top of page

​

Doctors of osteopathy are fully licensed physicians who can practice any specialty.  In addition to training in the traditional disciplines such as Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Ob/GYN, & Psychiatry, D.O.s spend additional time learning how to do structural assessments, diagnose somatic dysfunction & perform Osteopathic Manipulation. 

 

Osteopathy is a healthcare philosophy that the body is a unit with the intrinsic ability to heal itself.  Physicians can offer treatments and therapies to aid in the healing process, but even if left alone, the body's tendency is toward homeostasis and balance.  Our approach to this natural process is to assist the structure of the  body so that it may heal properly and regain its intended function. We do so by gentle hands-on treatments (OMT) but also by taking a detailed history so that we can identify and modify external influences and stressors that may be contributing to your disease process or injury.

 

The Osteopathic approach focuses on the interconnectedness of muscle, bones, blood & lymphatic circulation, but also the body's connection to the

emotional, social and spiritual aspects of human existence.

​

Holding Hands

* * * * *

The Principles of Osteopathy are: 

1.) The body has its own intrinsic healing capacities.

2.) The body is a unit whose parts cannot be separated.

3.) Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.

4.) Sound medical treatment depends on the above. 

 

* * * * *

OMT is a set of manual treatments intended to correct structural restrictions which may be interfering with the body's healing capacity.  Gentle hands-on techniques are applied to the musculoskeletal, lymphatic and autonomous nervous system to optimize function.  

Before I perform OMT, I will examine the structure looking for areas of asymmetry, muscle spasm, tissue texture changes, inflammation, fluid retention, abnormal range of motion. To best examine you, I ask that you wear form-fitting clothing such as spandex. You will remain clothed and will not be asked to disrobe. Please do not wear jeans, belts, loose sweatsuits, or other baggy clothing. 

I prefer to perform the treatments in a quiet, calm setting often white noise in the background. This helps to eliminate extraneous input from the environment and allows my hands to palpate more accurately.

My techniques are all very gentle and do not involve any intentional "cracking," though sometimes you may hear a pop or crack.  If appropriate, I may use craniosacral therapy which is a quiet gentle technique which helps in balancing the body and cerebrospinal fluid as well as reset your intrinsic rhythm and energy.
 
On occasion the treatment can be transiently painful. However, most of the time I am told that this is a “good pain” because subsequent to the painful stimulus you should feel the tension fading away. I'll give you a heads up if I think something will be painful. Also, please be aware that you may feel worse after a treatment. But to make way for healing, we sometimes have to disrupt the way your body has compensated for your structural dysfunction. Usually after a day or so, you should feel a shift or change.

In addition to treating structural restrictions, we will also address other barriers to healing including improper ergonomics, prior trauma, toxic exposures, excess stress and infection.  You can expect some homework when you leave my office - usually some stretches or exercises are prescribed, but I may also ask you to purchase some healing aids or equipment to help you change the way you do the things you do! 
 
Overall, the OMT experience is a very gentle, calm experience that is highly effective, very well tolerated by all ages and has the advantage of having minimal or no side-effects. 

* * * * *
 

Conditions Treated w/OMT

​

  • Allergies / Asthma   

  • Anxiety / Depression

  • Back / Neck Pain

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Constipation / Diarrhea

  • COPD / Emphysema

  • Dry Mouth

  • Edema / Lymphedema

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

  • Indigestion / GERD

  • Infections

  • Injuries

  • Insomnia

  • Knee Pain

  • Menstrual Pain

  • Migraines

  • Myofascial Pain

  • Neuropathy

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Parkinson's

  • Plantar Fasciitis

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Rotator Cuff Injuries

  • Sciatica

  • Spasticity

  • Tennis Elbow

  • TMJ

  • Vertigo

​

Special Populations:

  • Athletes

  • Pediatrics incl. newborns

  • Pregnant Women

Treatment Room

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

Osteopathic principles & Practices

bottom of page