At 360 Osteopathy, we know that understanding your health and treatment options is key to feeling empowered on your wellness journey. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is designed to give you clear, concise answers to the most common questions we receive about osteopathy, our services, and how we can help you achieve optimal health.
How to prepare for a visit as an adult?
Wear loose fitting clothing or bring something to change into. Most of my patients dress as if they are going to yoga. These clothes allow for freedom of movement.
How to prepare for a visit with your infant?
What to expect?
What is an Osteopathic Physician and what type of training do they receive?
DO’s hold the same unlimited practice rights as MD’s in all 50 states—they are licensed in the same scope of Medical and Surgical specialties. Osteopathic training is nearly analogous in both length and content to MD’s. DO’s attend 4 years of Osteopathic medical school and then complete residency training in hospitals and clinics in their given specialty. Many DO’s and MD’s work as colleagues in a wide range of medical settings, and commonly refer to one another. DO’s serve as commissioned officers in the medical corps, plus the Veterans Administration and Public Health Service, and they are recognized by the AMA as full-practice physicians. Participation in federal Medicare and Medicaid programs is also on an equal basis (though individual physicians may chose to opt-out of participation in such programs.)
What is Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)?
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) refers to the manual modalities used in applying the principles of Osteopathy. All Osteopaths graduating from Osteopathic medical school have a foundation in OMM. After medical school, Osteopath Physicians can seek internship and residency training in any number of medical or surgical specialties, including Neuromuscular Medicine (NMM). Specialization in NMM involves a 3 year hospital based residency program. Osteopaths who chose to specialize in OMM can then become board-certified in Neuromuscular Medicine (NMM).
OMM incorporates Osteopathic principles into a gentle hands-on approach that addresses restrictions in all the tissues — including the bones, muscles, fascia, organs, and fluids of the body. A thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology is fundamental to the work. OMM techniques vary from very gentle to more direct approaches, but all are applied with little force. Regardless of technique used, our patient’s comfort and sense of well-being are the most important aspect of any treatment.
What is the difference between a D.O. and an M.D.?
In addition to covering the same standard training in the sciences and clinical medicine, osteopathic education also incorporates up to 500 hours of additional training in osteopathic philosophy and hands-on diagnosis and hands-on manual medicine. The osteopathic profession cooperates with all other branches of medical science. There are more than 60,000 osteopathic physicians in the US whose practices cover the range of specialties from internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery. However, Osteopathy maintains its professional independence in order to sustain and develop osteopathic medicine as a unique and comprehensive system of health care.
Is osteopathy safe for children and infants?
Yes, osteopathy is safe for children and infants. It is a gentle and non-invasive treatment that can help with issues like latching difficulties, fussiness, colic, and developmental concerns.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment by visiting our online scheduling platform or by calling our office directly. We offer in-person and virtual consultations to accommodate your needs.
Is there a difference between Osteopathy and Cranial Osteopathy?
Per the Osteopathic Cranial Academy Website:
“Physicians who practice Cranial Osteopathy recognize that primary respiration guides the function of every cell of the body. The Primary Respiratory Mechanism is not restricted to the cranium, spinal cord, dura and sacrum. Osteopathic physicians do not separate the body into individual parts, but treat the body as a whole. When working on any one part, the physician is in contact with all parts.”
Thus, because Osteopaths see the body as a whole, it is in some ways irrelevant or redundant to say “Cranial Osteopathy.” However, some traditional hands-on Osteopaths do not do cranial work, and thus the term is applicable in distinguishing those Osteopaths who do study and incorporate cranial work into their practice.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some patients experience relief after one session, while others may require multiple treatments for lasting results.
Can osteopathy help with chronic pain?
Yes, osteopathy is effective in treating chronic pain conditions such as back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Our approach addresses the root cause of pain and works to improve overall function and mobility.
Why do children tend to be especially responsive to osteopathic treatment?
Because children are so vital and quick to heal, osteopathic treatment can produce surprising results. Infants who suffer from birth trauma can potentially be spared life-long handicaps by being diagnosed and treated before the bones and fascia become set in a distorted pattern. However, the ability to heal persists throughout life, thus patients of all ages can benefit from this gentle treatment approach. This is especially true for those that are sensitive or when injury or pain might make other hands-on treatment approaches difficult or intolerable.
What will happen during my initial and follow-up appointments? Initial visits are approximately 90 minutes and follow-up visits are 30-45 minutes. An initial visit involves a thorough interview, a general medical exam, followed by an Osteopathic structural exam and treatment. Patients are generally treated lying on their back, but may be treated seated, or side-lying. Accommodations can be made for individuals to maximize comfort. The need for follow-up appointments is based on each individual’s unique needs and response to treatment.
At 360 Osteopathy, we believe in crafting a holistic experience that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit.
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