Osteopathic Medicine

What is osteopathic medicine?

Osteopathic medicine is a unique form of American medical care, based on the unity of all body parts, with the musculoskeletal system a key element of health.   Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.s) evaluate each patient’s personal health risks such as smoking, high blood pressure or cholesterol, stress and other lifestyle factors.  In coordination with prescribing appropriate medical treatment, osteopathic physicians act as teachers to help patients take more responsibility for their well-being and to change unhealthy patterns.  

What are the differences between M.D.s and D.O.s?

Applicants to both D.O. and M.D. medical schools have four-year undergraduate degrees with an emphasis on science courses.  Both complete four years of basic medical education.  After medical school, both D.O.s and M.D.s obtain graduate medical education through internships and residencies, which trains them to practice a specialty.  Both must pass comparable licensure exams.  

D.O.s receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system – your body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones that make up two-thirds of your body mass.  This training provides osteopathic physicians with a better understanding of the ways that an illness or injury in one part of your body can affect another.  

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is incorporated into the training and practice of osteopathic physicians.

What is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)?

Osteopathic manipulative treatment uses the hands to diagnose, treat and prevent illness or injury.   Using OMT, your osteopathic physician (D.O.) will move your muscles and joints using techniques including stretching, gentle pressure and resistance.  

Who can benefit from OMT?

OMT can ease pain, promote healing and increase mobility.  It can also help patients with a number of other health problems, including asthma, sinus disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines, menstrual pain and sports injuries.  

When appropriate, OMT can complement – and even replace – drugs or surgery.