly blessed that my wife is as well. We spend our vacations and long-weekends pursuing mountain bike destinations. Physicality is very important to us and we also spend time Bouldering and doing Yoga together.

What three traits define you?

Detail-oriented, adventurous, and energetic

What would you do even if you didn’t get paid to do it?

I love sharing my health knowledge and would still find a way to pass that information along so that people could lead healthier and happier lives.

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

My fatbike, which is a mountain bike designed for winter riding. Very few things challenge you as mentally and physically while also filling up your soul as riding a bike in the woods in the snow.

What’s the biggest proof that you’re good at what you do?

When a patient tells me that their life has changed as a result of our work together. That is what it is all about. When a person’s quality of life has improved and they are living their potential, I know that we have made the world a better place.

How long have you been working in your field?

I have been in healthcare for over 20 years in a variety of capacities.

What’s your biggest accomplishment?

I married the love of my life and my best friend. I cannot imagine a better life than being with the person who you love and like more than anyone else on earth.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

I’m not sure if it is weird, but being a Professor was pretty strange. The youthful energy of an academic setting makes you feel like a younger version of yourself.

How does your education connect to your professional career? What about personal experiences?

Being trained in both physical and mental healthcare has had a profound influence on me. I have found that there is very little, if any, overlap between physical and behavioral health providers. This lack of integration is tragic, as we know that your mind influences your physical health and vice versa. Being able to integrate these two into a coherent whole is an important part of every patient encounter for me.

What problems do you consistently solve for your clients?

I cherish helping those who have had their health issues for a long time. Chronic pain and chronic stress have a way of stealing the sunshine from your life. Unfortunately, these problems are often left unsolved. My joy is in guiding people back toward a life of less limitations, greater potential, and more fulfillment. Beyond pain and stress-related issues, I also very much enjoy inflammatory and gut health conditions.

What are you complimented on most in your work?

I have received the most compliments for explaining and educating during the treatment process. I believe strongly that everyone deserves to know what is wrong with them and what they can do to recover in language that makes sense to them.

Who is your ideal client and why should they connect with you?

I absolutely love working with chronic pain and mood-related problems. But honestly my ideal client is anyone who is ready to take control of their health and go on the journey of change and growth. Healing is a process and anyone who has felt unsupported or ill-equipped to engage in that process should feel free to connect and try again. My process isn’t just to help a person know What to do but also How to do it.

In your work or creative process, what concepts are sacred? Which rules have you made, which ones do you follow?

Our bodies and minds are meant to heal and some form of healing is possible as long as we are alive. We have the ability to make choices that impact that process and have much more control over our health than many people realize. These ideals can keep us focused and moving forward during the journey of developing new habits and recovering from health crises.

What is your grand, audacious goal? What do you wish people would know, believe, do?

I believe that healthcare is in drastic need of a paradigm shift. I envision a system that is proactive instead of reactive to problems after they occur. I believe that people control the majority of their health outcomes, and with some knowledge and assistance, can become the main driver of their own health destiny. I want to see healthcare redefined to include performance, potential, and actualization as opposed to illness and symptoms.

Where do you live?

I live in Greensburg PA which is close to Pittsburgh

What do you do for fun in your spare time? What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are mountain biking, bouldering, yoga, reading, and listening to music. I try to be outdoors as much as possible, even in the winter.