Have you ever found yourself wondering if there was more to medicine then simply taking pills to control pain?
Osteopathic medicine or osteopathic care believes that there is more to medicine than medication. This type of medicine focuses on every part of a person when entering into a treatment rather than simply focusing on the issue that is presented. Those that practice this type of medicine are called doctors of osteopathic medicine, and they know that your lifestyle affects your health.
What is the difference between a DO and a MD?
Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO) differ from doctors of medicine (MD) in the schooling that they received. Both went to school and took the exams to become a licensed doctor. However while in school DOs included a focus on the skeletal and muscular systems. This extra focus is used to conform a diagnosis, in addition to aiding them in different techniques that are used by DOs to promote wellness. In addition, DOs tend to look at a whole body. This holistic approach to medicine leads DOs to lean towards family practices and general internal practices, though both DOs like MDs can specialize.
What is the goal of a DO?
- Ease symptoms
- Prevent future symptoms
- Ease stress
- Help your body heal itself
What does a typical appointment with a DO look like?
When entering into an appointment with a DO they will likely want to do a complete physical, even if you only came in for a headache. Along with a physical the doctor will ask you questions about your life. This will include questions that range from what you eat in a day to your relationship with your family.
This complet look into your life will help the doctor to uncover any underlying symptoms. For example if you came in with a headache and when asked about your family, you go into a long rant about a sick family member that you’ve been staying up late with to take care of. This rant helps the DO to understand that your headache may be coming from stress as well as lack of sleep.
With this information the doctor can recommend more sleep to help your body begin to naturally begin to heal itself. instead of giving you a prescription for headache medicine the DO gave you a solution that will not only help you during this particular situation, but will help you in the future.
Techniques that DOs use:
One of the most commonly used techniques used by doctors of osteopathic medicine is called osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). This is a hands on technique that is used to diagnose and treat illness and injury. While using this technique the doctor will use their hands to move your muscles and joints by using a series of stretches, as well as gentle pressure and resistance.
OMT is often used to muscle pain as well as:
- Back pain
- Sports injuries
- Asthma
- Migraines
- Menstrual pain
- Carpal tunnel
This treatment may leave you feeling sore due to the pressure applied and stretching. Other than that though there should be no other side effects.
Is OMT right for me?
This treatment may be right for you if you have suffered from any of the aforementioned illnesses or pain. Your DO may suggest only using OMT or they may suggest using it in conjunction with another form of treatment. Other treatments could include:
- Medicine
- Therapy
- Lifestyle change
A lifestyle change could include things such as more exercise, a healthier diet, better nights sleep, and reducing stress. Because DOs believe in a holistic approach to wellness, they believe that the way that you live your life affects every part of your health.
How can we help?
When looking for a pain management center in Fairfield, CT look no further than Breiner Whole Body Wellness. We believe that every part of your body is integral to your wellness journey. Our physicians do not see a set of symptoms to diagnosis, but rather we see you as a whole person. We will work with you to uncover and treat anything that is preventing you from healing, as well as promoting care that will help you reach your optimal state of wellness.
