Asked often, answered honestly.

Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are fully licensed physicians and often train side by side with MDs in internship and residency training. A DO may be a surgeon, obstetrician, or any other medical specialist. In osteopathic medical school, they receive standard medical science education and often as much as 500 hours of anatomy and training in osteopathic musculoskeletal evaluation and treatment. In addition to standard methods of diagnosis and treatment, they use a system of manual techniques to diagnose areas of structural dysfunction and to assist and balance the motion and function in the body's tissues and fluids. Rather than simply finding something to make symptoms go away, DOs are trained to find the underlying cause of the problem.

A chiropractor is not a licensed physician and has not completed medical school or residency training in a hospital. In addition to medical school and residency, osteopathic physicians complete 120–150 hours of continuing medical education every three years. Typically, chiropractic is oriented toward manipulating specific vertebrae and spinal alignment. Osteopaths believe health is more than vertebral alignment: structure and function of all the parts of the body are interrelated. We address muscles, bones, ligaments, the nervous system, and the fluids of the body so the patient's innate healing forces can do their job.

Chiropractors also often require multiple visits within one week. Osteopathic physicians believe healing occurs between visits, and that the body needs time to allow this to occur.

Cranial osteopathy traces to William Garner Sutherland, DO, who developed a treatment approach based on the normal motion of the bones and membranes of the skull, the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid, and the sacrum. Many cranio-sacral techniques are based on Dr. Sutherland's original teachings — the largest difference is the practitioner's training. Most cranio-sacral practitioners are massage therapists, physical therapists, or other body-workers without medical school and residency training; there is no licensing, regulation, or required continuing education, and training may be as minimal as a weekend course.

OMT can be helpful to people of all ages, from immediately after birth to the end of life. It is not a cure-all — it is meant to complement the other aspects of your healthcare, helping you achieve your optimal state of healing. In many situations, OMM is the missing piece when more standard treatment approaches have failed.

Rarely, if ever — though a particular technique or approach might not be appropriate for an individual based on their condition or preferences. Even patients with serious illnesses or structural instabilities can be treated effectively and safely.

We cannot. Ours is a specialty practice devoted to consultations for osteopathic manipulative treatment. Although we are fully licensed physicians, we do not provide routine annual examinations or medication management for conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. We do occasionally prescribe medication on a short-term basis, and we're happy to coordinate care with your primary care physician and other specialists.

Your first visit lasts approximately one hour: we review your health history, perform a physical exam, and — if appropriate — provide osteopathic treatment. Follow-up evaluations typically last about 30 minutes and occur 2–4 weeks later. Treatment is hands-on: articulation, moderate or firm pressure, or very subtle, slow movements you may or may not perceive. We work with you to find the treatment approach that suits you best; most people feel very relaxed during and after.

Mild post-treatment soreness for a few days is normal while your body's structures respond. Drink plenty of water, skip strenuous exercise for a few days (walking is generally fine), and if you feel tired or sore, take it easy and get a little extra rest.

It depends on your age, the complexity and duration of the problem, and other aspects of your health. Problems you've had for days or weeks often resolve within a treatment or two; longstanding issues respond more slowly. At each visit we re-evaluate, and if necessary recommend another treatment modality.

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, or bring some with you. For women, pants are preferred. Please skip perfumes and strong fragrances — some patients have chemical sensitivities.

Depending on your situation, you may be instructed in specific exercises to improve your body's function and posture, and we'll review your regular exercise routine to make sure you're doing neither too much nor too little. Sometimes nutrition or stress-management counseling is part of addressing the underlying cause of your symptoms — we'll always discuss options and find the approach that feels right for you.

We do not accept private insurance or MaineCare; full payment is due at the time of your visit, and we provide a superbill that most insurers will partially reimburse. Medicare works differently — we submit claims on your behalf and Medicare reimburses you directly. Every appointment type and price is listed on our first visit & pricing page.