+ Newborn babies are frequent sufferers of gastrointestinal complaints.
+ That shouldn’t come as a surprise when one considers that the digestive
+ system had no job to do in those first nine months in utero but is asked
+ to be responsible for the entire sustenance of the body after birth.
+ Digestive system troubles can range from spitting up to projectile
+ vomiting and reflux, from mild difficulty burping to the hours of daily
+ crying of a colicky baby. Although these problems do lessen as the
+ digestive system matures, waiting for relief can be very hard on infants
+ and parents.
+
+
+
+ Osteopathic manipulative treatment, which improves body function through
+ correcting body structure, can have a significant role in assisting in
+ the resolution of the digestive system distress of infancy. The troubles
+ often have their origin when a difficult birth experience irritates the
+ vagus nerve which controls much of the digestive system. When the bony
+ misalignment and tissue tensions affecting the nerve are removed, the
+ baby can handle its feedings and resultant gas better. Osteopathic
+ treatment can also address connective tissue tension present around the
+ abdominal organs, especially in the umbilical area and near where the
+ esophagus meets the stomach. In infants who suffer from spitting up,
+ vomiting or reflux, the normal clockwise motion of the abdominal fascia
+ may be impaired and need corrective treatment.
+
+
+
+ Occasionally the digestive distress of breast-fed babies can be traced
+ to foods in the mother’s diet. When these offending foods are removed
+ from her diet, the improvements in the baby can be dramatic. In the same
+ way, babies who are bottle-fed may find relief in switching to a
+ different formula.
+
+
+
Healthy Choices
+
+
+ Opinions vary on the topic of introduction of solid foods into a baby’s
+ diet. Most babies are not ready before six months and demonstrate their
+ readiness by the presence of teeth and a keen interest in their parent’s
+ eating. Many physicians agree that wheat, dairy, eggs, citrus and honey
+ should be avoided until after 12 months of age and introduced cautiously
+ thereafter. Introducing only one new food at a time allows one to watch
+ for allergic responses, often seen in the form of digestive upset or
+ skin rashes, especially around the mouth and anus.
+
+
+
+ It can take up to five days of eating a new food before a negative
+ reaction is seen. A food which results in an allergic type response
+ should be removed from the diet and not tried again for at least several
+ months. Because continued exposure to an allergic food fosters a more
+ severe level of allergy, exercising this level of care when solid foods
+ are introduced reaps benefits in a wider choice of foods later in life.
+
+
+
+ “You are what you eat” is a caution that is perhaps more relevant now
+ than ever before. Depletion of topsoil has resulted in vegetables,
+ fruits and grains lacking essential nutrients. The economic demands on
+ farmers have resulted in the widespread use of pesticides, artificial
+ ripening agents and fertilizers containing waste products which should
+ not be recycled into our soils.
+
+
+
+ Dairy products and meat are contaminated by animal feed containing
+ antibiotics, hormones and animal by-products. Organically grown and
+ naturally processed food is free of potentially health damaging
+ additives. Making healthy dietary choices during infancy and childhood,
+ when all parts of the body are developing, is a crucial step in
+ fostering healthy growth of every vital organ, bone, muscle and brain
+ cell of the body.
+
+
+
+ A wide spectrum of health care practitioners agree that infancy is not a
+ time to receive a diet high in sugar, salt and fat content found in most
+ processed foods. Offering ourselves and our children healthy diets is a
+ big challenge but one worth taking.
+
+
+
Childhood Complaints
+
+
+ Vague, non-specific digestive complaints are commonly seen in childhood.
+ Tummy aches and nausea are the cause of days home from school for many
+ children and rarely does a standard medical work-up determine the cause.
+
+
+
+ Osteopathic evaluation often reveals that the fascia (connective tissue
+ layer) which covers the abdominal organs is pulled in a counterclockwise
+ direction. For healthy digestion this motion should move clockwise,
+ compatible with the peristaltic motion of the intestines as it moves
+ food from mouth to rectum. When the facial motion has reversed,
+ complaints such as constipation, nausea and stomach aches are common.
+ Osteopathic treatment assists the body in correcting the motion of this
+ fascia and restoring normal function.
+
+
+
+ Both the vagus nerve and nerves originating in the lower portions of the
+ spine are essential to a healthy digestive system. Children who have
+ suffered injury, especially to the lower back or sacrum (at the base of
+ the spine), may be experiencing digestive problems as a result of this
+ trauma. Injury to the pelvis, either traumatic or surgical, can result
+ in poor function of the sling of muscles at the lowest part of the
+ pelvis, called the pelvic diaphragm. This sling of muscles operates like
+ the thoracic diaphragm and, when functioning normally, moves up and down
+ with respiration. This diaphragm-like motion is essential to the health
+ of the digestive system, and it is vital to restore it in children
+ suffering from constipation, recovering from pelvic injury or after
+ surgery in this area. A hard fall to the lower back, sacrum or groin can
+ be enough to impact gastrointestinal health.
+
+
+
Urinary Problems
+
+
+ Restoration of motion in the pelvic diaphragm is also an essential part
+ of the osteopathic management of problems such as bladder infections and
+ menstrual cramps. The problem of nighttime bed wetting is a complex one
+ which may or may not respond to osteopathic manipulative treatment. In
+ some children, treatment can help to normalize the neural control
+ relevant to bladder emptying and may be very helpful in this clinical
+ problem.
+
+
+
+ Some children are genetically predisposed to the problem and don’t “grow
+ out of it” until the age at which the problem resolved for their
+ affected parent.
+
+
+
+ The less common problem of bladder reflux may respond to osteopathic
+ treatment of the facial strains which are present where the urethra
+ meets the bladder.
+
+ One might wonder what the value of osteopathic manipulative treatment
+ could be for a genetic syndrome. Osteopathic medicine is based on the
+ principle that body structure and function are dynamically interrelated.
+ When one improves the anatomic interrelationships of structural elements
+ of the body (bones, muscles, membranes, tissues, fluids), one sees
+ improvement in the function of the body. This holds true whether the
+ causes of the structural abnormalities are genetically based or not. It
+ is clearly evident in looking at the face of a typical child with Down
+ Syndrome that there is a lot about structure that is less than optimal.
+ Let’s look at what improvements in functions might be seen by improving
+ the structure.
+
+
+
+ Down Syndrome, or Trisomy 21, occurs in about one in 800 births. It is
+ almost always the result of a third copy (trisomy) of some or all of the
+ genetic material on chromosome 21. Intellectual developmental disorder
+ and low muscle tone are probably the two most common hallmarks of Down
+ syndrome. There is also a much higher than normal incidence of heart and
+ gastrointestinal tract defects which often require surgical correction.
+
+
+
+ Many external body features are characteristic of the syndrome. These
+ include among others, an upward slant to the eyes; skin folds at the
+ inner edges of the eyes; a flat, wide bridge of the nose; small, low-set
+ ears; a shortened front to back dimension of the skull; a recessed
+ midportion of the face and a protruding and often furrowed tongue. Some
+ of these features contribute to the health complications seen in Trisomy
+ 21, and some may plat a role in the common neurodevelopmental problems.
+
+
+
+ Changes in most features are possible through osteopathic manipulative
+ treatment, and the improvements made structurally are likely to result
+ in better functioning.
+
+
+
Infections
+
+
+ It is commonly accepted that most children with Down Syndrome have more
+ severe respiratory infections, especially of the ears and sinuses. There
+ are two reasons for this. One is the genetics of Down Syndrome causes
+ abnormalities in the immune system which make it more difficult to
+ resist an illness once exposed and harder to heal from it once ill. The
+ second reason lies in the structure of the facial features which makes
+ drainage of these areas more difficult.
+
+
+
+ The midportion of the face (the area between the eyes and mouth) is
+ small and typically set further back in the child with Down Syndrome.
+ This means that the sinus cavities are smaller than normal and sometimes
+ absent entirely. The wide, flat bridge of the nose blocks the openings
+ through which the sinuses drain. The problem is compounded by the
+ low-set position of the ears and the smaller than normal diameter of the
+ eustachian tube which drains the middle ear to the back of the throat.
+ When fluids fill the ears and sinus–spaces that should be occupied by
+ air-infections are likely to occur.
+
+
+
+ Drainage is further compromised by the differential growth of the upper
+ and lower jaw bones. The upper (maxilla), being part of the midface, is
+ small in comparison to the lower (mandible). This also promotes the
+ mouth breathing, protruding tongue and difficulty enunciating language
+ often see in trisomic children.
+
+
+
+ Through a very gentle touch, an osteopathic physician trained in the
+ cranial concept, can help to normalize the relationships of the bones
+ and membranes of the of the facial area. By assisting the midface
+ structures to come forward, one can see a cosmetic change in eye shape,
+ cheekbones, tongue/mouth relationship and bridge of nose. Usually the
+ frequency of upper respiratory infections are reduced as well.
+
+
+
Growth Concerns
+
+
+ Almost all children with Down Syndrome show delays in gross motor, fine
+ motor developmental and language development. These skills often lag
+ four months behind at one year of age and eight to ten months behind at
+ two years of age. Language is frequently not gained until the fourth to
+ sixth year. Though these delays are assumed to be genetically
+ predetermined, let’s look at the role that body structure might play.
+
+
+
+ Osteopathic theory asserts that neural pathways in the brain are
+ designed to lay themselves down in precise geometric relationships. When
+ the cranium (skull) is distorted in its shape, it is not possible for
+ these pathways to develop normally.
+
+
+
+ There are several factors contributing to the distorted cranial shape.
+ The sutures, where one bone meets another, are often positioned
+ abnormally in Down Syndrome. The membranes that encase the central
+ nervous system and lie between the brain and the cranium have a powerful
+ effect on the growth of the developing skull. These dural membranes
+ usually demonstrate very poor mobility in the trisomic child. The front
+ to back dimension of the cranium is typically shortened in Down Syndrome
+ and is one more factor dictating distorted geometry for the developing
+ neural pathways.
+
+
+
+ Osteopathic treatment can effect significant changes in the shape of the
+ cranium through addressing the sutures and the tensions in the dural
+ membranes. The distortion of the cranial mold appears to contribute
+ significantly to the difficulty in performing coordinated motor tasks
+ such as grasping and crawling. Most agree that mastery of these tasks is
+ a necessary foundation for later learning. Osteopathic treatment,
+ therefore, is an important part of the health plan for a child with Down
+ Syndrome.
+
+ The vast majority of orthopedic problems in childhood are seen in the
+ lower extremities: the feet, legs, knees and hips. When one considers
+ the vast changes that a small body must make as it grows from its
+ cramped in utero position through crawling to walking, it is not
+ surprising to find problems in the lower extremities.
+
+
+
+ The orthopedic condition routinely evaluated for at birth is “congenital
+ hip,” where the head of the femur (upper leg bone) cannot seat itself in
+ the too shallow depression present in the ilium (hip bone). Though it
+ must be treated with bracing, osteopathic treatment helps to normalize
+ the joint functions which were inevitably disturbed by the bracing.
+ Osteopathic manipulative treatment, which looks to improve body function
+ through addressing body structure, assists in the resolution of many
+ common orthopedic conditions of childhood.
+
+
+
+ Tibial torsion, the outward bowing of the lower leg, is caused b the
+ cramped folding of the baby’s legs in utero, and often resolves
+ spontaneously in the first year of life. However, if the torsion is
+ accompanied by a distortion between the knee cap and the tibial bone, or
+ between the tibia and the nearby fibula, these should be treated
+ osteopathically, preferable before the baby begins to walk. When babies
+ first stand, they often place their feet far apart for stability,
+ thereby standing on the inside edges of their feet. If the stance
+ remains wide beyond the first few months of walking, osteopathic
+ treatment is recommended.
+
+
+
+ Falling hard on one’s bottom is another normal component of learning to
+ stand but is hard on the relationship between the sacrum (at the base of
+ the spine) and the vertabrae of the lower back. This common insult, left
+ untreated, is probably one of the underlying causes of low back pain
+ suffered by adults.
+
+
+
Toddlers
+
+
+ Between 10 and 14 months of age, most children begin to walk. As more
+ balance is gained, the distance between the feet should become the same
+ as the distance between the hips, and the feet should point straight
+ forward when the child stands, walks or runs.
+
+
+
+ If this normalization of postural stance is not gained spontaneously,
+ osteopathic evaluation and treatment should be pursued. The causes may
+ be found in disturbed relationships of the bones of the pelvis or legs
+ or in abnormal tensions of the connective tissues or muscles. Correcting
+ these osteopathically early in life will foster healthy structural
+ growth throughout childhood and adolescence. Although standard medical
+ counsel advises waiting, with an expectation that gait abnormalities
+ will resolve themselves, we all have seen school children and adults
+ plagued with gait problems and the frequently associated back pain.
+
+
+
Older Children
+
+
+ Sports injuries are the cause of the vast majority of structural
+ problems in this age group. Though they may not result in “skeletal
+ deformity” (the common definition of an orthopedic problem), they are
+ worthy of osteopathic consideration.
+
+
+
+ Children are physically active by nature and should be both encouraged
+ and enabled to engage in the physical activities that interest them.
+ However, they as well as their parents must be prepared to accept the
+ periodic injuries that accompany physical activity.
+
+
+
+ Knee injuries are common in basketball due to the necessity of rotating
+ one’s body over a foot planted on the court. Running sports, such as
+ track and soccer, are ideally done only by children whose hip, knee and
+ ankle line up vertically. Poor alignment fosters more frequent and more
+ severe injuries. All activities played with balls involve the risk of
+ impact from the ball, the most serious location being the head. The
+ intentional “headers” of soccer are less damaging to the normal motion
+ mechanics of skull joints than are accidental impacts. Football,
+ gymnastics, and snow or ice-based sports are fraught with potential
+ injury. Osteopathic treatment to release the sprains, strains and bony
+ misalignments as they occur is good insurance toward a healthy and
+ pain-free adulthood.
+
+
+
+ Some skeletal problems of childhood affecting the hips and/or knees,
+ such as slipped epiphysis, Perthes’ disease, Osgood Schlatter disease
+ and synovitis, require cessation of sports activities for variable
+ periods of time. Though they each have their appropriate orthopedic
+ treatment, the recovery of full and pain-free joint function can be
+ aided by osteopathic treatment, both during and after the disease
+ process.
+
+
+
Scoliosis
+
+
+ Scoliostic curves of the spine are most commonly, though not
+ exclusively, seen in girls between the ages of 10 and 14. The curves
+ vary widely in their severity. The more severe fixed curves require
+ bracing or surgical treatment. In scoliosis, the vertebrae are both
+ sidebent and rotated. Ribs are displaced, and muscle groups are
+ stretched or shortened. There is often a hip height discrepancy.
+
+
+
+ Although discomfort is rare during adolescence, both pain and disability
+ are likely to be experienced later in life if left untreated.
+ Osteopathic manipulative treatment can be beneficial for both the more
+ mild functional curves and for curves requiring more invasive measures.
+ Osteopathic treatment can improve both spinal mobility and degree of
+ curve.
+
+ Viruses capable of causing a cold are present in our everyday
+ environments. The cold that may result from contact with a virus
+ presents an opportunity for the developing immune system of an infant or
+ young child to gain strength. In this way, the common cold should not be
+ viewed as an enemy, but rather as a training ground for the maturation
+ of our immune system.
+
+
+
+ It is the complications of the common cold-pneumonia-which are the
+ enemy. And, it is in the prevention of these complications where
+ osteopathic manipulative treatment can be of profound benefit.
+ Osteopathic manipulation strives to improve body function through
+ correcting body structure. In relation to respiratory health, the proper
+ function of several body systems is vital.
+
+
+
+ The common cold taxes the lymphatic drainage in the neck and thorax
+ causing enlargement of the lymph glands and congestion in the muscles.
+ The lymphatic system can no longer adequately carry away the excess
+ tissue fluids associated with the infection.
+
+
+
+ Muscle spasm and asymmetry can also cause displacement of the spinal
+ segments of the neck or upper back. This further impairs drainage and
+ causes trouble to the delicate balance of the nerve responsible for the
+ thickness of respiratory secretions. Osteopathic manipulative treatment
+ will address these underlying structural disturbances and allow the
+ lymphatic and circulatory systems to enhance the immune system function
+ of the body. The cold can therefore resolve without the complications
+ which make parents dread the onset of this common respiratory illness.
+ Children who have the benefit of osteopathic treatment suffer fewer
+ respiratory illnesses and recover from them with less likelihood of
+ complications.
+
+
+
Allergies & Asthma
+
+
+ Some children suffer from respiratory allergies and some from asthma,
+ but for many children these two are an almost inseparable combination.
+ The respiratory tract is the most frequent site for allergic symptoms in
+ children.
+
+
+
+ If a child suffers seasonally from watery nose, itchy eyes and sneezing,
+ the cause is usually pollens. If symptoms are year round, dust, mold,
+ spores, animal dander or certain foods are more likely culprits.
+
+
+
+ Asthma is characterized by swelling and increased secretions of the
+ bronchial mucous membranes and by spasm of the muscles of the bronchial
+ tubes. The wheezing and difficulty breathing may be precipitated by
+ allergens or irritants such as smoke. For some children, a common cold
+ sets off an asthmatic attack; for others, exercise, an emotional upset
+ or (due to a complex body reaction) a bad fall on the tailbone. With
+ such a variety of possible causes, what is the role of osteopathic
+ manipulation?
+
+
+
+ While medications available to treat allergies and asthma generally work
+ by suppressing symptoms, osteopathic manipulation addresses underlying
+ disturbances in the body’s structural components. Manipulation to ensure
+ free motion in the rib cage and diaphragm will enhance immune system
+ function by optimizing lymphatic drainage and circulation. The cleaning
+ functions of the venous and lymphatic systems are vital to the removal
+ of the toxic by-products of infection. Improvement in circulation
+ enhances the ability of the arteries to supply nutrients, antibodies,
+ white blood cells and oxygen to all tissues.
+
+
+
+ Osteopathic manipulative procedures can stimulate the body to release
+ greater quantities of the substances that cause the dilation of the
+ bronchioles. This reduces the need for medications aimed at producing
+ the same result. The benefits of osteopathic treatment vary from one
+ child to another. One might have fewer respiratory infections and
+ therefore fewer asthmatic attacks, while another might require less
+ medication or have fewer hospitalizations. Most children experience
+ improvement in some aspect of their allergies or asthma therapy,
+ improving the quality of life for both child and family.
+
+
+
Parents Can Help
+
+
+ When children are young, parents are responsible for attending to their
+ health concerns. Many of the factors that promote good general health
+ are equally important in respiratory health, a nutritious diet, adequate
+ rest and warmth and seeking medical attention at appropriate times.
+ Parents can also learn osteopathic techniques to promote better
+ lymphatic drainage through a respiratory illness.
+
+
+
+ Good nutrition is vital to good respiratory health. A wide variety of
+ fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as a good supply of
+ Vitamins A, B and C, are essential. Adequate clear fluids, in the form
+ of water, juice or teas will make respiratory secretions thinner and
+ easier for the body to carry away. Avoid foods to which a given child is
+ allergic and withdraw dairy products when mucous is present.
+
+
+
+ When respiratory allergies or asthma are a problem, parents should do
+ whatever is possible to minimize exposure to the offending agents. You
+ may need to find new homes for pets, vacuum with a sealed system, or
+ wrap mattresses for dust protection.
+
+
+
+ The common cold and its complications are less frequent problems if care
+ is taken to avoid chilling. Lower temperatures cause constriction of the
+ small blood vessels supplying the mucous membranes of the respiratory
+ tree. This lowers resistance to infection and harms the ability of the
+ inflamed membrane to heal itself. Chilling also causes neck muscles to
+ tighten, yielding a disturbance in the nerve supply. The resultant
+ dryness of the mucous membrane is yet one more factor in lowering
+ resistance. So keep your children warm both to prevent respiratory
+ illness and to help them heal from it.
+
+
+
Fever
+
+
+ If fever is associated with an upper respiratory infection, it is
+ usually low grade and more helpful than harmful. The viruses responsible
+ for cold symptoms are weak organisms which a low grade fever helps to
+ kill. The healthy cells of our own bodies are much stronger and are not
+ damaged by a low grade fever. To lower a fever by medication or tepid
+ bathing results in chilling and weakens body resistance.
+
+
+
+ It is important to increase fluid intake, either by more frequent
+ nursing or bottles or cups containing clear liquids. Dehydration can be
+ a problem if the fever persists and fluid intake is not adequate. High
+ fevers suggest a more serious illness and should be evaluated by a
+ qualified medical practitioner.
+
+ For centuries, in many parts of the world, highly trained birth
+ attendants have seen it as part of their job to correct the stresses
+ that birth has placed in the body of the newborn. This constitutes an
+ acknowledgment that birth is a difficult process and that measures can
+ be taken after birth to assist the baby in its recovery.
+
+
+
+ In industrialized nations of Northern Europe and North America, birth
+ has been seen as an event that either leaves no negative impact upon the
+ baby or one whose complications, whatever they may be, must be accepted
+ and endured by both child and family.
+
+
+
+ Since the late 1800s, when osteopathy became a medical discipline in the
+ United States, osteopathic physicians have assisted babies in their
+ recovery from the birth experience, thereby helping to promote the best
+ possible health and development of the child.
+
+
+
+ Osteopathy is a medical discipline focusing on re-establishing and
+ maintaining the natural relationships of bones, muscles, membranes,
+ tissues and fluids within the body. Osteopathic manipulative treatment
+ promotes the body’s ability to function, develop and heal itself by
+ addressing problems found in these structural components.
+
+
+
+ Many older children experiencing learning or behavioral difficulties
+ have a history of a traumatic birth or early childhood head blows which
+ went uncorrected. Children who suffer from recurrent ear or sinus
+ infections frequently have a similar medical history. Although it is
+ most useful to address the structural problems originating in the birth
+ process shortly after birth, much improvement in the child’s condition
+ can be seen if treatment is initiated later.
+
+
+
The Birth Process
+
+
+ Birth often results in harmful structural changes. The likelihood of
+ trouble increases when the labor and delivery is prolonged or augmented
+ by pitocin or when forceps or vacuum extractions are necessary. In
+ vaginal delivery, the infant skull is asked to make its passage through
+ too small a space. In response, the bones of the skull overlap to
+ decrease the size of the head, and often do not return to their natural
+ positions after delivery. In order to travel through the birth canal,
+ the infant’s head must bend markedly backwards. This puts pressure on
+ two nerves (vagal and hypoglossal) which can result in the colic and
+ sucking disturbances often seen in newborns.
+
+
+
+ Although C-section babies are spared some of the complications of
+ vaginal deliveries, they are also robbed of some of the benefits. The
+ transit down the birth canal applies a variety of pressures on the
+ infant’s head which help to free it from the shape it was molded to in
+ utero. The transit through the birth canal also compresses and
+ re-expands the chest wall preparing the baby to breathe and to clear
+ fluid from the lungs.
+
+
+
+ Once the baby is born, osteopathic physicians hope to hear a fairly
+ immediate and powerful birth cry. Fetal life would be fraught with low
+ oxygen levels if it were not for the mother’s higher blood hemoglobin
+ levels and the baby’s faster heart rate. The transition from life
+ outside is a critical time in which the baby loses its maternal support
+ and must provide for its own oxygen.
+
+
+
+ A strong birth cry probably serves two crucial functions. It opens the
+ alveolar air sacs throughout the lungs, thereby ensuring adequate levels
+ of oxygen so essential to brain development. It may also increase the
+ internal pressure within the skull helping to re-expand those bones and
+ membranes which were compressed in the birth process.
+
+
+
Seeking Treatment
+
+
+ The infant will often communicate the presence of a problem by being
+ irritable or difficult to calm. In addition, excessive wakefulness at
+ night or reluctance to fall asleep, spitting up or vomiting can have
+ their origins in structural disturbances. A parent or health care
+ professional may notice visual signs of a structural problem such as
+ overlapping of joint lines on the infant’s skull which do not level out
+ in the first week of life. Visual asymmetries, such as one side of the
+ forehead further forward than the other, the two ears positioned
+ differently or the neck held to one side, can and should be corrected.
+
+
+
+ As the baby gets a little older, a parent may notice developmental
+ delays. Although there are many reasons that children fall behind a
+ normal developmental timetable, some can be successfully addressed
+ through osteopathic treatment.
+
+
+
+ The brain does rapid and critical development in the first year of life.
+ The nerve pathways are designed to lay themselves down in precise
+ geometric relationships. Even slight distortions in the structure of the
+ skull can impair the development of the nervous system. These can
+ manifest in developmental delays early in childhood and potentially more
+ serious learning difficulties later.
+
+
+
+ Some children suffer from medical conditions for which conventional
+ medical care has little to offer, conditions such as Down Syndrome or
+ cerebral palsy. Osteopathic treatment does not alter the underlying
+ genetic defect or birth injury factors, but it can be very effective in
+ enhancing the child’s functional capabilities as well as improving
+ general health and quality of life for the child and family.
+
+ Osteopathic Medicine finds its roots in the pioneering work of Dr.
+ Andrew Taylor Still, who challenged the medical practices of his time.
+ In 1874, Dr. Still developed a groundbreaking philosophy that viewed
+ the body as an interconnected unit, where all its systems work
+ harmoniously to maintain health. This idea was revolutionary, as it
+ diverged from the prevailing notion of treating diseases in isolation.
+ Dr. Still emphasized the significance of the musculoskeletal system,
+ recognizing that structural imbalances could lead to dysfunction and
+ illness. His philosophy laid the groundwork for the modern practice of
+ Osteopathic Medicine, which continues to evolve and adapt to
+ contemporary medical knowledge.
+
+
+
+
+
Overview
+
+ Osteopathic Medicine today embraces a holistic approach that
+ encompasses several fundamental principles:
+
+
+
+ The Body as a Unit: Unlike traditional medicine,
+ which often focuses on isolated symptoms, Osteopathic Medicine views
+ the body as a unified entity. Each system influences and interacts
+ with the others, emphasizing the importance of considering the whole
+ person.
+
+
+ Reciprocal Relationship of Structure and Function:{" "}
+ Osteopathy recognizes that structural abnormalities can affect
+ bodily functions, and vice versa. This understanding guides
+ Osteopathic Physicians in diagnosing and treating not just symptoms,
+ but underlying causes.
+
+
+ Self-Regulating Mechanisms: The body possesses its
+ own mechanisms for maintaining health and balance. Osteopathic
+ Physicians trust in the body's innate ability to heal and regulate
+ itself, and they work to support and enhance these mechanisms.
+
+
+ Rational Therapy: Osteopathic Physicians base their
+ treatments on a profound understanding of anatomy, physiology, and
+ pathology. This knowledge allows them to provide targeted and
+ effective care.
+
+
+
+ Osteopathic Medicine isn't limited to addressing physical ailments. It
+ also takes into account environmental, emotional, and psychological
+ factors that contribute to a patient's well-being.
+
+
+
+
+
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
+
+ Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) stands as a hallmark of
+ Osteopathic Medicine. Through OMT, Osteopathic Physicians employ their
+ hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of conditions. This
+ non-invasive approach involves various manual techniques to manipulate
+ muscles, joints, and tissues. OMT aims to restore balance, alleviate
+ pain, and enhance the body's natural healing processes. Scientific
+ studies have validated the effectiveness of OMT in diverse conditions,
+ such as musculoskeletal pain, migraines, and even post-surgical
+ recovery. The use of OMT underscores Osteopathic Physicians'
+ commitment to providing comprehensive care beyond conventional
+ treatments.
+
+
+
+
+
DOs vs MDs
+
+ While both D.O.s and M.D.s are licensed physicians with similar
+ educational foundations, there are notable distinctions:
+
+
+
+ Education: Osteopathic Medical education places a
+ special emphasis on holistic care and the musculoskeletal system.
+ This knowledge equips D.O.s with a unique perspective on the
+ interplay between body systems.
+
+
+ Primary Care Focus: A substantial percentage of
+ D.O.s specialize in primary care fields such as family medicine,
+ pediatrics, and internal medicine. This aligns with Osteopathic
+ Medicine's emphasis on preventive health and wellness.
+
+
+ Osteopathic Manipulation: One of the most
+ significant differences is the incorporation of OMT into Osteopathic
+ practice. This hands-on approach allows D.O.s to provide an added
+ dimension of care, enhancing their ability to diagnose and treat a
+ wide range of conditions.
+
+
+
+
+
+
Conclusion
+
+ Osteopathic Medicine, stemming from the visionary work of Dr. Andrew
+ Taylor Still, stands as a holistic and patient-centered approach to
+ healthcare. It acknowledges the body's intricate interconnectedness
+ and empowers patients to actively participate in their well-being.
+ Osteopathic Physicians blend cutting-edge medical advancements with
+ the art of touch, enabling them to diagnose, treat, and prevent
+ ailments with precision and compassion. As the medical landscape
+ continues to evolve, Osteopathic Medicine remains steadfast in its
+ commitment to providing comprehensive care that addresses not only
+ symptoms but the underlying factors contributing to health and
+ wellness.
+
+ Newborns frequently experience gastrointestinal issues, from spitting up
+ to colicky crying. Osteopathic manipulative treatment can aid in
+ resolving these problems by addressing structural issues caused by
+ difficult births that irritate the vagus nerve, affecting the digestive
+ system. By correcting misalignments and tissue tensions around abdominal
+ organs, such as the umbilical area and esophagus-stomach junction,
+ infants can handle feeding and gas more effectively. Additionally,
+ dietary adjustments for breastfed or formula-fed infants might alleviate
+ digestive distress. Healthy dietary choices during infancy are crucial
+ for proper organ and brain development.
+
+
+
DOWN SYNDROME
+
+ Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can benefit individuals with
+ Down syndrome by improving body structure and function interrelation.
+ Down syndrome, caused by a third copy of chromosome 21, involves
+ developmental and muscle tone challenges. OMT can address structural
+ anomalies contributing to characteristic facial features and health
+ complications. OMT can improve sinus and respiratory issues, growth
+ delays, and motor skill development by addressing cranial shape, neural
+ pathways, and skeletal abnormalities.
+
+
+
ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS
+
+ Childhood orthopedic problems are often seen in the lower extremities
+ like feet, legs, knees, and hips. Birth-related stress or prolonged
+ growth can lead to various issues. Osteopathic manipulative treatment
+ (OMT) can help correct structural problems caused by birth complications
+ or other factors. OMT can address conditions like congenital hip issues,
+ tibial torsion, gait abnormalities, and sports injuries, promoting
+ healthy structural growth and preventing long-term problems.
+
+
+
RESPIRATORY HEALTH
+
+ The common cold is an opportunity for a child's immune system to
+ develop, but complications like pneumonia can be problematic.
+ Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can prevent complications by
+ addressing lymphatic drainage, muscle tension, and structural issues
+ related to respiratory health. OMT can also aid in respiratory allergies
+ and asthma by optimizing rib cage and diaphragm function, reducing the
+ need for medication and improving immune responses.
+
+
+
TREATMENT FOR NEWBORNS
+
+ Osteopathic treatment for newborns aims to correct structural stresses
+ caused by the birth process. Birth complications can lead to various
+ issues, and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) helps babies
+ recover and develop optimally. OMT addresses skull and nerve issues
+ caused by birth, helping to resolve irritability, developmental delays,
+ and other problems. OMT can benefit children with Down syndrome, aiding
+ respiratory health, growth concerns, and motor development.
+
+ Temporary Consultant in Integrative Medicine for Workshop on Quality
+ of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Services. Expert on
+ Practice in southeast Asia region, incl. Macao and China.
+
+
+
+
1998-Present
+
+ Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
+
+
+ Clinical Associate Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
+
+
+
+
2018-2020
+
Tuoro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
+
Adjunct Associate Professor
+
+
+
2010-2018
+
A.T. Still University
+
Adjunct Associate Professor
+
+
+
2007-2017
+
Western University College Osteopathic Medicine
+
+ Adjunct Associate Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Acupuncture
+
+
+
+
1992-1994
+
The Osteopathic Cranial Academy
+
33rd President
+
+
+
2010-2011
+
American Academy of Osteopathy
+
63rd President
+
+
+
+
Books
+
+
2011
+
+ 2nd Ed. Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA) Principles and
+ Practice
+
+
Richard A. Feely, DO
+
Theime
+
158 pgs.
+
+
+
2006
+
+ Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA) Principles and Practice
+
+
Richard A. Feely, DO
+
Theime
+
139 pgs.
+
+
+
1998
+
Clinical Cranial Osteopathy: Selected Readings
+
Richard A. Feely, DO
+
The Cranial Academy
+
268 pgs.
+
+
+
+
Articles
+
+
2020
+
+ Neuro-Ocular Release: A New Osteopathic Technique For Resolving
+ Somatic Dysfunction
+
American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (CIME)
+
+
+
'95, '02, '07, '12, '16, '20
+
+ American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review
+ Physicians
+
+
+
+
1994
+
American Board of Forensic Examiners
+
+
+
1991
+
+ American Osteopathic Board of Special Proficiency in Manipulative
+ Medicine
+
+
+
+
1988
+
American Board of Disability Evaluating Physicians
+
+
+
1986
+
American Board of Osteopathic Family Practice
+
+
+
+
Fellowships
+
+
2017
+
FAQAURP
+
+ American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review
+ Physicians
+
+
+
+
2001
+
FAAMA
+
American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (FAAMA)
+
+
+
1995
+
FCA
+
Cranial Academy
+
+
+
1994
+
FAAO
+
American Academy of Osteopathy
+
+
+
1988
+
FIAIME
+
International Academy of Independent Medical Evaluators
+
+
+
+
Awards
+
+
2019
+
Andrew Taylor Still Medallion of Honor
+
+ Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Academy of Osteopathy.
+
+
+
+
2018
+
Top Performer
+
DO-Touch.NET, Physician Practice Based Research Network.
+
+
+
1999
+
Sutherland Memorial Lecturer
+
Osteopathic Cranial Academy
+
+
+
1979
+
Diplomat
+
+ National Board of Examiners for Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons
+
+
+
);
};
diff --git a/website/app/views/EduAndProExp.tsx b/website/app/views/EduAndProExp.tsx
index 3ca57e7..60ab0e8 100644
--- a/website/app/views/EduAndProExp.tsx
+++ b/website/app/views/EduAndProExp.tsx
@@ -32,24 +32,49 @@ const EduAndProExp = () => {
Chicago and Olympia Fields, IL
+
+
OMM, LLC
+
2010-Present
+
President
+
+ Created ommtests.com, the
+ most complete web-based OMM/OMT test prep program.
+
+
TCMtests, LLC
2003-Present
Founder and President
- The leading online board certification test prep site for
- Acupuncturist and Oriental Medical Doctors
+ Created tcmtests.com, the
+ leading online board certification test prep site for Acupuncturist
+ and Oriental Medical Doctors
-
-
2003-Present
-
Founder and President
+
Tivity Health
+
2019-Present
+
MD/DO Peer Reviewer
- The leading online board certification test prep site for
- Acupuncturist and Oriental Medical Doctors
+ Peer Reviewer in Utilization Review Management at a large provider
+ of health improvement at fitness solutions, based in Franlin, TN
+
+
Womack Investment Advisers
+
2009-Present
+
Registered Investment Adviser
+
+ Investment adviser at a prominent finacial planning and wealth
+ management firm in Edmond, Oklahoma.
+