What is Osteopathic Medicine?
Osteopathic Medicine was founded by Dr. A.T. Still, MD, DO in late 1880s, who emphasized preventive care and treating the whole person, not just the disease. With Dr. Still’s revolutionary vision and tireless efforts of many of his students, Osteopathic Medicine is now one of the fastest growing segments in US healthcare today, with one out of every four medical students enrolled in an osteopathic medical school. In the United States, there are two distinct groups of fully licensed physicians and surgeons; Allopathic medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of Osteopathic medicine (DOs). Both pathways require an undergraduate degree, four years of medical training and an additional 3+ years of post-graduate medical training (residency). Osteopathic medicine is distinguished from Allopathic medicine by its unique set of foundational Osteopathic Principles which are Integrative & Whole-Person, as well as additional hands-on training in a manual medicine practice called Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) or Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).
What is OMT?
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is Hands-On Care. Physicians trained in OMT are Doctors of Osteopathic medicine (DO). Osteopathic physicians treat the whole-person by helping patients develop attitudes and lifestyles that don’t just fight illness, but also help prevent disease and restore health. Your osteopathic physician uses OMT to move your muscles and joins and optimize fluid motion through gentle techniques such as stretching, gentle pressure, resistance, and cranial osteopathy.
What Conditions
Benefit From OMT?
Patients at all stages of life, from newborns to advanced ages, can benefit from Osteopathic treatments. It can be helpful for a wide range of conditions and situations such as:
Musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction (acute or chronic)
Tension and migraine headaches
TMJ disorders
TBI & Post-Concussion Syndrome disorders
Pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain
Menstrual pain
Asthma & Chronic Respiratory Conditions
Costochondritis or rib pain
Scoliosis (children + adults)
Torticollis (children)
Plagiocephaly and latch problems (infants)
Leg length discrepancy
Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Acid Reflux
And many more!