Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.s) are physicians licensed to practice the full scope of medicine equal to that of M.D.s. We are additionally trained in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. For more information about D.O.s please visit the American Osteopathic Association
Overview of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment The spectrum of osteopathic manipulation treatments focuses on the principle that the body's structure and function work interdependently. When structure is altered, via the musculoskeletal system, abnormalities occur in other body systems. This, in turn, can produce restrictions of motion, tenderness, tissue changes and asymmetry. The following are some of the manipulation procedures most commonly used by osteopathic physicians to treat somatic dysfunctions:
Hands-on Contact – The value of the placing of hands on a patient is universally acknowledged by health professionals. This essential component of the doctor-patient relationship has a great deal to do with the patient’s well being.
Soft-Tissue Technique – This technique is commonly applied to the musculature surrounding the spine and consists of a rhythmic stretching, deep pressure and traction. Its purpose is to move tissue fluids (edema) and to relax hypertonic muscles and myofascial (fibrous tissue) layers associated with somatic dysfunction.
Myofascial Release – This procedure is designed to treat primarily the myofascial structures. In the use of direct myofascial release (MFR) a restrictive barrier is engaged for the myofascial tissues; the tissue is loaded with a constant force until release occurs. In treating with indirect MFR the dysfunctional tissues are guided along a path of least resistance until free movement is achieved.
Muscle Energy Technique - In this manual technique the patient is directed to use his or her muscles from a precise position and in a specific direction against a counterforce applied by the physician. The purpose is to restore motion, decrease muscle/tissue changes and modify asymmetry of somatic dysfunction.
Cranial Osteopathy – Inside the skull or cranium there is a covering over the brain, the dura, that continues down inside the spine to the tailbone or sacrum, protecting and supporting the central nervous system. This central nervous system controls the functioning of every organ, muscle and nerve in the body. Cranial Osteopathy is a systematic approach to patient diagnosis and treatment utilizing the body’s inherent third wave pulse, emanating from the central nervous system and the fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid.
Lymphatic Technique – This manual procedure is designed to promote circulation of the lymphatic fluids and can be used to relieve upper and lower respiratory infections. One technique is pressure applied with the physician’s hands to the prone patient’s upper anterior chest wall. When force applied to the chest reaches its maximum on expiration, the physician’s hands are removed suddenly. This increases negative pressure of the chest to assist the body’s respiratory mechanism to move lymphatic fluids.
HVLA Thrust Technique – In this form of manipulation, the physician applies a high velocity/low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust to restore specific joint motion. With such a technique, the joint regains its normal range of motion and re-sets neural reflexes. The procedure reduces and/or completely nullifies the physical signs of somatic dysfunction; tissue changes, asymmetry, restriction of motion and tenderness.
Counterstrain – 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, passive, asymptomatic strain is induced. This technique is used for relief of somatic dysfunctions that are too acute or too delicate to treat with other procedures.
Cranial Osteopathy vs Cranio-sacral Therapy “Cranio-sacral Therapy “ is a trademarked term coined by John Upledger, D.O. and is a therapeutic system taught at his Institute. The insights and principles of Cranio-sacral therapy are Dr. Upledger’s re-working and restatement of traditional osteopathic principles and not a new invention or discovery. Unfortunately, this has caused much confusion among patients who mistakenly think that they are totally different approaches. Education at the Upledger Institute is not a medical curriculum. Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O) attend medical schools and residencies and have licensure equal to those of M.D.s. A fully licensed osteopathic physician utilizing cranial osteopathic techniques has a depth of understanding and a breadth of practical experience unmatched by institute graduates.