What is Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathic medicine is a traditional, hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment pioneered by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O. in the late 1800s. It is founded on three guiding principles: the body functions as an integrated whole; the body possesses its own inherent ability to heal; and structure and function are interdependent.

How are osteopathic physicians trained?

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) complete four years of medical school covering the full conventional medical curriculum, plus several hundred additional hours of training in manual diagnosis and treatment. Like their M.D. colleagues, they complete internships and residencies, are fully licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery, and may specialize in any field of medicine.

What is a DO?

A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a fully licensed physician, equivalent to an MD, who can examine, diagnose, prescribe and refer. What sets a DO apart is additional training in hands-on osteopathic diagnosis and treatment, and a philosophy that considers how the whole body works together — not just the part that hurts.

How may osteopathy help me?

Osteopathic treatment can help with a wide range of concerns in both children and adults. In children this includes birth trauma, colic, recurrent ear infections and developmental delays. In adults it includes recovery from surgery, support during pregnancy, pain management, digestive complaints and stress-related conditions.

How does osteopathic treatment work?

Treatment is individualized and guided by each patient's own healing mechanisms. Using a detailed knowledge of anatomy and highly developed palpatory (touch) skills, the physician identifies and gently releases areas of restriction so the body can return toward balance.

What happens during a visit?

An initial visit usually lasts one and a half to two hours and includes a detailed history, a physical examination, an osteopathic evaluation and treatment. Follow-up visits are typically 30 to 45 minutes. Treatment is gentle; patients remain clothed and are asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Our osteopathic techniques

Osteopathic physicians draw on a range of gentle, hands-on techniques, chosen and tailored to each patient:

• Cranial osteopathy — subtle work with the cranial mechanism and the body's natural rhythms.
• Myofascial release — easing tension through the connective tissue (fascia).
• Muscle energy — using your own gentle muscle effort to restore movement.
• Counterstrain — relieving tender points by gently positioning the body in comfort.
• Balanced ligamentous tension — restoring balance to the joints and their supporting ligaments.
• Soft-tissue technique — relaxing tight muscles and improving circulation.

“It is the object of a physician to find health — anyone can find disease.”
— Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O., Founder of Osteopathy