Osteopathic Manipulation

There are two types of fully licensed physicians in the U.S. today, the Medical Doctor (MD) and the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Both have a 4-year undergraduate degree followed by four years of basic medical education at an accredited medical school. After medical school, both complete an internship and residency program, which typically last 3-6 additional years, and prepares the physician to practice a specialty, such as Internal Medicine, Family Practice or Sports Medicine. Each state has a licensing board that sets requirements for MDs and DOs to practice in that state.

DOs believe that all parts of the body work together and influence one another. DOs receive advanced training in the musculoskeletal system, the body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones. This training provides the DO with a better understanding of the ways that an illness or injury in one part of the body can affect other body systems. DOs regard the body as an integrated whole and practice a “whole person” approach to medicine with a strong focus on preventive health care.

Many DOs incorporate Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment (OMT) into their patient’s diagnosis and treatment. With OMT, Osteopathic physicians use their hands to diagnose, treat and prevent illness or injury and encourage the body’s natural healing process. OMT helps the physician move muscles and joints using techniques such as stretching, pressure and resistance.

By combining all available medical options with OMT, Osteopathic physicians offer patients the most comprehensive care available in medicine today.

Osteopathic Medicine began in 1874 and is one of the fastest growing segments of healthcare professional in the U.S. By the year 2020, it is estimated that at least 100,000 DOs will be in medical practice in the U.S.