Specializing in the non-surgical management of neuro-musculoskeletal injuries. Dr. Franke provides objective clarity through electrodiagnostics (EMG) and comprehensive care for motor vehicle trauma and work injuries.
Lots of imaging ... No unifying answer
Care has skipped from provider to provider, each treating in isolation. Fragmented care and escalating procedures
The nervous system and psychological distress treated as an afterthought. You're told everything looks 'fine,' but you still feel like something is wrong, and no one can explain it
After an injury, many patients fall into a predictable, frustrating cycle that prevents healing:
My role is to recognize this pattern early and interrupt the cycle. We are not just treating the parts. We are treating the whole.
A grounding medical home for patients navigating the complexities of injury
Treating tissue trauma and nervous system guardedness in concert for lasting recovery.
Precise studies to evaluate for nerve injuries. Scheduled within a week - the fastest access to quality electrodiagnostics in the Puget Sound region.
Trigger point therapy, PRP, prolotherapy, and corticosteroid injections when indicated.
Specialized care for whiplash, post-concussion syndrome, headaches, and cervical trauma.
Partnering with chiropractors, PT/OT, physicians, and counselors to coordinate recovery.
Dr. Franke is a board-certified physiatrist with over 17 years of clinical experience in the Greater Seattle area. Following a tenure in orthopedic surgery groups and over a decade specializing in complex spine and sports medicine, he currently practices at Seattle Spine & Sports Medicine, focusing on motor vehicle injury recovery, electrodiagnostics, and Osteopathic rehabilitation.
Dr. Franke approaches injury care with a unique vision: to create a space where physical rehabilitation and mental health support can work side-by-side. By working in close alignment with counseling professionals and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with physical therapists, chiropractors, and other specialists, he addresses the "whole person" reality of trauma-offering patients a coordinated approach where their physical and emotional recovery can happen together.
In high-velocity injuries, the physical damage is inseparable from the nervous system's protective response. When the brain perceives a threat, it locks down the body. Recovery stalls when these two systems stay out of sync.
My approach is distinct: I use precision diagnostics to map the injury, while simultaneously addressing the fear, sleep disruption, and autonomic stress that keeps pain alive.
"Body, mind and spirit are all interrelated."
- A.T. Still, DORestoring function and confidence through clarity and care.
"...the professionalism of the whole team... Dr. Franke is knowledgeable, pleasant and is a good listener... I am thankful for the care I have received."
"He helped me understand every single step... so much eagerness, knowledge and passion to figure out the root problem... 10/10 for sure."
"...knowledgeable, highly skilled, patient, supportive, and kind. I highly recommend Dr. Franke and his team!"
Clear answers to help you understand the process.
Yes. Dr. Franke is an authorized provider for Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I) and accepts Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for motor vehicle accidents. L&I cases are accepted on a case-by-case basis, with the exception of EMG/NCS testing, which Dr. Franke always accepts for L&I patients. We work directly with claim adjusters and third-party administrators to coordinate your care and ensure proper documentation for your case.
A physiatrist is a physician who specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). Dr. Franke completed medical school, a four-year PM&R residency, and is board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Physiatrists focus on restoring function after injury or illness. Rather than surgery, we emphasize rehabilitation, coordination of care, and helping patients return to work, sport, and daily activities. Dr. Franke also holds subspecialty board certification in Electrodiagnostic Medicine through the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), giving him advanced expertise in EMG/NCS testing for nerve and muscle disorders.
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is a fully licensed physician with the same training, licensing, and practice rights as an M.D. Dr. Franke completed four years of Osteopathic medical school, a four-year residency, and holds the same board certifications as his M.D. colleagues. The difference is philosophy: Osteopathic medicine emphasizes treating the whole person, recognizing that physical injury affects not just tissues, but also mental and emotional health. D.O.s also receive additional training in Osteopathic manual medicine, which informs Dr. Franke's hands-on approach to treating musculoskeletal injuries. This aligns with his "dual recovery" vision, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of trauma together.
Please bring: (1) A photo ID and insurance card, (2) Any recent imaging (MRI, X-ray, CT) on disc or printed reports, (3) A list of current medications, (4) Relevant medical records if available. If you're being seen for a work injury or auto accident, bring your claim number and adjuster contact information. New patients: Please arrive 30 minutes early to complete paperwork. Follow-up visits: Arriving 10-15 minutes early is appreciated.
Recovery happens in a space designed for healing - where natural light, modern diagnostics, and calm professionalism support your journey back to health.
Every treatment room features large windows creating a calm, healing atmosphere that reduces stress and promotes recovery.
State-of-the-art EMG/NCS equipment for precise electrodiagnostic testing and targeted treatment planning.
Unhurried appointments in comfortable spaces where you have time to discuss your concerns and understand your recovery.
I treat patients at the Seattle Spine & Sports Medicine Lynnwood clinic.
Dr. Franke is not currently seeing patients at the Seattle (Eastlake) office. However, the Seattle location remains the main hub for Seattle Spine & Sports Medicine. If you see Dr. Franke in Lynnwood, he coordinates closely with the Seattle team for your continuity of care.