In medical contexts, the two letters “OM” most commonly refer to Osteopathic Medicine. This designation describes a distinct approach to medical care and the training received by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). The term also frequently stands for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, a hands-on method employed by these practitioners. Understanding Osteopathic Medicine requires recognizing its historical roots and its unique philosophical framework for patient care.
The Meaning Behind Osteopathic Medicine
Osteopathic Medicine is the full scope of practice associated with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. This medical profession was founded in the United States in 1874 by physician Andrew Taylor Still. Still sought a new system of medicine that focused on the body’s natural ability to heal. He believed that many illnesses were the result of musculoskeletal imbalances and that proper physical alignment was important for health.
Today, D.O.s undergo medical training that is largely equivalent to that of their allopathic counterparts, the Doctors of Medicine (M.D.s). After completing four years of medical school, D.O.s complete residency training and are licensed to practice medicine in all 50 U.S. states. They possess full medical and surgical rights, including the ability to prescribe medication, perform surgery, and specialize in any field of medicine.
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) serves as the primary professional and accrediting body for osteopathic medical education. This organization oversees the standards for osteopathic medical schools and postgraduate training programs.
Core Philosophy of Osteopathic Care
The distinguishing factor between Osteopathic Medicine and the traditional allopathic model lies in its philosophical principles, which guide diagnosis and patient management.
The Four Principles
The first foundational tenet is that the human body is a unit, where the mind, body, and spirit are interrelated and influence overall health. This perspective encourages practitioners to look beyond a single symptom or disease to evaluate the entire person.
The second central principle is the reciprocal relationship between structure and function. A restriction in the mobility of the spine (structure), for example, can impair nerve and blood flow, affecting the function of internal organs. Osteopathic physicians are trained to recognize that alterations in the musculoskeletal framework can contribute to or exacerbate illness in distant areas of the body.
The third tenet maintains that the body possesses inherent mechanisms for self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance. The physician’s role is to remove barriers to these natural restorative processes, allowing the body to correct itself. Treatment often involves facilitating the body’s own recuperative capabilities rather than solely suppressing symptoms.
The fourth principle states that rational treatment is predicated upon an understanding of the first three principles. Diagnosis and therapy are integrated, holistic, and patient-centered, moving beyond a purely disease-focused approach. Treatment plans often integrate conventional medical procedures with manual techniques designed to restore physical balance.
Osteopathic care involves comprehensive patient assessment that considers lifestyle, environment, and physical alignment alongside standard diagnostic tools like imaging and laboratory tests. This approach aims to identify and address the underlying causes of dysfunction rather than merely managing the resulting symptoms.
Understanding Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
The second common meaning of the “OM” abbreviation is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), which is a specific therapeutic component of Osteopathic Medicine. OMT is a hands-on diagnostic and treatment modality used by D.O.s to address somatic dysfunction. This dysfunction involves impaired or altered function of the body’s musculoskeletal system and related tissues.
During OMT, physicians use their hands to diagnose and treat restrictions in joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Techniques are varied and can include soft tissue manipulation, which involves rhythmic stretching and deep pressure to muscles. Other methods include muscle energy techniques, where the patient actively uses their muscles from a controlled position to restore normal joint motion.
A technique known as counterstrain involves gently positioning the patient to relieve tissue tenderness and reduce strain on the affected area. The primary objective of these manipulations is to correct structural imbalances, improve circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids, and enhance nerve function. By restoring physical alignment and mobility, OMT helps decrease pain and supports the body’s natural healing capacity.
While OMT is a distinguishing skill taught to all D.O. students, its frequency of use varies significantly among practitioners. A D.O. specializing in primary care or musculoskeletal health may utilize OMT regularly. Conversely, a D.O. specializing in a surgical field may use it only occasionally or not at all.