Osteopathy

Dr Crook is a doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.).  Like an MD he is a fully trained and licensed physician who can diagnose and treat health problems, prescribe medications and perform surgery. D.O.’s and M.D.’s undergo similar training in medical school; however, D.O.’s receive more extensive training in the musculoskeletal system and the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment.

During your treatment you may receive Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). OMT  is a hands-on treatment where osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) use their hands to examine your back and other parts of your body such as joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles for pain and restriction during motion that could signal injury or impaired function.

OMT is different than other forms of manipulations. OMT is used to diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses, it utilizes passive thrusting techniques but also includes a variety of non-thrusting methods designed to affect muscles and soft tissues. OMT also optimizes blood circulation to maintain and restore health while other forms of manipulation tend to focus more on spinal misalignment interfering with nerve transmission.

A D.O.’s decision to use OMT is made on a visit by visit basis depending on the condition of the patient at the time of each visit. This leads to significantly lower number of visits than other health care providers who use manipulation.

When appropriate, OMT can complement – and even replace – drugs or surgery. In this way, OMT brings an important dimension to standard medical care.