Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine
General Information About Osteopathy
Osteopathic medicine is a profession that was founded over 100 years ago, in the U.S., by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D. Doctors of Osteopathy, or D.O.s, are one of two medical professions in the U.S. that have full medical licensure. Training for Doctors of Osteopathy involves functional anatomy, physiology, osteopathic philosophy and its application through Osteopathic treatment (or osteopathic manual medicine).
The osteopathic physician is also highly trained in palpatory diagnosis of the human body and uses this skill to diagnose structural problems and abnormalities involving the whole body. He then uses his osteopathic skills to treat these areas to help improve the functioning of the body as a whole and to help the patient overcome their illness. These treatments are unlike any other form of treatment. They are usually gentle and work with the body by enhancing its own self-treatment mechanisms (immunity).
Dr. Brett P. Thomas is the only physician to practice complete Osteopathic Manipulation at Physician Associates. Though he was residency trained in family practice, he now specializes in Osteopathic Manipulation and Neuromusculoskeletal medicine solely. Dr. Thomas will always try to give an honest assessment of the patient's chances of resolution of his or hers symptoms.
What Kind of Patients Can Be Helped by Osteopathic Manipulation?
- Patients who have pain from accidents such as falls and motor vehicle accidents
- Patient who have headaches
- Patients with back pain
- Patients with neck pain
- Patients with pain of the extremities
- Patients with diarrhea or constipation
- Patients who have had difficulty getting pregnant (if no apparent cause can be determined)
- Patients with TMJ pain
- Patients who get frequent ear infections (including little children)
- Patients with recent onset of Trigeminal pain, Bell's Palsy, Ramsey Hunt Syndrome
- Patients with rib pain
- Torticollis (children with tight neck muscles on one side of the neck so the head is tilted)
- Patients with dizziness
- Babies with colic (usually 1-2 visits)
- Babies who frequently spit up
- Babies with sucking problems
- Babies with blocked tear ducts-Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Problems that may have some relief through the use of Osteopathy?
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Patients with herniated disk of their back or neck
- Children or adults with ADD or ADHD
Problems that typically will not be resolved by Osteopathic Manipulation?
- Diabetes
- Hypo or hyperthyroidism
- Stomach ulcers
* None of these lists are fully comprehensive and results may vary depending on the patient. *
How old must a patient be to receive Osteopathic Manipulation?
Dr.Thomas see's infants, children, and adults. Dr.Thomas was seen patients as young as 3 days old.
What is cranial work and what does it mean?
Believe it or not the bones in the head move, even in older individuals. Dr Thomas has been trained to
palpate the motion of the bones in the head and to treat them if they are not moving properly. He is also
a nationally known lecturer and trainer on this topic and other topics pertaining Osteopathic Manipulation.