A Proud Tradition of Osteopathic Family Practice

In addition to regular medical training, doctors of osteopathy (DO's) receive additional, specialized training enabling them to examine a patient's body with their hands, as well as with medical instruments. This structural exam, which includes the head, neck, spine and extremities, provides information about the body's symmetry and range of motion. This information often provides valuable clues about the cause of chronic headaches, lower back pain and other ailments.

Often, an osteopathic physician can use his hands to adjust the spine or other areas returning the musculoskeletal system to its normal condition. Using this technique often cures headaches and other ailments. The procedure is based on a holistic philosophy of treating the body as a whole. This philosophy is usually the major difference between DOs and MDs, and stems from the fact that 80 percent of the body is interrelated through the musculoskeletal system.

Rotating internships provide another unique aspect of osteopathic training. Osteopathic students intern in all medical specialties before selecting a specialty for residency. Osteopathic training also includes a proctorship program in which each student assists a physician in private practice, starting with the first year of medical school.

Most osteopathic physicians are family practice doctors, the only doctors who, through a single specialty, receive specialized training in internal medicine, orthopedics, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology. As a result, 86% of D.O's are primary care physicians.

If you prefer a doctor who uses a more holistic, hands-on approach in addition to medicine and surgery, you may wish to consider having an osteopathic physician as your primary care doctor.