Richard W. Koss, D.O., PLLC

A: There are only two types of fully licensed physicians in the United States that can practice a full scope of medicine including, prescribing medications, surgeries, and managing all aspects of illness and disease: MD’s (allopathic physicians) and DO’s (osteopathic physicians).

The pre-requisites for application and acceptance into both types of medical schools are identical. The basic four year medical school curricula are identical. The postgraduate training (residencies) are identical. The difference is that Osteopathic (DO) medical students have more training than the allopathic (MD) medical students.

Osteopathic medical students have 300 to 400 more hours in Osteopathic philosophy, diagnosis and treatment of all diseases as everything in Life is expressed through the neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) system. This includes the development of palpatory skills to evaluate and manipulative procedures to treat all illnesses. However with the full complement of medical education, the DO can discern when the modern conventional treatments (taught to the MD’s) is appropriate, and when and where to apply Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).

A: The primary and most significant difference between the practice of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field and Cranio-Sacral therapy is the level of training of the practitioner. William Garner Sutherland, DO, introduced his cranial concept in 1929. Dr. Sutherland saw Cranial Osteopathy as a modality of diagnosis and treatment to be provided by licensed physicians as part of a comprehensive osteopathic treatment. As such, it is not merely a therapy, but an integral part of the physician’s overall management of their patient’s Healthcare.

A: The chiropractic perspective is primarily focused on the alignment of the spine, which influences the relationship between the spinal column and the nervous system. The chiropractor endeavors to influence the physiologic function of all of the organs and systems within the body by changing the position of the spinal vertebrae. The chiropractor is focused on alignment of the structure of the spine. In general, most chiropractors use a high force, thrust, technique to change the position of the vertebras although some have been trained in gentler methods. Most chiropractors will also recommend repetitive adjustment on a weekly basis. There is a significant concern and potential detrimental consequence with repetitive thrust adjustments. The ligaments and tendons around the vertebra are the stabilizer of the spine. With the repeated shearing forces, which occur with thrust techniques there can be a long-term compromise to the integrity of the ligaments and tendons. Over time there could be a compromise to the stability of the integrity of the ligaments and tendons supporting the vertebra and spinal column. 

A: Robert C. Fulford, D.O. developed techniques that use the percussion hammer to utilize vibration, rhythmic balanced interchange, and the breath to create changes in the physical body that result in the release of restrictions and minimize or reverse the effects of trauma.