What is an Osteopathic Physician (D.O.) ?

• I am an osteopathic physician providing comprehensive Osteopathic medical care.
• The initials "D.O." stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. As an osteopathic physician, my medical education and training are all that an M.D. is required to obtain, plus an additional thousand hours of training in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. The D.O. behind my name (rather than M.D.) allows a patient to know that I have completed this additional training.
• The philosophical basis from which I practice is broader. I approach you from the core perspective that your body possesses an innate ability to heal itself.
• When illness occurs, this self-righting mechanism becomes impaired.
• The goal is to treat in the total context of your life and health status and restore your structural and functional relationships to health.
• My treatment recommendations may include exercise, dietary counseling, stress management, prescription medications and supplements. In addition, it may be helpful to encourage the self-righting mechanisms of the body with osteopathic manipulation.
• Chronic pain, work, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, stress or trauma, pregnancy discomfort and certain chronic disease situations are common problems where osteopathic manipulative treatment can help.

The Osteopathic Philosophy in a Nutshell

I. The Body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.

II. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.

III. Structure and function are dynamically interrelated.

IV. The physician is a facilitator whose rational treatment is based on an understanding of the basic priniciples of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.

The osteopathic treatment is based on the core philosophical tenets listed above. Treatment for patients will vary depending on what the individual patient requires. A few treatment modalities/ styles are listed below. The techniques that I utilize share a common intention to clear restrictions and restore fluid continuity, balance, and freedom. Furthermore, as WG Sutherland DO states beautifully, the treatments "allow physiologic function within to manifest its own unerring potency, rather than applying a blind force from without."

Cranial osteopathy is a specific approach within the osteopathic concept. It influences the structure and fluid surrounding the central nervous system, creating an impact on the total body and initiating the body's inherent capacity to heal itself. Fascial connections throughout the body are contiguous with the linings around the central nervous system, including the dura and other structures. Practitioners of cranial osteopathy utilize a manual approach to accomplish these goals within the practice of Osteopathic Medicine.

Visceral manipulation relates to the interrelationship of the structure and function of the internal organs being just as important as among the constituents of the musculoskelatal system. Manipulation of the viscera can be beneficially used in the treatment of internal organ dysfunction and other disease states.

This procedure is designed to treat primarily the myofascial structures. In the use of direct myofascial release treatment (MRT) a restrictive barrier is engaged in the myofascial tissues. The tissue is loaded with a constant force until release occurs. In treating with indirect MRT the dysfunctional tissues are guided along the path of least resistance until free movement is achieved.

This manual procedure is designed to promote circulation of lymphatic fluids and can be used to treat various difficulties. One technique is pressure applied with the physician's hands to the supine patient's upper anterior chest wall. When the force is applied to the chest during its maximum expiration, the physician's hands are removed suddenly. This increases negative pressure within the chest to assist the body's respiratory system in moving lymphatic fluids.

In this manual technique, the patient is directed to use his or her muscles from a precise position and in a specific direction against counterforce applied by the physician. The purpose is to restore motion, decrease muscle tissue changes, and modify asymmetry of somatic dysfunction.

The counterstrain technique is a manual procedure in which the patient is moved passively away from the restricted motion barrier, towards the position of greatest comfort. At this point appropriate gamma gain distortion within the affected muscle fibers is restored.

Somatoemotional Release is based on the fact that the tissues of the body are extremely sophisticated. So sophisticated that they are capable of recording significant traumatic events of one's life, burning these patterns into your muscle memory. Trauma includes emotional as well as physical.

WALK

After each treatment it is a good idea to walk for 5-10 minutes before getting in your car. Walking will help your body settle into its new balance. Traffic can be stressful, and depending upon your particular situation, may cause your tissues to tighten up again...so take the time to walk first.

REST

Although you may feel great (perhaps better than you have felt for years), your body remains in a vulnerable state for several hours. You may feel you can do anything. DO NOT. Let your body rest and heal. Though your body has been restored to a more normal state of functioning, it has not yet healed. Healing takes time. Treat your body with respect. Avoid any strenuous activity, especially sudden jolting movements, for one or two days after each treatment.

DRINK WATER

Drink plenty of water for one to two days following your treatment. Some patients have reported feeling severely fatigued. As your tissues free up, previously trapped metabolites may be released into your bloodstream. It is a good idea to flush them out.

YOU MAY FEEL SORE

Depending upon your particular problems, you may feel some soreness initially. This is a common, though not an essential, response and means your body is adjusting. If, however, it lasts for more than a few days, please call our office.

AVOID OVER-TREATMENT

Too much treatment in too short an interval can be over-stimulating. As a general rule of thumb, I recommend not scheduling acupuncture, physical therapy, massage or other types of physical treatment for four days or so after each treatment.

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