What is a Doctor of Osteopathy? (D.O.)
D.O. stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. Osteopathic physicians in the U.S. practice all manner of medicine from Surgery to Pediatrics to OBGYN.
The difference between an M.D. and a D.O. is their approach to care and philosophy of medicine.
The basis of Osteopathy is to support the body in healing the natural way without the need of pharmaceuticals if possible. Osteopathic physicians are also trained in manipulative arts similar to a chiropractor. The osteopathic profession actually invented the holistic art of “laying on of hands” to support the spine and muscular systems in healing. We treat patients through touch when indicated to realign spines and release tight muscles in an effort to maintain balance within the body. We also believe in the release of the spine in an effort to remove any neurologic blockages regarding the nerves that innervate vital organs such as the heart, pancreas, and liver.
Osteopathic manipulative medicine or OMM is very beneficial not only for spinal disorders regarding neck and back pain but also in conjunction with modern medical therapies for numerous disease processes including:
- Lymphatic blockages
- Vertigo
- Headaches
- Sinusitis
- Sciatica
- Asthma
