A Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) is a fully licensed physician trained to diagnose and treat patients, perform surgery and prescribe, just like a Medical Doctor, or MD. In addition, osteopaths receive thorough training in the musculoskeletal system and in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), a hands-on modality of healing that combines the knowledge of anatomy and physiology with manual medicine to assess and treat patterns of restriction in the body, allowing it to return to its natural state of equilibrium. Osteopathy believes in the self healing and self regulating properties inherent in the human body and uses its holistic approach to support patients in restoring structure and function through the interconnectedness of the body, mind and spirit.

OMT is a form of manual medicine where highly specialized physicians help to align the muscular and nervous systems with the rest of the body. It’s a gentle, hands-on approach that utilizes extensive knowledge of anatomy to help optimize the body’s structure to promote healing and maximize function. OMT is one tool that an osteopathic doctor can use to address the patient’s problems in a more holistic manner with the goal of avoiding/minimizing the use of pharmaceuticals or surgeries.

Everyone! OMT is most helpful for musculoskeletal related issues and pain, which often present for a variety of reasons, whether from trauma (emotional, physical, spiritual), injury, surgery, disease processes, diagnosed conditions, genetics and environmental factors.

Commonly treated diagnoses include headaches, migraines, asthma and allergies, torticollis and plagiocephaly, birth trauma,  feeding difficulty, colic and reflux, pregnancy and postpartum pain, sinusitis and ear infections, jaw pain and TMJ, neck, back, shoulder pain, low back pain and sciatica, arthritis and osteoarthritis, elbow, wrist and hand pain, carpal tunnel, pelvic and sacral pain, among many others.

Osteopathy is generally very safe and highly effective for all ages, and can be adapted for almost all conditions. Traditional osteopathy has the custom of offering newborns in their first month of life their initial appointment as a gift, as infancy and early childhood are unique windows for treatment; we are honored to carry on this practice at The Wild Clinic.

The first appointment will include a thorough history, review of your intake forms and interview, followed by a physical and structural evaluation. Each appointment involves full body treatment, which can include a variety of modalities tailored to the patients needs at the time. Most commonly these are gentle, indirect techniques but may include more direct techniques as indicated; these are always discussed first. We will collaborate about a treatment plan and scheduling further appointments, with the goal of eventually no longer needing treatment. It’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes and belts that can be easily removed.

Please plan to wait one week between other body work appointments (massage, acupuncture, physical therapy, etc) and receiving OMT to avoid over treatment.

Initial appointments are scheduled for 60 minutes and follow up appointments for 45 minutes. Additional time is always available as needed.

Treatment is tailored to the patients needs at the time; this can vary by appointment. Visits typically occur every 2-4 weeks and will generally space out over time. The longer dysfunction has been present the more treatment may be necessary. Complex issues may take months, fixed structural anomalies may need occasional life long treatment, and more acute issues may resolve after only a few appointments. Some dysfunctions require other members of the treatment team. Our goal always is to find a realistic path to healing that supports the ability of the patient to maintain wellness on their own.

While it is common to notice immediate improvement it is estimated that only 20% of the treatment process occurs during the appointment, while the remainder occurs over the next few days as the body responds and gently begins to release restrictions and return to equilibrium. Generally patients feel relaxed and peaceful during and following treatment. It it possible to experience mild soreness or fatigue in the first 24 hours, and infants and children may be more tired or fussy. This is a normal part of the healing process and is often relived by hydration, gentle movement and refraining from high levels of activity and stress.

Out of respect for each other and our community, if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please do so with at least 24 hours notice. We understand extenuating circumstances so please communicate with us. It is office policy to charge for missed appointments or those cancelled within 24 hours.