Commonly Asked Questions

What is Osteopathy? 

A system of medicine based on the theory that disturbances in the musculoskeletal system affect other bodily parts, causing many disorders that can be corrected by various manipulative techniques in conjunction with conventional medical, surgical, pharmacological and other therapeutic procedures.   Please see the hyperlink below for an in depth discussion of the profession.

Article by Rebecca Frey Phd encyclopedia of alternative medicine on answers.com 

How does Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine differ from Chiropractic or massage therapy? 

“ The basic difference between Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Chiropractic is the basis of their philosophies.  Chiropractic considers the nervous system the basis of health whereas Osteopathic Medicine seeks to restore arterial, venous and lymphatic circulation, restore proper breathing, restore balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and increase or restore flexibility, mobility and appropriate range of motions. Massage therapists and chiropractors are not trained as medical doctors and can not practice medicine.  While it is true that some forms of massage are similar to certain techniques used in osteopathic manipulative medicine (such as soft tissue technique), Osteopathic physicians do not “massage” the skin but work with deeper structures, such as underlying fascia, vessels, bones, joint and ligaments.” 

~  Dr. David S. Abend, DO

Osteopathic physicians are fully licensed physicians, having attended both four years of medical school and a residency of at least three years, and are almost always board certified, and licensed to prescribe medicines. 

What happens during a typical treatment?

“The osteopathic physician typically places their hands underneath or over some part of the patient’s body to evaluate tissue function and structural dynamics.  A thorough diagnosis connects the patient’s history and physical exam to the structural evaluation. 

A “cause and effect” relationship frequently emerges, and patients are often relieved to know their symptoms finally make sense.  Treatment involves a hands-on approach to free areas of the body in which motion has become restricted.  Gentle pressures and/or repositioning movements are applied to free the bones, tissues and fluids that have become restricted.  Some patients sense only a gentle touch, while others feel their body change immediately.  Most treatments take between 20-45 minutes.”

~ Ó 2006 “ Osteopathy in The Cranial Field” brochure