The Top Doctors Specializing in OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIVE MEDICINE in VA

Osteopathy doctors (DOs) are experts in diagnosing and treating all kinds of conditions using osteopathic manipulative medicine, or OMM for short. OMM is a set of hands-on techniques that DOs use to apply pressure or force to any part of the body. This can: Relieve pain, Improve mobility and range of motion, and Restore function. DOs practice a holistic approach to patient care. Your brain and nervous system tell your heart to beat. In the same way, your skeletal system needs nutrients from the digestive system to build strong bones. That’s why DOs don’t just focus on the injured part of your body. Instead, they apply OMM techniques to joints, muscles, nerves, and tissues that can impact all ten of the body’s systems.Restriction and tightness in your muscles and nerves can be caused by or lead to other health problems. To correct this, DOs are trained in over 40 OMM techniques. Some of the most popular techniques include: Soft tissue pressure application, Release of muscle energy, Myofascial release (Applying firm but gentle pressure to release tension in the tissue surrounding your bones, muscles, and organs called fascia), and Cranial manipulation (Applying soft pressure to different parts of the skull, which can encourage healing). While DOs and chiropractors may use some of the same techniques, there are distinct differences between them.OMM treats more than just joints. While chiropractors focus on your bones, DOs use OMM to prevent and treat health concerns affecting any part of the body. So if your head hurts, they may work on other parts of the body that could be the root cause of your headache, including related joints, muscles, blood vessels, and fascia. OMM is performed by medical doctors. Just like doctors with an “MD” after their name, DOs complete medical school and a medical residency as part of their training. As a medical doctor, DOs can also prescribe medication, run tests, and conduct check-ups. In contrast, chiropractors are not considered medical doctors. Only DOs are trained and licensed to perform OMM. OMM can be used to diagnose and treat all kinds of medical conditions and injuries. Most commonly, OMM is effective for relieving muscle and joint pain. Many of my patients find that it also helps relieve symptoms for conditions such as: Asthma, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Headaches and migraines, Insomnia, Menstrual cramps, Overuse injuries (e.g. tennis elbow), Sinus problems, and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ).