FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
What is an Osteopathic Physician and what type of training do they receive?
DO’s are fully licensed in all 50 states to practice the full spectrum of Medical and
Surgical specialties.
Their training includes the completion of 4 years of Osteopathic medical school,
covering the same standard training in the basic sciences and clinical medicine as is
found in an MD medical education program. In addition, DO medical students complete
another 500 hours of training and study in anatomy and manual medicine.
Successful completion of this curriculum leads to a Doctor of Osteopathy degree
(D.O.). After medical school, The DO can pursue Internship and Residency training in
any of the medical or surgical specialties.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, please see the Osteopathy page.
What is Osteopathic Manual Medicine?
After medical school, the DO can pursue Internship and Residency training in any of
the medical or surgical specialties, as well as in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. After a
3 year NMM residency, the DO can apply for Board Certification by the American
Osteopathic Board of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. This process is one of the most
comprehensive board exams in either profession, including written, oral, and practical
examinations.
OMM involves the use of a hands-on approach to treating healthcare issues. One of
the underlying Principles involved is that as the structure of the body approaches its
normal state of balance and freedom of motion, it will also approach its optimal ability
to function normally. OMM addresses restrictions in all of the tissues, fluids, organs,
and physiologic systems of the body.
There are a wide variety of modalities of OMM, which range from very gentle to more
vigorous approaches, but all are applied with very little force. Whatever techniques are
used, we are still looking for the Health within our patients and are working to support
their innate capacity for healing. Therefore, we will always apply treatment with respect
for your comfort and for the needs of your system.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, please see the Osteopathy page.
What conditions can Osteopathic Manual Medicine treat?
Osteopathic care addresses the full spectrum of a patient’s Healthcare concerns. This
means that OMM is intended to be used as an integral part of the Osteopathic
physician’s treatment program in the management of any Healthcare issue. These may
include chronic ear infections, Irritable Bowel Disease, high blood pressure, headaches,
depression, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, asthma and all issues related to care of pregnant
women and newborns.
OMM can often play a significant role in helping a patient to achieve their optimal
state of healing. In many situations, OMM is an important factor in a patient’s healing
process. Sometimes, it is “the” crucial intervention necessary for Healing.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, please see the Treatment page.
What is Cranial Osteopathy?
Cranial Osteopathy was discovered by William Garner Sutherland, DO, a student of
Andrew Taylor Still. The guiding concept was of a presence he called the Breath of Life,
something potent and Intelligent, which guides the living human mechanism.
Treatment in this model involves a gentle hands-on approach to free the areas of the
body in which motion has become restricted, including the cranium, to allow this innate
healing presence to express its “Unerring Potency”.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, please see the Cranial Osteopathy pg.
What is Biodynamics?
The Biodynamic View of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field was developed by James
Jealous, DO. This model is based upon the principles of embryology, where Dr. Jealous
found that the forces of growth and development, as well as those of healing, originated
in the forces of embryologic development.
This insight opened the door for the Osteopath to more easily recognize and perceive
this living mechanism and to more fully cooperate with its intention in the moment.
These treatments also involve a gentle approach which respects the fact that treatment
is the prerogative of a perfect and loving Intelligence.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, please see the Biodynamics page.
What is the difference between a DO and an MD?
Osteopathic training includes the study of all branches of medicine and surgery that
are part of an MD’s training, as well as up to 500 hours of additional training in manual
diagnosis and treatment. Today, there are more than 50,000 osteopathic physicians in
the United States whose practices cover the entire range of specialties, such as
emergency medicine, neurosurgery, cardiology, and psychiatry.
Although all DO’s are trained to use Osteopathic Diagnosis and Treatment, they can
also choose to specialize in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine for which Board
Certification became available in 1990. For specialists in OMM, advanced training is
offered by various organizations within the profession.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, please see the DO’s Vs MD’s page.
What is the difference between a DO and a Chiropractor?
The primary differences between an Osteopathic physician and a chiropractor are
their level of training and the scope of their practices. A chiropractor is not a licensed
physician and has not completed residency training in a hospital. The scope of
chiropractic practice is defined by statute as "including the diagnosing and locating of
misaligned or displaced vertebrae and, through manual manipulation and adjustment of
the spine and other skeletal structures, treating disorders of the human body. The
practice of chiropractic does not include the use of drugs or surgery, or the practice of
osteopathy, obstetrics, or any other branch of medicine”.
Chiropractic is primarily concerned with normalizing the alignment of the spine to
influence the relationship between the spinal column and the nervous system.
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine is based upon the principle that the human body
possesses self healing/self regulating mechanisms that are the source of true healing.
The focus in treatment, therefore, goes beyond simple spinal alignment, to deal directly
with the abnormal body physiology using an array of direct and indirect techniques.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, please see the DO’s Vs DC’s page.
What is the difference between Cranial Osteopathy and Craniosacral
Therapy?
The primary and most significant difference between the practice of Osteopathy in
the Cranial Field and Cranio-Sacral therapy is the level of training of the practitioner.
William Garner Sutherland, DO, introduced his Cranial Concept in 1929. Dr. Sutherland
saw Cranial Osteopathy as a modality of diagnosis and treatment to be provided by
licensed physicians as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. As such, it is not merely
a therapy, but an integral part of the physician’s overall management of their patient’s
Healthcare.
Cranio-Sacral therapy (CST) is described as a “light touch therapy” that can be
provided by a practitioner with as little as 8 days of training by the Upledger Institute.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, please see the DO’s Vs CST’s page.
TREATMENT
If you would like to learn more about these topics, please see the Treatment page
Can Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine be used to treat infants, children,
pregnant women, and the elderly?
Osteopathic treatment is gentle, safe, and, most importantly, effective. It is
appropriate for all patients, including children, the elderly, patients with debilitating
illnesses and those who have suffered significant trauma, including recent surgery.
What will happen during my initial and follow-up appointments?
Initial visits can last up to one hour and follow-up visits up to 30 minutes. After a
thorough history is obtained, the patient receives an Osteopathic structural and
functional examination. The patient is then usually treated while lying on their back and
occasionally in a seated position. Accommodations are always made to make the patient
as comfortable as possible.
What happens during an Osteopathic Treatment?
Treatment involves a gentle hands-on approach to free the areas of the body in which
motion has become restricted. During the treatments, patients may sense a deep state of
relaxation.
Since Osteopathy is a holistic science that recognizes the inter-relatedness of all body
structures and systems, your physician may make contact with areas of your body that
you do not associate with your injury or pain. These may include your feet, your
tailbone, your head, or any area which is revealed to be part of the Healing process.
What should I expect after a treatment? Are there side effects?
Typically, patients feel very relaxed and peaceful after a treatment. Occasionally
patients experience one or two days of feeling tired or mildly sore. This is normal and
can indicate that the treatment process is continuing. These symptoms typically respond
easily to conservative measures such as heat, rest, and fluids.
What should I do/not do after a treatment?
Because Osteopathic treatment alters the dynamics of tensions held by the tissues
and fluids, we recommend that patients “take it easy” for the first two to three days after
each treatment.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing, or bring some with you, when possible. For
women, pants are preferred. Please refrain from perfumes and strong fragrances.
Do you recommend therapeutic exercises?
Yes. Each of our physicians recognizes the importance of therapeutic exercise in
healing and commonly recommends home exercise programs, although each physician’s
program may vary in its emphasis and features. Participating in an exercise program is
often a crucial factor in a patient’s ability to realize their fullest healing potential.
Do you discuss nutrition and the use of natural supplements?
Proper nutrition is essential in allowing our systems to reach their full potential in
growth and development, as well as in healing.
Your osteopath may also recommend any of a variety of other complementary
healthcare modalities as part of your overall treatment plan, such as dietary changes,
nutritional supplements, homeopathy or therapeutic exercises.
Are there any contraindications to the use of Osteopathic treatment?
There are rarely, if ever, contraindications to the use of Osteopathic treatment, even
though there may be a particular technique that might not be appropriate for an
individual patient based upon their condition or their preferences. Even patients with
serious illnesses or structural instabilities can be treated effectively and safely.
PRACTICE
If you would like to learn more about these topics, please see the Our Practice page
Does your office accept insurance?
We participate, as specialists, with most major insurance companies. We do not
accept Medicaid or Maine Care.
Do you accept patients with Workman’s Comp or Motor Vehicle injuries?
Yes, we do treat patients with these types of injuries. Please see the Our Practice page
for further information about our policies regarding these appointments.
Are you accepting new patients?
We are accepting new patients. The practice naturally goes through cycles when the
waiting time for getting a first appointment can be shorter or longer, which makes it
difficult to predict how long you might have to wait for the appointment. We do have a
waiting list and 4 physicians so, if you are flexible, the waiting time can often be
minimized.
Once a patient is established in the practice, follow up appointments are usually
easier to schedule. We make every effort to find appointments in a timely fashion,
however, acute trauma patients, pregnant women, and children, especially newborns,
are given priority.
Can you be my primary care physician?
No. Our practice is a subspecialty practice devoted to consultations for the use of
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in the management of the full spectrum of a
patient’s Healthcare concerns. Although we are fully licensed physicians, our practice
does not include the performance of routine annual examinations or the primary
management of medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or the
prescription and supervision of medications traditionally used for their treatment.
We do work with PCPs and other specialists and will communicate with them to
provide you with the most comprehensive and coordinated treatment program.
Are there educational opportunities at your office?
We are active in the study and teaching of Osteopathy and its insights into non-invasive
health care. We welcome our Osteopathic and Allopathic colleagues, whether students,
residents or attendings, who have demonstrated initiative in pursuing the principles and
practice of traditional Osteopathic practice through advanced study and course work.
We generally prefer to limit rotations at OHM to several half days over a 1 – 2 week period.
Month long rotations are available on a limited basis.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, please see the Rotations at OHM page
What are your office hours?
Our usual office hours are 8- 5:30, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. We are
also occasionally open on Wednesday mornings.
How do I contact your office?
Appointments may be scheduled by contacting us at (207) 781-7900.
How do I find your office?
Our address is 98 Clearwater Drive Falmouth, ME 04105.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, please see the Contact page