Athletes count on their bodies to perform at their highest level. When an injury sidelines you, you can feel lost and frustrated. David Johnston, DO, at the Osteopathic Wellness Center in Ridgefield, Connecticut, understands how devastating injuries can be, and he uses his osteopathic skills to get his patients back in the game as soon as possible.
What is osteopathic medicine?
A physician who is a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) undergoes the same training as a doctor of medicine (MD), but the emphasis of a DO is on the musculoskeletal system. Doctors of osteopathy, such as Dr. Johnston, are also skilled in hands-on manipulation, which is an especially effective tool when it comes to sports injuries.
Osteopaths can prescribe medications, practice a full scope of medicine, and perform surgeries. Osteopaths approach medical care from a “whole person” approach, meaning they believe that structural abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system can compromise your overall function and well-being.
How can osteopathic medicine help?
Dr. Johnston doesn’t just evaluate and treat your symptoms or injury. Instead, he looks at your body as a whole. He seeks to understand the underlying cause of your injury. He then treats your injury as well as the root cause in an effort to prevent future injuries.
For example, if you have knee pain, he’ll treat it to relieve your pain. But, the source of your knee pain may be a dysfunction of your hip. Dr. Johnston will also treat your hip to promote comprehensive healing.
What injuries can osteopathic medicine treat?
Osteopathic intervention can help most sports injuries. Some of the most common injuries Dr. Johnston treats include shoulder pain, tennis elbow, hip pain, knee pain, ankle sprains, and ligament sprains. Dr. Johnston also evaluates and treats overuse injuries, such as runner’s knee and shin splints.
What methods are used?
Dr. Johnston combines conventional medical treatments with osteopathic manipulative therapy. You may undergo diagnostic tests, such as physical exams, X-rays, and MRIs to determine the cause of your problem.
Depending on your injury, Dr. Johnston may recommend a variety of osteopathic manipulative techniques, including:
- Soft tissue mobilization – This involves stretching, traction, or pressure to mobilize soft tissue and improve your range of motion.
- Myofascial therapy – This involves releasing trigger points in tight muscles to help relieve pain.
- Cranial osteopathy – This involves gently massaging the skull to restore balance and stimulate natural healing.
- Muscle energy – This treatment involves applying force to specific muscles to alleviate pain and promote healing.
If you have a sports injury and want to see if osteopathic medicine can help, book an appointment online or over the phone with the Osteopathic Wellness Center today.
FAQs
What is osteopathic medicine and how can it help with sports injuries?
Osteopathic medicine is a branch of medicine practiced by doctors of osteopathy (DOs) who undergo similar training to doctors of medicine (MDs). However, DOs place a special emphasis on the musculoskeletal system and have additional training in hands-on manipulation techniques. When it comes to sports injuries, osteopathic medicine offers effective treatment options. Dr. Johnston, a DO at the Osteopathic Wellness Center, uses his osteopathic skills to evaluate and treat injuries comprehensively. Instead of just addressing symptoms, he looks at the whole body, seeking to understand the underlying cause of the injury. By treating both the injury and its root cause, osteopathic medicine aims to relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent future injuries.
What types of sports injuries can be treated with osteopathic medicine?
Osteopathic intervention can help with a wide range of sports injuries. Some common injuries that Dr. Johnston treats include shoulder pain, tennis elbow, hip pain, knee pain, ankle sprains, ligament sprains, runner’s knee, and shin splints. Osteopathic medicine can also address overuse injuries caused by repetitive strain, such as those experienced by runners. Whether it’s an acute injury or a chronic condition, Dr. Johnston combines conventional medical treatments with osteopathic manipulative therapy to provide comprehensive care and promote healing.
What methods are used in osteopathic treatment for sports injuries?
Dr. Johnston utilizes various osteopathic manipulative techniques to treat sports injuries. Depending on the injury and its specific characteristics, he may recommend different approaches. Some common techniques used in osteopathic treatment include:
- Soft tissue mobilization: Stretching, traction, or pressure applied to mobilize soft tissues and improve range of motion.
- Myofascial therapy: Releasing trigger points in tight muscles to alleviate pain and promote relief.
- Cranial osteopathy: Gentle massage of the skull to restore balance and stimulate natural healing.
- Muscle energy: Applying force to specific muscles to alleviate pain and facilitate healing.
These techniques, along with conventional medical treatments and diagnostic tests, allow Dr. Johnston to tailor a comprehensive treatment plan to address sports injuries and promote optimal recovery.
To explore how osteopathic medicine can help with your sports injury, you can book an appointment online or contact the Osteopathic Wellness Center directly.