Richard W. Koss, D.O., PLLC

A: No. While both osteopathic physicians and chiropractors use hands-on techniques to address musculoskeletal concerns, their training and scope of practice are very different.

An osteopathic physician (DO) is a fully licensed medical doctor who completes four years of medical school, residency training, and comprehensive education in all aspects of medicine. In addition to standard medical training, osteopathic physicians receive specialized instruction in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), a hands-on approach used to diagnose and treat structural restrictions within the body.

Chiropractic care primarily focuses on spinal alignment and adjustments to influence the nervous system. Osteopathic medicine takes a broader approach, evaluating the entire neuromusculoskeletal system and how the body’s structure, circulation, nerves, and organs work together to support overall health.

Because of their full medical training, osteopathic physicians are able to evaluate a patient’s complete health picture and determine when osteopathic treatment, conventional medical care, or referral to another specialist may be most appropriate.

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.

A: An osteopathic physician treats a wide range of conditions by evaluating how the body’s structure and systems work together to influence health. A core principle of osteopathic medicine is that the body is a unit, meaning that the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, circulation, and overall health are interconnected and influence one another.

Rather than focusing only on isolated symptoms, osteopathic care considers how the neuromusculoskeletal system, lifestyle factors, and a patient’s full health history contribute to their condition.

Patients often seek osteopathic care for concerns such as chronic pain, musculoskeletal injuries, headaches, postural imbalances, and other conditions that affect mobility and physical function.

Osteopathic care may also support broader aspects of health and well-being, including sleep quality, stress reduction, cognitive function, and persistent symptoms such as “brain fog.” Treatment often includes guidance on lifestyle adjustments and simple exercises that patients can continue at home to support ongoing improvement.

A central principle of osteopathic medicine is that healing ultimately comes from the patient’s own body. The role of treatment is not to “fix” the patient, but to help remove structural restrictions and obstacles that may interfere with the body’s natural ability to heal and regulate itself. The goal is to optimize health through treatment while providing patients with practical guidance that supports continued healing and long-term wellness.

A: Osteopathic medicine takes a whole-person approach to healthcare. While osteopathic physicians receive the same medical training as traditional physicians, they also receive additional training in hands-on treatment techniques known as Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). These techniques focus on improving the body’s structural balance and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal.

A: Many patients choose to see an osteopathic physician because they are looking for a more comprehensive, whole-person approach to healthcare. Osteopathic physicians are fully licensed medical doctors who receive the same core medical training as other physicians, while also receiving additional training in osteopathic philosophy and hands-on treatment techniques.

Osteopathic medicine emphasizes understanding how the body’s structure, lifestyle, and overall health history influence a person’s condition. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, osteopathic physicians evaluate how different systems of the body interact and work together.

Some patients seek osteopathic care when they want a physician who takes time to evaluate the broader picture of their health and explore approaches that support the body’s natural ability to heal.

A: Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a hands-on medical technique used by osteopathic physicians to diagnose and treat restrictions within the body’s neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, joints, nerves, and connective tissues.

Using carefully applied manual techniques, the physician evaluates areas of restricted motion, tension, or imbalance within the body’s structure. By restoring mobility and improving structural balance, OMT can help support circulation, nerve function, and the body’s ability to regulate itself.

Because osteopathic physicians are fully licensed medical doctors, OMT is performed within the context of a comprehensive medical evaluation that considers the patient’s full health history and overall condition.

Treatment is highly individualized and may involve gentle manipulation of muscles, joints, and soft tissues designed to improve movement, reduce tension, and support the body’s natural healing processes. In osteopathic medicine, treatment helps facilitate the body’s ability to heal, while patients are often given exercises or lifestyle guidance to continue supporting their recovery between visits.

A: When performed by a trained osteopathic physician, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is generally considered safe and well tolerated. Treatment techniques are carefully selected and tailored to each patient’s specific condition, health history, and comfort level.

Unlike many other forms of manual therapy, osteopathic manipulation is performed by a fully licensed physician who has completed comprehensive medical training in diagnosis, physiology, and the management of disease. This allows osteopathic physicians to evaluate the patient’s entire medical picture before determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

While physical therapists and chiropractors may also provide hands-on care for musculoskeletal conditions, osteopathic physicians incorporate manual treatment within the broader context of medical evaluation and whole-person care. Because of this training, osteopathic manipulative treatment is often highly focused and precise, targeting specific structural restrictions that may be affecting the body’s overall function.

The goal of treatment is to improve motion, reduce tension within the neuromusculoskeletal system, and support the body’s natural ability to heal and maintain balance.