Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathy emphasizes the wholeness of the body, the inter-relatedness of the body’s structure to its function, and its self-healing properties.

Osteopathy is a branch of conventional medicine that is based on a holistic approach to healthcare. Osteopaths go through a standard medical school curriculum followed by a hospital based internship and a residency in which they may specialize in any area of medicine, such as cardiovascular surgery or pediatrics. Because osteopaths are encouraged to become well-rounded, a high percentage end up specializing in primary care. 

OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATION TREATMENT:

Osteopathic training is unique in its emphasis on incorporation of “hands-on” osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) into conventional medicine. This treatment increases lymphatic and vascular circulation and drainage, and balances and optimizes the functions of the body’s neurologic, endocrine and immune systems. In this way, OMT helps the body achieve its highest level of health. The term OMT includes a wide range of different techniques. Our Osteopathic providers place a strong emphasis on low force approaches, such as myofascial release, muscle energy techniques and cranial osteopathy. 

CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY: 

One very gentle technique that some osteopaths use is cranial osteopathy. This involves perceiving and working with subtle inherent motions of the bones of the head and pelvis, the central nervous system, and the surrounding spinal and cranial membranes, as the cerebral spinal fluid fluctuates around the brain and spinal cord. This impacts every tissue and organ of the body. Through careful study of anatomy of the body in general and particularly the nervous system, cranial osteopathic treatment can provide relief from a wide variety of conditions.

EXAMPLES OF HEALTH ISSUES THAT MAY BENEFIT FROM OMT:

  • Babies with feeding problems, spitting up, colic, torticollis, issues with head shape, blocked tear duct, shoulder/hip/foot problems or other areas of birth injury.

  • Infants and children with problems crawling, walking or other movement issues, sensory problems, developmental delay, anxiety, recurrent ear infections, sinus infections, dental/orthodontic issues, problems associated with Down Syndrome, and children on the autism spectrum.

  • Musculoskeletal and nerve pain and dysfunction throughout the head and body, in adults and children.

  • Head related problems such as headaches, head injury, dizziness, and problems with eye muscle movement.

  • People living with cancer may benefit from reduced pain, swelling, and post-operative motion restriction and improved circulatory, lymphatic and immune system function. Many feel it is useful in dealing with the side effects of cancer treatment, and helps them to feel more relaxed and to establish a better connection with their bodies.

  • Palliative and end of life care, helping to support patients with advanced cancer and other late stage diagnoses who are needing supportive care for relief of pain, stress, and other issues.

Osteopathic visits are private sessions with your practitioner. 

To sign up today, call 503-238-5203 or complete a Client Interest Form.