Boulder Headache & Pain
The Pioneer of Osteopathic Medicine
To better understand Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine it is helpful to look into its origins. Osteopathic medicine is a distinctive form of medical care founded on the philosophy that all body systems are interrelated and dependent upon one another for good health. This philosophy was developed in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, MD, who pioneered the concept of “wellness” and recognized the importance of treating illness within the context of the whole body.¹ Through observation and research, Dr. Still determined that the body had the capability to heal itself if problems within a person’s neuromusculoskeletal structure were stimulated and corrected, and so Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) was born.
A Patient Centered Approach
When a patient visits a D.O. for health care, that person is entering a partnership with the physician that may consider any aspect of his/her life. Because osteopathic physicians use a patient-centered approach to health care, they consistently take more aspects of the person’s life into account when outlining a treatment program or health goals.²
It is a common misconception that Ostepathic Manipulative Medicine is like seeing a chiropractor. Doctors of Osteopathy (DO) are certified like their MD counterparts and must pass stringent state and national board licensing examinations. A Doctor of Osteopathy offers a wider variety of tools in modern medicine, including prescription, surgery and OMM. These OMM techniques provide a multifaceted approach and are used to diagnose illness and injury, relieve pain, restore range of motion, and enhance the body’s capacity to heal.³
Everyday Practice
Dr. Reish works with patients of all ages to achieve an optimal health plan to address pain and underlying conditions. Patients that are open to OMM techniques and combination therapies usually experience greater results. Dr. Reish enjoys getting to know his patients and assisting in coordinating their care. If you are ready to improve your health, hope, and function please contact us to schedule an appointment.
