DOs/Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy and Cranial Osteopathy

What is a DO? Is a DO a “real doctor”? What’s the difference between a DO and an MD?

Yes, a DO is a “real doctor". A DO is a licensed physician, just like an MD. The DO and MD degrees are legal and professional equivalents, and both are complete physicians, with a full and unrestricted license for the unlimited scope and practice of medicine and surgery.

The only difference between DOs and MDs is that in addition to the standard medical school curriculum that MDs receive, DOs also receive several hundred hours of training in hands on diagnosis and treatment of medical ailments (osteopathy).

To learn more about DOs, click here. To learn more about osteopathy, click here.

What is osteopathic manipulative medicine?

Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is a gentle hands on holistic medical treatment done by a licensed physician that addresses the cause of pain and illness, restoring balance and normal function to the musculoskeletal system (bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, joints, connective tissue) nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves, membranes, fluids), blood vessels, and lymphatic system.

For more information about osteopathic manipulative medicine click here.

What conditions can osteopathic manipulative medicine treat?

Osteopathy is helpful for a wide variety of medical conditions, but below are some examples of issues we treat in our office in Austin, Texas.

• Orthopedic/Musculoskeletal Problems: acute/chronic pain, joint pain (low back/neck/hip, etc), herniated discs/sciatica

• Neurological Problems: head injuries, whiplash, herniated discs/sciatica, headaches, tinnitus, vertigo

• Ob/Gyn (obstetric and gynecologic) Problems: painful periods, pelvic pain, joint pain in pregnancy (back, neck, hip, etc)

• In infants and children: chronic ear infections, colic, feeding problems, walking problems, plagiocephaly (abnormal head shape)

For more info, go to orthopedic issues, neurological issues, female issues, and children.

What is cranial osteopathy and what conditions can it help?

Cranial osteopathy (also known as craniosacral treatment or osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF) is a gentle hands on medical treatment done by a licensed physician that works to normalize function of the nervous system (brain, cranial bones, spinal cord, nerves, membranes, fluids).

Cranial osteopathy can offer relief from migraines, vertigo, concussions/head injuries, and sinus problems, among other issues.

Learn more here.

What’s the difference between osteopathy and chiropractic? physical therapy? massage?

They are completely different. A brief summary is that osteopathy is a gentle hands on medical treatment for all body systems performed by a fully licensed physician, giving patients the powerful advantage and safety of an unlimited, 360 degree approach of their issue from a complete medical perspective.

Chiropractic, physical therapy, and massage are modalities performed by non physicians, and are specifically limited to the spine/musculoskeletal system. Their education, expertise, and scope of practice varies based on their individual clinical training and licensing, but overall is limited compared to medical doctors specializing in osteopathy.

For more information about osteopathy click here.

What’s the difference between a DO and a chiropractor (DC)?

They are completely different. A brief summary is that DOs are fully licensed physicians with complete medical education, broad clinical expertise, and unlimited scope of practice. DOs provide patients with the powerful advantage and safety of a 360 degree evaluation of their issue. DOs work on all body systems and are residency trained.

Compared to the DO education, the DC education and scope of practice is more limited in approach and breadth. In Texas, DCs are licensed to work on the spine and musculoskeletal system.

To learn more about DOs click here.

What's the difference between cranial osteopathy and craniosacral therapy (CST)?

The differences are significant. A brief summary is that cranial osteopathy is part of a complete medical education and the unlimited scope of practice of medicine, including neurology and neuroanatomy, providing patients with the powerful advantage and safety of a comprehensive, 360 degree evaluation of their issue. Cranial osteopathy is covered by medical insurance.

In contrast, craniosacral therapy (CST) is a “gentle soft touch therapy” done by persons without a complete medical education, leaving patients at a comparative disadvantage in terms of depth of evaluation and treatment. CST visits are typically not covered or reimbursed by medical insurance.

What’s the difference between a DO and a craniosacral therapist?

The differences are significant. A brief summary is that DOs are fully licensed physicians with a complete medical education, including in depth study of neurology and neuroanatomy, providing patients with the powerful advantage and safety of a 360 degree evaluation of their issue.

In contrast, craniosacral therapists are not physicians, so they do not have the medical education or clinical expertise that a DO has, leaving the patient at a comparative disadvantage in terms of evaluation and treatment. Craniosacral therapists can practice with as little as one four day course

Dr. Lytle-Vieira is board certified in osteopathic manipulative medicine/neuromusculoskeletal medicine. What does that mean?

This means that Dr. Lytle-Vieira has taken written, practical, and oral exams to demonstrate expertise in her medical specialty. In the United States, board certification is considered the “gold standard”, showing the highest level of competency/credentials in a particular medical specialty.

FAQs about Insurance/Appointments

Does Dr. Lytle-Vieira participate with insurance? What about Medicare?

Yes. Dr. Lytle-Vieira is a licensed physician, so visits to her office in Austin Texas are medical treatment, and are typically eligible for coverage by insurance if she is in-network for your insurance plan.