Osteopathic Manipulation
What is a DO?
In the Unites States full practicing physicians must obtain one of two degrees, MD or DO. Many people have gone to both MDs and DOs without noticing a difference. DO stands for "Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine". Osteopathy was founded in the US in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, MD. So, it can be thought of as American medicine. Osteopathic medicine is based mainly on the idea that the body has the ability to heal itself, and as physicians we should just be helping that process.
Also, that structure and function are intertwined; essentially meaning that what we feel on the outside indicates whats happening on the inside. Finally, that as a physician, you are treating the whole person (body, mind and spirit).
In the big picture, MDs and DOs go through the same training, four years of college, four years of medical school and then internship, residency and sometimes fellowship before taking boards and becoming a board certified physician. DOs like MDs can specialize in anything from family practice to brain surgery. The difference is that during the four years of medical school, DOs get extra training in osteopathic manipulation.
What is osteopathic manipulation?
It is "hands-on" or manual therapy. Chiropractors, physical therapist and massage therapist all use manual therapy. We do learn how to "crack" your back, but usually we use more gentle techniques to accomplish the same outcome. Some techniques feel like massage and some techniques feel like stretching. We use these techniques to treat many kinds of problems including but not limited to:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Hip pain
- Muscle strain
- Headaches
- Sinus problems
- Ear aches
- Breathing problems
Osteopathic manipulation is covered by most insurance plans with a copay. If you would like to receive more information about osteopathic manipulation or you would like to be evaluated for treatment, please call our office 724-969-1001 to schedule an appointment with our osteopathic physician, Dr. Kristen Romesburg.
For more information of osteopathic medicine please visit these websites.
www.osteopathic.org
www.acofp.org