About Osteopathy:

Osteopathic Medicine was founded approximately 100 years ago by Dr. Andrew Still, an M.D., who was frustrated by the limitations of traditional medical treatments of the time. Dr. Still's basic tenet was that the body has an innate ability to heal itself and that this ability was optimized by proper musculoskeletal alignment. With proper alignment the body's circulatory, lymphatic, and neuromuscular systems could function optimally to induce healing with improvement in health and overall well-being.

Today there are 16 Osteopathic Medical Schools within the U.S. and several throughout the world. Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.s) education is similar to M.D.'S (”allopathic physicians”) in that a four year undergraduate degree, as well as standard rigorous testing (MCAT) is required prior to the competetive application procedure for admisssion.

Osteopaths must complete four years of basic medical education from an accredited college of osteopathic medicine. Additionally, we spend a significant amount of laboratory time learning Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. These techniques are direct and indirect hands-on treatments designed to properly align the musculoskeletal system and optimize physiologic function and healing. Like M.D.s, D.O.s are required to pass standardized Board testing at various points in our education.

Upon graduation, most D.O.s enter internship and residency in their specialty of choice. Today, Osteopaths in the U.S. practice without limitation in every specialty including: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Rehab Medicine, and Sports Medicine.

In practice, most D.O.s employ a “holistic” approach to patient care. We consider physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of a patient's life which certainly may influence overall health. We encourage health and assist patients in developing attitudes and lifestyles that don't just fight illness but prevent it. We are able to utilize our manipulative skills as well as traditional medications and procedures to optimize individual health. In general, osteopaths treat people not just symptoms.

For more detailed information, please visit the American Osteopathic Association Web site.