The Osteopathic Cranial Academy – Physician Finder
The Osteopathic Cranial Academy
3535 E. 96th Street, Suite 101
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Phone: 317-581-0411
The Osteopathic Cranial Academy has an on-line search utility that will locate DOs MDs and Dentists (world-wide) who are members of The Osteopathic Cranial Academy. These physicians are dedicated to the principles of Osteopathy as taught by Andrew Taylor Still MD DO, and include the cranial concept in their practice.
American Academy of Osteopathy – Physician Finder
The American Academy of Osteopathy
3500 DePauw Blvd., Suite 1080
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268-1136
Phone: 317-879-1881
The American Academy of Osteopathy also has an online search utility that lists all members of the AAO. These physicians are dedicated to the priniciples of Osteopathy as taught by Andrew Taylor Still MD DO.
Inside the United States:
There are approximately 100,000 Osteopathic Physicians total in the United States today. Most DO’s practice medicine or surgery in a manner that is virtually indistinguishable from our MD counterparts. Many Family Practitioner DO’s do include at least some basic osteopathic manipulation in their practice.
There are a only a small number of DO’s, in the United States, who specialize in “Osteopathy” (Osteopathic Manipulation). Those of us who do specialize in Osteopathy have spent many extra hours developing our skills. Treatment styles vary considerably from physician to physician.
When looking for an American DO who practices Osteopathy, it is important to ask some fundamental questions:
- Do you specialize in osteopathic manipulation?
- Are you board certified? If not, why?
- What style of manipulation do you practice?
- What percentage of your practice is cranial manipulation?
Ideally you want to find someone who specializes in “Osteopathy” (Osteopathic Manipulation). Board certification in osteopathic manipulation (NMM/OMM) has become the recent standard, however, older physicians (like myself) who specialize in osteopathy may have been in training prior to the establishment of board certification. I recommend finding a practioner who uses Cranial Manipulation with all of their patients, and has received a “Recognition of Proficiency” from The Osteopathic Cranial Academy
Outside the United States
In the early 1900s John Martin Littlejohn MD came from Great Britain to study Osteopathy with Dr. A.T. Still in Kirksville, Missouri. He and his brothers then founded the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 1913 Dr. Littlejohn moved back to England and began teaching osteopathy to non-physicians, through the British School of Osteopathy.
The non-physician tradition of Osteopathy has become the standard of practice outside the United States, and has contributed significantly to the science, art and practice of Osteopathy.
While non-physician Osteopaths outside of the United States also have a DO degree, their DO degree is a “Diplomat of Osteopathy” (vs. Doctors of Osteopathy). Non-physician Osteopaths do not train in hospitals, cannot prescribe medications, nor perform surgery. Their focus is the practice of Osteopathic Manipulation.