Osteopathic Manipulation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OSTEOPATHY

What is Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathic philosophy was founded in 1874 by Dr. Andrew Still.  It is based on the following principles:  the body is a unit; the body’s structure and function are interrelated; the body is self healing and self regulating.     Osteopathic doctors utilize different manual manipulations to stimulate and assist the body’s innate ability to heal.  These techniques include Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) techniques, Cranial sacral, myofascial release, muscle energy, counterstrain, and articulatory, lymphatic and thrust techniques.

What are Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O) and how are they different from MD’s?

There are two types of medical doctors: allopaths (M.D) and Osteopaths (D.O).  Both complete four years of medical school and get training in the science of medicine.  However, D.O’s have additional training in palpation and osteopathic manual manipulation/ techniques (OMM or OMT) that MD’s do not.  Although all DO’s have training in manual manipulation, not all practice this skill depending on their interest and specialty.

How is a D.O different from a chiropractor?

The two fields share some similar manipulation techniques.  However, DO’s have additional training that qualifies them as medical doctors.

What conditions does OMT treat?

Musculoskeletal problems: arthritis, low back pain, sciatica, whiplash injuries, fibromyalgia
Digestive disorders:  constipation, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome
Insomnia, depression, anxiety
Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ) syndrome
Sinusitis, Headache
Post-concussion syndrome
Asthma

And More….

Is Osteopathic manipulation safe?

In the hands of a properly trained physician osteopathic manipulations are very effective with generally minimal adverse effects.  Some patients may feel light headedness, nausea, increased thirst, relaxed or tiredness.  It is recommended to drink plenty of water to help the body to flush out and detoxify muscle metabolites after a treatment to prevent muscle aches.

What to expect during an osteopathic treatment:

The doctor may use any osteopathic technique to mobilize and release somatic dysfunction in joints, and tissues to improve the flow of body fluids.  The patient may feel muscle twitching, minimal to moderate pressure, reproducible pain or no palpable sensation and often a state of relaxation.

How many treatments do I need?

It depends on the problem and how long the somatic dysfunction has been there.  Patients often feel some relief after one treatment.  However, chronic problems may require multiple treatments.