My dear friends - received a note from the Registrar of NUMSS - I am to graduate in August this year with the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy!
My thanks to Dr. Shahin Pourgol, and the Faculty and Staff at NUMSS and NAO for their support and teaching.
Please go to the following website to see about NUMSS/NAO. http://www.numss.com/home.html

2. Why I chose Osteopathy as a profession.

My Journey to Osteopathic Medicine

My journey to choose Osteopathic medicine as my profession has been one that has spanned time from my early childhood to this date. My initial exposure came to me in the form of a yearning and interest in the natural sciences and hence, since my early youth, I have always been interested in biology and chemistry. As the years progressed, that initial interest developed into a deeper desire to understand the scientific disciplines that encompass the medial sciences. While in high school, I studied the sciences, refining my interests in the core subjects and exploring where those interests led me. As time progressed, I narrowed my field of interest to medicine and by the time I finished high school, with a strong science background, I had a fair knowledge of what it was that I would focus studying on in University. As a young university student, I undertook the curriculums of biology, chemistry, anatomy, psychology, and physics, and worked in private hospital for 38 hours a week as a hospital orderly and doctor’s assistant. Working as such in the 1970’s meant having full responsibility across all departments of the hospital: emergency medicine, psychiatry, the morgue, supporting surgery, and working on the regular wards. My exposure to medicine at the hands-on hospital level was a baptism by fire, and as a result, of the training and exposure, I became even more committed to my pursuit. I refined my desire to become a doctor, realizing the full scope of how various disciplines of medicine were practiced. AS a result I became less interested in invasive forms of medicine and more interested in non-invasive form of medical practice. Moreover, my University academic professors and mentors encouraged me to explore natural non-invasive medicine, and disciplines like homeopathy. This led to my interest in the Osteopathic and Chiropractic professions.  As a result I was more and more open to embarking on a career as an Osteopath or Chiropractor.

Upon graduation from the University (pre-med) with a Bachelor of Science, and a very  strong understanding of and exposure to the medical field, I applied for entry into medical school. While I was accepted into three medical schools, however, without funds (the possibilities for student loans were practically non-existent in 1980) my dream had to be put on hold. To compensate I secured work and entered the military with the promise to myself that one day I would pick up my medical studies and maybe, perhaps, if providence so deemed it, become a doctor and practice medicine. That was 1980.

Fast forward to 2016 and recognize that, during the ensuing years after 1980, I never once forgot my love for medicine and the reasons why I wanted to be a doctor. My reasons stem from my love for my fellow human being and that drives my desire to serve. Since 1980 I have lived a life of service, one where I have dedicated myself to make the life of my fellow human being a better one. You see, to me, the highest calling is one where I serve my creator, and second, service to my fellow man. I carry that ethic and ethos with me and it guides me in all that I do. My pursuit to practice medicine is an excellent example of same. In my humble opinion, medicine, and in particular Osteopathy, is the vocation, the profession, where I am able to fulfill that desire to be of service to others.

My interest continues to be drawn to the dualistic nature of science and medicine and that has helped to keep me focused and educate me as to the nature of the human being. For me I have found that the human body and mind is wonderfully made and the application of science and practice of medicine a very useful tool in the combat against disease and illness. Layered on top of that is my belief that homeopathic and holistic practices which are non-invasive by nature are of great importance and useful in the practice of medicine. That’s why the practice of Osteopathy is foremost, in my mind, as being of importance in the medical field. Through Osteopathy the awe inspiring human body can be assisted to regain and realize its true intent. I am humbled to think that through the practice of Osteopathic medicine I can help fellow humans to lead a better, fulfilling, productive and constructive life.

For me, now, the challenge is moving past the what and the why and on to the how. Learning the theory, techniques and application thereof has been very interesting and challenging. I am deeply grateful for the learning opportunity that has come to me through the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMSS), the National Academy of Osteopathy (NAO), and the vision and determination of Dr. Shahin Pourgol, its founder, in developing an institution of higher learning that is accessible to all.  As I complete my Osteopathic training I understand that the practice of medicine is lifelong pursuit, where one is always learning, studying and perfecting one’s practice. I realize that graduating with my Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree this is not the end but rather the beginning of lifetime of purpose, productivity, and service that requires the pursuit of additional training and knowledge that leads to a deeper understanding and wisdom of the practice of Osteopathic medicine. I goal is to never stop learning, to utilize that learning to help others through my Osteopathic practice, and to always export my knowledge to those that desire to learn and carry on the Osteopathic tradition and profession long after I am departed from the physical plane of existence. Stay tuned to my blog, I hope to encompass milestones and goals along my never ending journey through medicine, life and the pursuit of Osteopathic medicine. End.

 

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Clarification on Osteopathic Manual Techniques - Osteopathic Mobilization

Clarification on Osteopathic Manual Techniques - Osteopathic Mobilization

Manual therapy, or manipulative therapy, is a physical treatment primarily used by massage therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and osteopathic physicians to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability; it most commonly includes kneading and manipulation of muscles, joint mobilization and joint manipulation.^[

The three most notable forms of manual therapy are manipulation, mobilization and massage. Manipulation is the artful introduction of a rapid rotational, shear or distraction force into an articulation. Manipulation is often associated with an audible popping sound caused by the instantaneous breakdown of gas bubbles that form during joint cavitation. Mobilization is a slower, more controlled process of articular and soft-tissue (myofascial) stretching intended to improve bio-mechanical elasticity. Massage is typically the repetitive rubbing, stripping or kneading of myofascial tissues to principally improve interstitial fluid dynamics.

The differentiation between a manipulation and mobilization from a regulatory perspective is that a mobilization can be stopped at any point should the recipient decide to forgo the remainder of the procedure. On the other hand, a manipulation cannot be stopped by the practitioner once initiated.

Manual therapy can be defined differently (according to the profession describing it for legal purposes) to state what is permitted within a practitioners scope of practice. Within the physical therapy profession, manual therapy is defined as a clinical approach utilizing skilled, specific hands-on techniques, including but not limited to manipulation/mobilization, used by the physical therapist to diagnose and treat soft tissues and joint structures for the purpose of modulating pain; increasing range of motion (ROM); reducing or eliminating soft tissue inflammation; inducing relaxation; improving contractile and non-contractile tissue repair, extensibility, and/or stability; facilitating movement; and improving function.

Joint mobilization is a manual therapy intervention, a type of passive movement of a skeletal joint. It is usually aimed at a 'target' synovial joint with the aim of achieving a therapeutic effect. When applied to the spine, it is known as spinal mobilization. These techniques are often used by chiropractors, osteopaths, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.

Joint manipulation is a type of passive movement of a skeletal joint. It is usually aimed at one or more 'target' synovial joints with the aim of achieving a therapeutic effect.

Manipulation is known by several other names. Historically, general practitioners and orthopaedic surgeons have used the term "manipulation". Chiropractors refer to manipulation of a spinal joint as an 'adjustment'. Following the labelling system developed by Geoffery Maitland, manipulation is synonymous with Grade V mobilization, a term commonly used by physical therapists. Because of its distinct biomechanics (see section below), the term high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrust is often used interchangeably with manipulation.

Joint manipulation is characteristically associated with the production of an audible 'clicking' or 'popping' sound. This sound is believed to be the result of a phenomenon known as cavitation occurring within the synovial fluid of the joint. When a manipulation is performed, the applied force separates the articular surfaces of a fully encapsulated synovial joint. This deforms the joint capsule and intra-articular tissues, which in turn creates a reduction in pressure within the joint cavity. In this low pressure environment, some of the gases that are dissolved in the synovial fluid (which are naturally found in all bodily fluids) leave solution creating a bubble or cavity, which rapidly collapses upon itself, resulting in a 'clicking' sound. The contents of this gas bubble are thought to be mainly carbon dioxide. The effects of this process will remain for a period of time termed the 'refractory period', which can range from a few minutes to more than an hour, while it is slowly reabsorbed back into the synovial fluid. There is some evidence that ligament laxity around the target joint is associated with an increased probability of cavitation.

What is Osteopathy?

1. What is Osteopathy?
A. WHAT IS OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE?
Osteopathic medicine is a distinct branch of medical practice. The osteopathic philosophy of medicine sees an interrelated unity in all systems of the body, with each working with the other to heal in times of illness.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, are fully licensed physicians who practice in every medical specialty. DOs practice a whole-person approach to medicine, focused on looking beyond your symptoms to understand how lifestyle and environmental factors impact your wellbeing.
The profession is one of the fastest growing segments in health care today, with one out of every four medical students enrolled in an osteopathic medical school.
Overview
Osteopathy originated as a 19th century alternative medical approach focusing on physical manipulation. Today, osteopathic physicians study and practice the same types of medical and surgical techniques as conventional medical doctors. Some of osteopathy's original techniques still persist, however; these, taken together, are called osteopathic manipulation (OM). OM is less well-known to the public than chiropractic spinal manipulation, but it has shown promise for many of the same conditions, such as back pain and tension headaches.
History of Osteopathic Manipulation
Osteopathic medicine was founded in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, a US physician. Physicians educated in this method were called doctors of osteopathy, or DOs. Subsequently, however, schools of osteopathic medicine became integrated with conventional medical schools, and today in the USA the license of D.O. is legally equivalent to that of M.D.
Forms of Osteopathic Manipulation (OM)
Osteopathic techniques focus attention on the spine, and devote efforts to the manipulation of soft tissues and joints outside the spine. Some DOs utilize spinal manipulation tending to make use of rapid short movements (spinal manipulation, which is a high-velocity, low-amplitude technique), and OM utilizing gentle, larger movements (mobilization, which is a low-velocity, high-amplitude technique). There are several specific osteopathic techniques in wide use. Some of the more popular are muscle-energy, counterstrain (also known as strain-counterstrain), myofascial release, and cranial-sacral therapy (formally known as osteopathy in the cranial field).
Muscle-energy Technique
Muscle-energy technique involves bending a joint just up to the point where muscular resistance to movement begins, and then holding it there while the patient gently resists. The pressure is maintained for a few seconds and then released. After a brief pause to allow the affected muscles to relax, the practitioner then moves the joint a little farther into the barrier, which will usually have shifted slightly toward improved mobility during the interval.
Strain-counterstrain Technique
Strain-counterstrain technique involves finding tender points and then manipulating the joint connected to them in order to find a position where the tenderness decreases toward zero. Once this precise angle is found, it is held for 90 seconds and then released. Like muscle-energy work, strain-counterstrain progressively increases range of motion and, it is hoped, decreases muscle spasm and pain.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release focuses on the facial tissues that surround muscles. The DO first positions the painful area either at the edge of the barrier to movement or, alternatively, at the opposite extreme. Next, while the patient breathes slowly and easily, the practitioner palpates the fascial tissues, looking for a subtle sensation that indicates the tissues are ready to “unwind.” After receiving this indication, the practitioner then helps the tissue to follow a pattern of spontaneous movement. This process is repeated over several sessions until a full release is achieved. Myofascial release is said to be especially useful in pain conditions that have persisted for months or years.
Cranial-sacral Therapy
Cranial-sacral therapy, more properly called cranial osteopathy, is a very specialized technique based on addressing tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Cranial-sacral therapy gently manipulates the cranial bones in time with the rhythm (as determined by the practitioner’s awareness), in order to repair “cranial lesions.” This therapy is helpful for numerous conditions ranging from headaches and sinus allergies to multiple sclerosis and asthma.
What Is Osteopathic Manipulation Used For?
Osteopathic manipulation is primarily used to treat musculoskeletal pain conditions, such as back pain, shoulder pain, and tension headaches. OM is specifically effective for conditions that have persisted for some time and is effective for treatment of injuries that have occurred recently.  We believe that OM has numerous additional benefits, including the enhancement of overall health and well-being .
Osteopathic medical school emphasizes the whole person, and the connection between the musculoskeletal system and disease and symptoms. Osteopathic physicians cover the same curriculum as MDs at osteopathic medical schools, plus, DOs receive an additional 300 to 500 hours of specialized osteopathic training, studying the musculoskeletal system.
In sum, Osteopathic medicine is a philosophy of caring for people, not just treating symptoms. D.O.s believe in a whole person philosophy. They help their patients develop attitudes and lifestyles that don’t just fight illness, but prevent it. They give special attention to how the body’s nerves, muscles, bones and organs work together to influence health. D.O.s practice throughout the world.
D.O.s practice a whole person approach to medicine. Instead of treating specific symptoms or illnesses they regard the body as an integrated whole.
• D.O.s receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system - the body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles, and bones. This training provides osteopathic physicians with a better understanding of the ways in which an injury or illness in one part of the body can affect another.
• Osteopathic physicians focus on preventive health care.
• Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is incorporated in the training and practice of osteopathic physicians.
o D.O.s are trained to use their hands to diagnose injury and illness and encourage the body's natural tendency toward good health.
o By combining all other medical procedures with OMT, D.O.s offer their patients the most comprehensive healthcare available in medicine today.
• The founder of osteopathic medicine, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, recognized the body’s ability to heal itself and stressed preventative medicine, eating properly and keeping fit. This is something that seems so obvious to us today, but wellness was a new concept for that time.

Osteopath Bill: The beginning!

Osteopath Bill: The beginning!: I love Osteopathy- it has been a life long dream to become a medical doctor and Osteopathy is the answer for me.

The beginning!

I love Osteopathy- it has been a life long dream to become a medical doctor and Osteopathy is the answer for me.