Angie's LIST Guide to
Osteopathic medicine

Since Dr. Andrew Taylor Still opened the American School of Osteopathy in 1892, osteopathic medicine has focued on preventive care and the body's natural ability to heal itself. It's both a philosophy and a practice of medicine.

A doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) emphasizes the relationship between the musculoskeletal system and the blood vessels and nerves of the body. This holistic approach is fundamental to the practice, as osteopaths treat the whole person rather than just dealing with individual symptoms, body systems and organs.

Like a medical doctor, osteopathic doctors attend medical school for four years and are licensed to prescribe medication, use technology to diagnose disease, evaluate injury and perform surgery. To pursue this specialty though, a doctor needs to undergo 300 to 500 additional hours of training in practical hands-on manipulation of the musculoskeletal system.

Approximately 5 percent of the physician population are DOs working in areas such as obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and internal medicine.

Osteopathic medicine treats the underlying cause of pain through noninvasive techniques and encourages a balanced, healthy state. Gentle manipulation improves blood flow, and with it the body can start to heal and restore the function of nerves, relax muscles and improve arthritic joints.

This treatment is especially effective in treating sprains, strains and sports injuries, such as tennis elbow and common back and neck pain. An osteopathic doctor can also relieve tension or migraine headaches. Because OMT helps increase circulation and lower blood pressure, the technique can reduce scar tissue and other adhesions. 

After the osteopathic doctor assesses the injury or pain, he or she considers how it affects the whole body. For example, a sore knee could be caused by another injury or could result from compensating for an underlying problem.

An osteopath can successfully pain resulting from accidents and injuries and related to pregnancy, arthritis, fibromyalgia and lupus. Back and neck pain, muscle spasms and lingering pain also respond well to osteopathic treatments.

The holistic approach is useful for people of all ages. Gentle enough for newborns and the elderly, treatments can help an entire family restore health and stay healthy. Colic and reflux problems can benefit from manipulation as well as hyperactivity and behavioral problems in children.