Osteopathic Medicine
Osteopathic medicine brings a unique philosophy to traditional medicine. Developed by Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, over 130 years ago, osteopathic medicine focuses on the person as a whole - the relationship of the body’s nerves, muscles, bones and organs, and the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Osteopathic physicians (DOs) apply the tenets of osteopathic medicine to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness, disease and injury.
In the United States, the scope of osteopathic medical training is equivalent to MDs (allopathic physicians), and DOs are licensed to prescribe medicine and practice in all medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties. Osteopathic medicine provides all of the benefits of modern medicine including the use of technology to diagnose disease and evaluate injury in addition to the manipulation skills to accomplish illness prevention.
Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine
The underlying philosophy of osteopathic medicine is expressed by these tenets:
The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.
The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.
Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of above three principles.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is hands-on care. The physician uses their hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Using OMT, the physician will move your muscles and joints with techniques that include stretching, gentle pressure and resistance.
More information on osteopathic manipulation and cranial osteopathy can be found here on the Osteopathic Cranial Academy website.
Click here to watch a video about osteopathic manipulative medicine from the American Academy of Osteopathy.
Building the Doctor-Patient Relationship
Our clinic is designed to provide care true to these osteopathic principles. Dr. Burden will take extra time to get to know your lifestyle, and your home and work environment. This is something that too often does not occur in traditional medical care settings where patients are rushed in and out of the doctor's office with minimal face time. The doctor will listen and pay more attention to the patient than their medical charts. Preventative medicine is at the heart of what we do. Being a partner with you throughout your medical care is how the physician promotes your overall wellness.