Examples of Osteopathic Medicine in Patient Care

Osteopathic medicine stands out in the health care field with its unique, integrative approach to patient care. Osteopathic medicine isn’t just about treating symptoms; it’s about looking at the body as a whole and understanding the interconnectedness of all its parts.

What Is Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathic medicine is a distinct form of medical practice. It provides all of the benefits of modern medicine including prescription drugs, surgery, and the use of technology to diagnose disease and evaluate injury. It also offers the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a system of therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes helping each person achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health promotion and disease prevention.

Examples of Osteopathic Medicine

The patients described below are fictional, and they are presented for informational purposes only. None of the material below is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider regarding any medical conditions or treatments.

Chronic Lower Back Pain

Jane, 45 years old, struggled with chronic lower back pain. Pain medication and physical therapy have had limited success. As part of a treatment plan, a DO may recommend the following:

Dietary Changes: Eating foods that may reduce inflammation, such as leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and whole grains.
Stress Management: Practicing yoga and mindfulness meditation may reduce tension in the back muscles.
Exercise Regimen: A combination of core strengthening exercises, Pilates, and gentle stretches may improve spinal stability and flexibility for long-term back health.
Ergonomic Advice: Maintaining a proper seating posture with the spine aligned and feet flat, and arranging the workstation to minimize twisting and reaching, can support optimal back health.

Sports Injury Management

Mark, a high school athlete, repeatedly faced sports injuries, particularly in his shoulders and knees. An osteopathic physician can implement an integrative treatment plan that may include:

Nutrition Plan: Maintaining a diet that is high in protein to aid muscle repair, is rich in calcium and vitamin D for bone health, and provides antioxidants from fruits and vegetables to address oxidative stress from intense physical activity.
Hydration and Sleep: Practicing optimal hydration strategies along with good sleep hygiene to enhance recovery.
Therapeutic Exercise: Incorporating targeted strength training for the injured areas, flexibility exercises, and balance training, all aimed at preventing future injuries and boosting athletic performance.

What Is Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine?

Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is a key component of osteopathic medicine. It involves using hands-on techniques by osteopathic physicians to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. This includes osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT), a key component of OMM, which involves techniques such as soft tissue manipulation and joint mobilization to move a patient’s muscles and joints using stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance techniques. Osteopathic manipulation therapy is designed to address a variety of musculoskeletal and systemic issues by restoring balance and promoting the body’s natural healing processes. It’s a unique approach that treats the body as an integrated whole rather than focusing on specific symptoms or illnesses.

Examples of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Chronic Tension Headaches

Sarah suffered from chronic tension headaches, finding little relief from standard medications. An osteopathic physician might utilize OMM techniques that include:

Cervical Soft Tissue Manipulation: This technique focuses on relieving tension in the neck muscles, which can contribute to headaches. It includes kneading, stretching, and pressure application to relax the tight muscles.
Lifestyle Advice for Stress Management: Sarah can receive guidance on relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and mindfulness, which may help manage stress levels, a key factor in tension headaches.
Posture Correction: Emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper posture, especially during prolonged sitting or standing, to prevent muscle strain that can lead to headaches.

Post-Surgical Knee Recovery

Following knee surgery, Alex experienced prolonged discomfort and limited joint mobility. His overall treatment plan may be enhanced through specific OMM techniques including:

Knee Articulation: This technique involves gently moving the knee joint through its range of motion, aiming to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Lymphatic Drainage: This is a gentle massage technique designed to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid, which may reduce swelling.
Rehabilitative Exercises: Specific exercises may strengthen the muscles around his knee, improving support and stability for the joint, and aiding in a quicker recovery.
Functional Enhancement: Certain exercises and techniques, such as balance training and proprioceptive exercises, may help restore the knee’s functional range.

KansasCOM: Shaping the Future of Osteopathic Medicine

As you consider the next steps in your medical career or seek the best care, remember the integrative, patient-centered approach that osteopathy offers. KansasCOM is here to guide you on this journey.

KansasCOM is at the forefront of osteopathic medical education. Our Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and hands-on experience to excel in this field. Discover more about our DO programs and how they can empower you to make a significant impact in health care. Visit our website, and apply today to begin a career in osteopathic medicine.

Real-World Impact: Examples of Osteopathic Medicine in Patient Care