Question 1

What is osteopathic manipulative medicine and how might it help me?

Accepted Answer

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMM), also known as an osteopathic adjustment, is a series of hands-on techniques that improve the body's mobility by correcting underlying dysfunction.  
What does that mean exactly?  
Well, if you are out of whack, then Dr. Smith will use hands-on techniques to put you back into alignment. This form of manual medicine was created to promote the body's own self healing mechanisms.

Question 2

What are some things that can be improved by osteopathic adjustments?

Accepted Answer

OMM is helpful for various conditions including: 
 • Acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions: low back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, arthritis and degenerative processes, tendonitis, fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue syndrome
 • Ear, Nose and Throat conditions: ear infections, sinus infections, vertigo, tinnitus, eustachian tube dysfunction, TMJ
 • Pregnancy: Low back and pelvic pain and other musculoskeletal pain due to pregnancy
 • Newborn: colic, ear infections, latch issues
 • GYN: dysmenorrhea (period cramps), pelvic pain, pelvic floor issues
 • Neurologic: headaches, concussions, carpel tunnel syndrome

Question 3

What should I expect at an Osteopathic adjustment appointment?

Accepted Answer

The initial visit is usually an hour long.  We will discuss the problem that led you to seek treatment, as well as, past medical history.  Dr. Smith will do a full osteopathic exam and and adjustment.  The adjustments are gentle in nature. Dr. Smith works with many different techniques to get results needed.

Question 4

What should I bring to may first osteopathic adjustment appointment?

Accepted Answer

If you have any imaging reports, it would be a good idea to bring those with you to the initial appointment for review by Dr. Smith.

Question 5

What should I wear to my osteopathic adjustment appointment?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Smith recommends wearing loose fitting, comfortable clothing.  If you like wearing skirts, then having leggings underneath would be a good idea.

Question 6

How long is an initial osteopathic adjustment appointment?

Accepted Answer

Initial appointments generally last 60 minutes.

Question 7

How long is a follow up appointment?

Accepted Answer

Follow up visits are typically 45-60 minutes, depending on individual needs at the time of visit.

Question 8

What can I expect after my osteopathic adjustment?

Accepted Answer

You may feel achy the day of the appointment, but should feel better the following day. If this happens, then it is recommended to take some tylenol or ibuprofen for the discomfort. It is also recommended to drink extra water the day of and the day following the adjustment.

Question 9

How often should I be adjusted?

Accepted Answer

The adult body can handle 1 adjustment every 5 days. Whereas, kids can handle an adjustment every 2-3 days.

Question 10

Will one adjustment be enough?

Accepted Answer

If you have something that is chronic and has been going on for 3 months or more, then you will likely need weekly adjustments for 6 weeks.  Dr. Smith will then step you off to every other week for another 6 weeks and then hopefully monthly depending on your individual improvement.

If this is something acute, meaning it just happened, then 1-2 adjustments may be all you need.

Question 11

How much does an osteopathic adjustment cost?

Accepted Answer

For current DPC members, adjustments cost $75.

For non DPC members, the first adjustment costs $300.  The follow-up adjustments cost $200 for a full adjustment and $100 for a directed adjustment treating only 1-2 areas.

Question 12

Can I pay for my adjustment with insurance?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Smith has not signed contracts with any insurance companies and have opted out of Medicare so Dr. Smith's services are reimbursed as an out-of-network provider.

Dr. Smith does not bill your insurance.

However, she will provide you with a detailed super-bill after each visit via email.  You may submit the super-bill to your insurance company to be reimbursed directly. The amount of reimbursement you receive will depend on your policy with your insurance company. Some patients receive full reimbursements, some receive partial reimbursements, while others count it towards their yearly deductibles.  This will depend upon your insurance company and individual plan.  Dr. Smith will not contact the insurance company for you.  That is your responsibility.

Dr. Smith will not provide a super bill for anyone with Medicare or Medicaid.  Since, Dr. Smith has opted out of Medicare and Medicaid, it is illegal to submit for reimbursement from them.

Question 13

How is OMM different from seeing a chiropractor?

Accepted Answer

While DOs and chiropractors may use some of the same techniques, there are distinct differences between them.
1. OMM treats more than just joints. While chiropractors focus on your bones, Osteopaths use OMM to prevent and treat health concerns affecting any part of the body. For instance, if your head hurts, they may work on other parts of the body that could be the root cause of your headache, including related joints, muscles, blood vessels, and soft tissues.
2. OMM is performed by medical doctors. Just like doctors with a “MD” after their name, DOs (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) complete medical school and a medical residency as part of their training. As a medical doctor, DOs can also prescribe medication, run tests, and conduct check-ups. In contrast, chiropractors are not considered medical doctors. Only DOs are trained and licensed to perform OMM.  However, some MDs are seeing the value of and learning OMM.
3. OMM uses more techniques. Chiropractors rely upon a wider range of techniques for manipulating the spine and other joints focused at treating the presenting problem. However, doctors who practice OMM use an overall wider range of techniques focused at treating the entire body.
4. OMM takes less time.  Doctors who practice OMM spend longer with each patient, and typically provide relief in three visits or less for acute issues. Chiropractors usually spend less time in each visit and bring you back more frequently for often up for 6 weeks.
5. OMM uses different diagnostic methods. Doctors who practice OMM rely upon diagnostic methods that minimize exposure to radiation. Whereas, chiropractors regularly use X-rays for diagnosis.

Accomplished Health & Wellness

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we help?

Address

Phone

Email

Connect