Osteopathic medicine involves focusing on the body on a structural level. In my practice, I use Applied Kinesiology testing in a defined algorithm, to see exactly what the body is asking for. For example the nervous system might demonstrate a priority that basically says, “the subluxation in my neck is really a drain on my nervous system”, or, “my lateral right knee is giving off signals that are confusing me,” etc. With this direction, I can employ osteopathic techniques that assist with correction on a physical level. Yes, this often falls into the category of, “here I am, fix me”, but still there is a place for that. AND relieving something that is a huge burden to the nervous system can cause the sky to appear bluer and the grass greener. Relief of pain can benefit one greatly. This also is best used to support and entertain patients while the real work of transformation is being done.

In attending (allopathic) medical school (i.e. traditional Western medicine), I feel that I missed out on a huge body of information. To attempt to remedy that, over the last 9 years, I have been taking osteopathic courses from Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine. I generally favor gentle techniques, such as strain/counterstrain, myofascial unwinding, muscle energy technique and craniosacral therapy (see other link).

I limit high velocity techniques mostly to the digits. I am not a fan of explosive corrections, though there might be a satisfying crack, it does not seem to be worth the shock the adrenal glands often receive for a correction that may “hold” only for a few days or even hours. I also understand that dysfunction often lies not in the position of the bones, but in the muscles that (are failing to) hold the muscles in place. I generally use other techniques to correct muscle dysfunctions, and lastly use osteopathic corrections at the end, though the bones often slip back into position themselves.