725 Skippack Pike Blue Bell, Pennsylvania 19422
Appointments: (610) 613-5042
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OMT?
Osteopathic Manipulative treatment (OMT) is a type of manual medicine utilized by Osteopathic Physicians. DOs are able to use their hands to evaluate and treat many conditions. Osteopathy was originally designed by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in 1874 and has been continually developed and modernized over time. Osteopathic Medicine has an innately holistic philosophy. Osteopathy holds that the body is a unit, it is self healing, that the structure and function are interrelated, and that rational treatment is based on the understanding of these principles. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine specialists treat their patients with a direct application of these principles.
OMT can be used to treat or assist with treatment of many conditions. It is commonly used to treat pain originating from the musculoskeletal system such as sprains and strains. It is very useful in the treatment of back pain, some joint pain, and headaches. However, it can be useful to address or adjunctively treat many other complaints. For a more complete list please see "conditions treated" under the "About Our Practice" tab.
For more information, please see the following links:
What is Cranial Osteopathy?
Cranial Osteopathy (Osteopathy in the Cranial Field) is a form of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. It addresses the core link between the head and sacrum. Cranial Osteopathy differs from cranial sacral therapy, as Cranial Osteopathy is only taught to and performed by physicians. Cranial Osteopathy is taught in the US by two major organizations, only DO's, MD's, and DMD's may apply for this training. Training for this subspecialty continues throughout the practitioners lifetime.
Cranial Osteopathy can be very helpful to patients suffering from headaches, concussions, and a variety of other conditions.
What is a D.O. ?
Osteopathic Physicians have attended 4 years of medical school with additional training in Osteopathic Principals & Practice and OMT (Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment). Osteopathic Physicians also are required to complete a traditional internship, and typically 2+ years of additional residency, with possible fellowship training afterwards. We are licensed to practice medicine and surgery in all 50 states, and various countries throughout the world.
What is the difference between a DO and an MD?
In the United States, there are two type of medical degrees, DO & MD. Both graduates are licensed to prescribe medications, perform surgery, and to practice Primary Care and/or other medical specialties. Both Osteopathic (DO) and Allopathic (MD) Physicians attend 4 years of medical school and further post graduate medical training. Osteopathic Physicians are additionally trained in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment & Osteopathic Principals and Practice throughout their medical school education, while completing the same required classes as Allopathic physicians.