Adapted from my FindaTopDoc.com Expert Page
How can an osteopath help me with pain management?
The Osteopathic approach balances the tensions, stresses, and strains held within the musculoskeletal system. This not only improves function and ease within the muscular system, but also improves functioning of the nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems by decreasing physical restrictions around nerves, blood and lymphatic vessels. This will reduce the overall baseline toxic and energetic load on the neuromusculoskeletal system, and the body as a whole.
How does osteopathic medicine help muscle spasms?
Muscle spasms are usually multi factorial, and causes can include nutrition/hydration, neurologic, musculoskeletal and autoimmune, as well as other factors. The Osteopathic approach starts with balancing tension within individual muscles, surrounding muscles, opposing muscle groups, and the bones and joints between these groups. We also address physical strains in the body that may be restricting the function of associated nerves, blood and lymphatic vessels that can be inhibited optimal function of these muscles at various levels.
Osteopathy for GERD?
GERD is sub optimal functioning of the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus known as the gastroesophageal sphincter. This sphincter is made up of fibers of the two domes of the diaphragm where they cross above the stomach. The Osteopathic approach is to reduce tensions and strains held within the diaphragm to improve the functioning of this sphincter, as well as reduce direct physical strains on the esophagus and stomach. It also works to reduce strains that can affect the vagus nerve and the sympathetic nerves which can affect gut motility and acid production through the fight or flight response.
Can osteopathic manipulative treatment be effective for migraines?
Osteopathic Treatment reduces muscular strains in the head and neck to improve blood flow and venous and lymphatic return to the cranium and brain. It also addresses strains in the dura, which is the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord that contains the pain fibers for the brain. Normalizing these strains will also improve circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid in and around the brain and nervous system, reducing overall inflammation.
How can manipulation help severe menstrual pain?
Osteopathic treatment for menstrual pain focuses on mobilizing the sacrum and pelvis, which is where the nerves that go to the uterus come off the spine. This in conjunction with reducing physical strains in the abdomen will improve blood and lymphatic circulation to and from the uterus and ovaries, and help the overall function and ease of the menstrual process.
How does cranial therapy work?
Cranial Osteopathy addresses dysfunction in the visceral motility of the nervous system. In much like the way the heart, lungs, intestines, and urinary systems have inherent rhythmic pulsing movements, the nervous system has a similar pulsating ‘breath’ that circulates spinal fluid and improves overall nervous system function. Optimizing this will improve end organ function, including chronic inflammatory conditions like fibromyalgia.
Can an Osteopath help relieve my arthritis?
Osteopathic treatments reduce the overall neuromusculoskeletal tension in the body. This helps muscles relax and function better, which will reduce compression on joints and help them move more freely. Treatments vary between practitioners, and can include both direct treatments involving more movement and force like chiropractic and physical therapy manipulations, and indirect treatments which are slower and gentler. Most Osteopathic Physicians use both direct and indirect manipulation depending on the specific application.
Can osteopathic manipulative treatment help me with my rheumatoid arthritis?
By helping reduce strains around joints and improving mobility, this inherently improves the circulation of inflammatory proteins that can get stuck in joints and cause more pain.
Does Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment also include medication?
Osteopathic Treatment is usually used in conjunction with medications and other physical therapies. As fully licensed physicians, Osteopathic Physicians can manage medications and/or provide recommendations to patients or other doctors for medication changes. Osteopathic Treatments will help improve the body’s natural state of function (and ability for it to produce its own chemicals), which often reduces dosages, or even need for medications altogether.
Can OMT help in strengthening internal muscles of the body?
Osteopathic treatment can help integrate muscles and improve their ability to function at their best in isolation and with the other muscles around them. While it might not reverse nerve and brain damage caused by a stroke, it could help improve the ability of other nerve pathways and muscle groups to compensate for the deficits.
Can chronic low back pain be treated without surgery?
There is sufficient research that Osteopathic Treatment can improve chronic low back pain, however there are some conditions involving anatomic abnormalities or fractures of the spine that will require surgical intervention.
Does osteopathic medicine reduce anxiety?
Osteopathic treatment balances the physical tensions and strains around structures related to the autonomic nervous system, which most people know as the balance between the fight/flight vs rest/digest parts of the nervous system. This can improve the baseline nervous system tone, and improve anxiety and sleep.
How do you prevent osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is multi factorial in nature, and there is likely some genetic component. A healthy diet without processed foods, and regular weight bearing exercise is the best way to prevent osteoporosis.
How well does spinal manipulation work for sciatica?
Osteopathic Manipulation, which includes spinal manipulation, can be effective for treating sciatica. Often, treatment of the pelvis and sacrum is the most important component for treating sciatic pain, however the lumbar spine and leg can play important roles as well.
I have severe whiplash from work. What is the treatment?
Osteopathic treatment addresses not only the muscular and bony dysfunctions of the spine, but also treats the deeper strains that extend into the dura, which are the thick membranes around the spinal cord and brain extending from the tailbone to the skull. Whiplash injuries often stretch the dura and is why they are often so slow to respond to other treatments.
Is Spinal Manipulation and Osteopathic Manipulation one and the same?
Spinal manipulation is one subset of Osteopathic treatment, and in itself is a broad term that can be done (with different techniques and approaches) by Osteopathic physicians and chiropractors, and sometimes even by specially trained MDs and physical therapists. Osteopathic physicians have a very wide range of techniques ranging from quick forceful manipulations to slow and gentle treatments to achieve improvement in mobility and motility throughout the body. We address more than just the joints, and focus on improving the overall function of the integrated neuromusculoskeletal system
I have severe back pain at the bottom of my spine. Do you think a surgery might be required?
You need to be evaluated by a fully licensed physician (MD or DO) to see if you need surgery. This will include a detailed history, physical exam, and likely imaging studies. Osteopathic Treatment has been shown in research to reduce and improve low back pain, however depending on your specific dysfunction and pathology you may still need surgical intervention.
How can I treat my neck pain?
I recommend daily stretching and routine exercise to help with occupational strains on the neck. An Osteopathic Physician who specializes in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine can help with manipulation to balance the thorax, shoulders, neck and head, and point out muscles that need stretching and strengthening. Physical Therapy can also help tailor your stretching and exercise routines specifically for your neck issues.
Difference in treatment from a MD vs DO?
Most DOs in specialties like Pulmonology, Rheumatology or Internal Medicine will provide the exact same treatment as an MD, which is the standard of care. DOs that specialize in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine will have specialty training and proficiency in Osteopathic Manipulation, which can be used to augment and enhance the standard of care to improve overall physiologic function. This can often reduce amount of medication needed to control symptoms.
Are osteopaths considered doctors?
In the USA, both DOs and MDs are considered fully licensed doctors, with the ability to practices full scope medicine including surgery and unrestricted prescribing ability. DOs (and technically MDs too) can have additional proficiency in Osteopathic Manipulation, also called Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine to also treat dysfunctional states in the body with their hands.
What can I do for my shoulder and neck pain?
You should be evaluated by a licensed physician (DO or MD) who can rule out any neurologic problems through a history, physical exam, and any necessary labs or imaging studies. Osteopathic treatment would likely be a good option for normalizing neuromusculoskeletal imbalances to reduce your pain and improve the function of your body.
Can massage therapy help me with my menstrual cramps?
Responses to massage therapy can be highly variable, it depends on the skill level and technique of the therapist which can be highly variable. Osteopathic Treatment requires minimum 5-8 years of training in a medical setting, and in my experience has a much better chance of improving symptoms that conventional medicine deems ‘normal’ like your menstrual cramps.
Will massage help my arm pain?
You should be evaluated by a fully licensed doctor (DO or MD) to make sure there is no serious pathology.
Responses to massage therapy can range from significant improvement to worsening of symptoms, and depends on the individual patient and the skill level and technique of the therapist which can be highly variable. Osteopathic Treatment requires minimum 5-8 years of training in a medical setting, and in my experience has a much better chance of improving symptoms that conventional medicine does not have effective treatments for.
Can massages relieve stress?
Stress can come from many sources, usually physical, mental, emotional, spiritual etc. massages will help relieve physical stress, which can sometimes reduce the overall load enough to make you feel better. Osteopathic Treatments are even more effective than massage at achieving this goal. Identifying sources of mental, emotional, and spiritual stress, and addressing those through counseling and lifestyle modifications is critical and often overlooked in treating stress.
Will osteopathic manipulative medicine help my stiff joints?
Osteopathic treatment is very effective for balancing muscle tension and optimize mobility of joints, reducing joint stiffness and musculoskeletal pain.
What are the treatment options for a neck sprain?
You should first be evaluated by a licensed physician (DO or MD) to ensure this is just a sprain. Osteopathic treatment will help speed recovery of the sprain and return you to optimal function quickest and most effectively. Physical Therapy, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and gentle yoga can also be helpful.
What should I do with my persistent crick in neck?
Your best option would be to see an Osteopathic Physician who specializes in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. They can evaluate you for serious problems (like nerve impingement) and also treat you with Osteopathic Manipulation. You could also rule out serious problems with any physician (DO or MD) and see if they recommend injections, or some other sort of manual therapy, such as Physical Therapy, Chiropractic or Massage Therapy.
Can a massage relieve my anxiety?
Anxiety can come from many sources, usually physical, mental, emotional, spiritual etc. Massages will help relieve physical stress, which can sometimes reduce the overall load enough to make you feel better. Osteopathic Treatments are even more effective than massage at achieving this goal. Identifying sources of mental, emotional, and spiritual stress, and addressing those through counseling and lifestyle modifications is critical and often overlooked in treating anxiety.
Do I need a brace to correct my scoliosis?
Depending on the causes and severity of your scoliosis, a brace may prevent it from getting worse. To improve the curve, more active treatments will be more effective. Osteopathic Treatment can help balance tensions in the muscles and joints affected, and specialized Physical Therapy may help strengthen your own core muscles to strengthen and straighten your spine from the inside.
I twisted my ankle and I’m in a lot of pain. What should I do?
If you are in significant pain, you must first rule out an insidious ankle fracture. The Ottawa ankle rules are typically used to see if you need an x-ray. If it is indeed just a sprain, ice is helpful in the first 24 hours, then I usually recommend transitioning to heat. Anti-inflammatories of choice, whether medical or herbal will help reduce the pain by reducing the swelling, however realize that the inflammatory response is your body’s attempt to heal so it’s not all bad. Osteopathic manipulation can significant speed up the rate of healing, by helping your body eliminate traumatic strain patterns that have been retained in the fascias surrounding the muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons of the ankle, foot and leg. This can significantly reduce pain, speed healing and improve function.