Dr. Lavelle said that he and Dr. Digrazia, who has a practice that mostly specializes in gynecology and obstetrics in addition to his work with cancer surgeons and clinical research, have developed an office that combines "traditional with alternative and complementary medicine.
"It opens doors," Dr. Digrazia said of the options that Dr. Lavelle has added to the practice. "I can send a patient to him who needs something that I can't provide."
"I don't just treat the symptom," he said of his philosophy. "I treat the whole person."
Dr. Digrazia said that he met Dr. Lavelle through his step-son, who had spoken to Dr. Lavelle at the fitness club that they both belong to.
Dr. Digrazia, a well-recognized resident in Brookfield who holds a Ph.D. in addition to his medical degree, has long maintained his vineyard not far from the intersection of Tower Road and Route 133.
Dr. Lavelle said that he grew up in Brookfield, where his father operated the now defunct Lavelle's Wagon Wheel on Federal Road, a popular restaurant that was noted for its pizza.
He said that since joining Dr. Digrazia in July he has primarily treated patients for post-menstrual syndrome, issues related to nutrition, osteoporosis and psychological issues.
Dr. Lavelle said his interest in becoming a doctor began as an undergraduate at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, which is noted for its physical education and health programs.
During his time at the campus he worked as an athletic trainer.
"That's where I got into sports medicine, and then I went to chiropractic school," Dr. Lavelle explained.
He later worked as a team physician for the girls' soccer team at Immaculate High School in Danbury, his alma mater, and also has assisted a friend in Hamden who has a sports medicine practice that provides services to some of the teams in New Haven.
Dr. Lavelle formerly had a practice in a building on Huckleberry Hill Road, near the Greenknoll branch of the YMCA of Western Connecticut, and he spent eight years as an assistant professor of Chiropractic, Neurology and Orthopedics at the University of Bridgeport and another two years as the director of its acupuncture program.
He said that, in addition to his work at the professional building on Federal Road, he is interested in working with area sports teams.
"Doctors should discuss patients and conditions with other doctors," Dr. Digrazia said regarding the advantages of having two physicians who complement each other.
"With our two disciplines and being in the same office, we're able to do that," Dr. Digrazia pointed out.