Osteopathic medicine is a unique form of medicine that has looked at the whole person since its inception in 1892.  It began in the post Civil War period on the American frontier in Kirksville, MO while searching for alternatives to the traditional allopathic (MD) medicine of the day, ie, amputation of limbs, leeching out toxins, and purging with heavy metals.  Its founder, Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, after an intricate study of anatomy and physiology developed 4 Osteopathic Principles which still hold true even today:

1. The body is a whole.
   
   
2. Structure and function are interrelated.
   
   
3. The Rule of the Artery is supreme (Health is dependent on good circulation).
   
   
4. The body has its own capacity to self regulate (maintain Homeostasis)

Today Osteophathic physicians (DO's) still think holistically using a biopyschococial model treating somatic dysfunction , defined as "impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic (body framework) system: skeletal, arthrodial, and myofascial structures, and related vascular, lymphatic, and neural elements" as it relates to the state of health of the person.

Do's are fully licensed physicians (as are MD's) and can do surgery, prescribe medications and perform osteopathic manipulation when indicated by the patient's condition.  Many DO's have become family physicians to treat the whole person.  Although all DO's are trained to perform osteopathic manipulation, for various reasons, some choose not to use these skills but still think holistically.  Some DO's undergo advanced training in osteopathic manipulation to become Board Certified specialists in osteopathic manipulation.

DO's may use various approaches to the body including biomechanical, neurologic, circulatory or energetic models.  Techniques may be direct (going against a barrier of restriction) or indirect (going away from a barrier).  A number of techniques have been developed to combat various types of restrictions.  These include Mobilization with or without impulse, Muscle Energy, Myofascial Release, Strain Counterstrain, Lymphatic, Visceral, Functional, and Cranial Osteopathy to name a few.  Frequently, along with manipulative treatment, stabilizing exercises are taught to empower the patient in their own health or recovery.

In Tucson, AZ, one such Osteopathic specialist is Katherine A. Worden, DO, CNMM/OMM, FP, director or KateCare Osteopathic Center at 3333 N. Campbell Ave., Suite 10, Tucson AZ 85719.  Her phone is 520/ 327-8778.  If you are interested in finding an Osteopathic Physician in your area who performs osteopathic manipulation, you may contact the American Academy of Osteopathy at 317/ 879-1881 or www.aao.medguide.net.

1. TOMF: Tucson Osteopathic Medical Foundation 4280 N Campbell Ave, Suite 200, St Phillip's Plaza, Tucson AZ 85718 | 299-4545 or (800) 201-8663 or www.tomf.org
   
   
2. AOMA: Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association, 5150 N 16th St., Suite A-122, Phoenix AZ 85016 | (602) 266-6699  or (888) 266-6699 or www.az-osteo.org
   
   
3. AAO: American Academy or Osteopathy, 3500 DePauw Blvd, Suite 1080, Indianapolis IN 46268 | (317) 879-1881 or www.aao.medguide.net
   
   
4. AOA: American Osteopathic Association, 142 E Ontario St., Chicago IL 60611 | (312) 202-8000 or (800) 621-1773 or www.aoa-net.org
   
   
5. CSPOMM: Certified with Special Proficiency in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (Prior to 1999)
   
   
6. CSPNMM and OMT: Certified with Special Proficiency in Neuromuscular Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (since 1999)
   
   
7. FAAO: Fellow of American Academy of Osteopathy
   
   
8. FCA: Fellow of the Cranial Academy