“TO FIND HEALTH SHOULD BE THE OBJECT OF THE DOCTOR. ANYONE CAN FIND DISEASE.”

Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO

CONDITIONS TREATED

At Lively Praxis, we see patients with a variety of concerns and conditions, ranging from musculoskeletal pain to feeding difficulty in newborns to issues of the internal organ systems. Below, we outline some of the most common conditions we work with.

This is not an exhaustive list; if you feel your situation could benefit from our unique approach to diagnosis and treatment, please contact our office for an introductory appointment.

For legal reasons, we would like to point out that the naming of the areas of application listed as examples certainly does not contain a promise of healing or a guarantee of alleviation or improvement of the listed disease states. For the area of the spine, e.g. in the case of chronic pain syndrome of the spine, the German Medical Association generally assumes that osteopathic treatments are effective (Deutsches Ärzteblatt 2009, page 2325 ff.)

(Text based on the recommendation of the BDOÄ – Federal Association of German Osteopathic Doctors’ Associations)

Musculoskeletal

Joint pain, Back pain, Injury

Chronic or acute pain can affect our lives in all ways, from poor sleep to inability to comfortably carry out the tasks of the day.

With our osteopathic approach to physical assessment, combined with orthopedics, we can often clearly identify the cause of pain and treat accordingly, frequently with immediate improvement.

In some cases, it may take time over several treatments to notice significant change. Your participation through home exercises and introspection will support this process.

As the structure and function of your body systems becomes individually optimized, you are empowered to continue your progress through home exercises and postural cues, and can look forward to long-lasting relief.

Neurologic

Headache, Migraine, Carpal tunnel,
Thoracic outlet syndrome

There are numerous causes of headaches and migraines, many of which can be addressed through osteopathic treatment of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, and nervous systems. Additionally, compression of nerves in other parts of the body, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome, can be treated osteopathically.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a common condition in the computer age, wherein maintaining a persistent upper body posture throughout the day can create compression of the nerves and/or blood flow of the arms, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands. Osteopathic evaluation can determine the specific location of the compression and treatment can reduce the compression, along with home exercises to prevent recurrence.

Abdomen

Constipation, Acid reflux

Issues with the digestive system can be unpleasant and embarrassing.

By addressing the blood flow, nerves, and connective tissue leading to and surrounding the guts, such conditions as constipation and acid reflux can be alleviated.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy, Dysmenorrhea/Cramps

Pregnancy can bring with it, along with the joy and anticipation, unpleasant symptoms such as swelling, constipation, acid reflux, and back pain.

Through osteopathic evaluation and treatment, we can work with patients’ lymphatic, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems to improve the above issues, often without the use of medications.

Children

Newborns, Feeding difficulties, Otitis media/Ear infections

The process of birth is a traumatic event. The pressure on the bones of the skull can lead to impingement of the nerves necessary for adequate sucking coordination of the newborn.

Gentle osteopathic manipulation can be helpful in restoring the nerve function and improving the ability of the baby to feed.

Ear infections and asthma are common complaints in childhood. Through gentle osteopathic manipulation of the structures of the head, neck, and chest, frequency and severity of symptoms can be reduced.

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  • Elnaggar RK, Shendy MA, Mahmoud MZ. Prospective Effects of Manual Diaphragmatic Release and Thoracic Lymphatic Pumping in Childhood Asthma. Respiratory Care. 2019;64(11):1422-1432.
  • Guiney PA, et al. Effets of osteopathic manipulative treatment on pediatric patients with asthma: a randomized controlled trial. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2005;105(1):7-12.
  • Hazelbaker AK. The impact of craniosacral therapy/cranial osteopathy on breastfeeding. Clinical Lactation. 2020;11(1):21-27.
  • Marom T, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine treatment options for otitis media: a systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95(6):e2695.
  • Mills MV, et al. The use of osteopathic manipulative treatment as adjuvant therapy in children with recurrent acute otitis media. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2003;157(9):861-866.
  • Pratt-Harrington D. Galbreath technique: a manipulative treatment for otitis media revisited. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2000;100(10):635-649.
  • Steele KM, et al. Effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on middle ear effusion following acute otitis media in young children: a pilot study. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2014;114(6):436-447.
  • Steele KM, et al. Brief report of a clinical trial on the duration of middle ear effusion in young children using a standardized osteopathic manipulative medicine protocol. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2010:110(5):278-284.