What is Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathic medicine emphasizes treatment of the muscles, bones, connective tissue (fascia), and joints of the whole body to, in turn, effect the blood vessels, lymphatics, central and autonomic nervous systems, and their relationships throughout the body.

Osteopathic physicians are trained and fully licensed in a full spectrum of medicine, from outpatient and clinics, to surgery, emergency medicine, intensive care and other acute pathology.  This allows us to appropriately identify if and when a more intensive treatment regime might be needed, and to manage OMT in the context of complex medical situations.

The Principles of Osteopathic Medicine

THE BODY IS A UNIT; THE PERSON IS A UNIT OF BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT

This unity encompasses the complex interrelationships of all physiologic function. The fundamental difference between osteopathic and conventional, allopathic training is this focus on unity of the organism, as opposed to breaking the body down into separate parts. Unity also provides a definition of health, in which all functions of the body are synchronized, and interdependent.

THE BODY IS CAPABLE OF SELF-REGULATION AND SELF-HEALING

The emphasis on self-regulation and healing is essential to the manual practice of Osteopathic Medicine, because medical treatment can then be oriented toward utilizing, supporting and helping to restore the mechanisms of self-regulation.

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION ARE RECIPROCALLY INTERRELATED

Osteopathic Medicine is based upon a thorough knowledge of anatomy (structure) and physiology (function). This understanding of the relationship between structure and function applies molecular, cellular, tissue, and gross anatomy. Osteopathic Medicine applies this knowledge of structure and function in both the evaluation of the system and function and the practice of OMT.

RATIONAL TREATMENT IS BASED UPON THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE ABOVE THREE PRINCIPLES

Whenever and however treatment facilitates the patient’s inherent vitality and health, this is, by definition, the practice of Osteopathic Medicine. Osteopathic principles are universal and provide a framework for the practice of all of medicine. The practice of hands-on treatment applies Osteopathic principles in a direct, specific and unique way to relieve suffering and enhance healthy function.

Osteopathy in the Cranial Field

Just as the lungs breathe and the heart beats, the central nervous system also has its own involuntary rhythmic motion. There is movement of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain, and the meninges. Because of the “blood brain barrier”, brain cells require circulation of the CSF so that all cells can receive nourishment and oxygen.

Osteopathic physicians with specialty training in the cranial field, work with the Primary Respiratory Mechanism (PRM); the inherent motion of the central nervous system, and the CSF, to address the whole person, for both the treatment of dysfunction and the prevention of disease.