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What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy, including Cranial Osteopathy, is a system of medical knowledge and treatment that is base on the body's natural tendency to strive toward a state of health and homeostasis (equilibrium). Osteopathic physicians are trained to palpate (feel) the body's "living anatomy" (i.e. flow of fluids, motion and texture of tissues, and structural makeup), and to apply manual treatment where needed. This treatment called Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) is a non-invasive approach to healing that works by restoring normal structure and function to areas impaired by trauma, disease, systemic disorders etc.

Why Choose an Osteopath?

Long before it was fashionable, DOs advised their patients that the "best drugs" are contained in the body's immune system. So strongly do osteopaths believe in the body's innate healing ability that many have devoted years of additional training, after medical school, to specialize in osteopathic manipulative medicine.

Are You a Real Doctor?

DOs are both fully licensed physicians who are authorized to prescribe medication and perform surgery. While attending their own medical schools, DOs are responsible for the same academic discipline as their MD colleagues and receive an additional 300 to 500 hours in the study of the body's musculoskeletal system. Most graduates from osteopathic medical school go on to osteopathic (DO) or allopathic (MD) residencies to perform all specialties including family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, psychiatry and surgery. Some DOs continue with their study of anatomy, physiology and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and incorporate traditional osteopathic techniques of diagnosis and treatment into their medical practice. A small percentage of osteopaths choose Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment as their specialty.
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