5431 Jonestown Rd

Harrisburg, PA 17112 US

(717) 540-8448

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Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

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3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Thursday:

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Friday:

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March Newsletter: The Key Differences between Chiropractors and Osteopaths

Chiropractor adjusts woman's shoulder

Chiropractors and Osteopaths: The Key Difference Between Them

It's not always easy to decide which healthcare professional to see when you're in pain. Although both chiropractors and osteopaths treat muscle and joint pain, treatment approaches do differ.

Education

Osteopaths attend a four-year school of osteopathic medicine after receiving an undergraduate degree. Classes focus on the musculoskeletal system in addition to traditional medical school classes. Upon graduation, students are awarded the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Their hands-on education continues during multi-year residencies and fellowships following graduation. Residencies allow the doctors to specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as family practice, internal medicine, surgery or obstetrics/gynecology.

Chiropractors may attend chiropractic school after receiving an undergraduate degree or after completing 90 credit hours or three years of undergraduate studies. The Association of Chiropractic Colleges notes that 24 of those hours must be earned in physical or life sciences. Completing chiropractic school takes three to four years, depending on the school. Students take classes in anatomy, physiology and chemistry, in addition to learning how to perform chiropractic treatments. During the final year of the program, students usually work exclusively with patients. New chiropractors receive the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree when they graduate.

Treatment Scope

Osteopaths believe that all systems of the body are connected. The osteopathic manipulative treatments (OMT) DOs learn during medical school relieve muscle and joint pain and treat asthma, migraines, menstrual problems, fibromyalgia, digestive disorders and other conditions.

DOs also provide the same type of treatment options as medical doctors. Depending on their specialty, osteopaths can treat the flu, determine the cause of your heartburn, deliver your baby, or remove your appendix. They use holistic diagnostic methods that consider the whole person rather than just a specific system or body part.

Chiropractors focus on issues that affect the bones, muscles and joints and frequently treat back and neck pain. Although chiropractors can't prescribe medications or perform surgery, they also focus on holistic medicine. In fact, some common symptoms, such as indigestion or frequent illnesses, could actually be related to subluxation (misalignments) of the spine. Realigning the vertebrae with spinal manipulation, a common chiropractic treatment, not only eases pain, but can help improve health by reducing pressure on the nerves that control organs and systems.

Procedures

OMT and chiropractic treatments both involve hands-on treatments, although the techniques used for these therapies differ. Among the treatments an osteopath may use are:

  • Muscle Energy Technique. During this technique, the patient tenses a muscle while the osteopath provides resistance. Muscle energy technique increases joint mobility and eases pain and stiffness.
  • Strain-Counterstrain Technique. Strain-Counterstrain relieves soft muscle spasms. This technique involves placing the body part in a position that relaxes the muscle and stops the spasm.
  • Indirect Treatment. Indirect treatment relaxes tight tissues by moving them through three planes of movement.

Both chiropractors and osteopaths use massage to relax tight muscles and high velocity/low amplitude techniques to realign vertebrae. Called "spinal manipulation," by chiropractors, the treatment involves quick, hands-on thrusts that move the vertebrae back into place.

Chiropractors also offer several other treatments, including:

  • Flexion-Distraction. Flexion-distraction is performed on a special moving table. Table movements combined with hands-on treatments decompress your spine. The therapy is helpful for chronic back pain and stiffness. It's often used to reduce herniated disc bulging and relieve pressure on spinal discs and nerves.
  • Ultrasound Therapy. A handheld ultrasound device produces sound waves that heat and relax deep tissues, relieve pain and inflammation, and increase circulation.
  • Traction. Traction uses gentle pressure to stretch the spine. The chiropractor may use his or her hands to provide the therapy or use a traction table. Traction relieves pressure on nerves, tissues and spinal discs and eases head and neck pain.
  • Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation (TENS). A gentle electrical current passes through electrodes attached to the skin and prevents pain signals from reaching the brain during this treatment.

Treatment Availability

Although osteopaths can provide OMT, many of them don't use the treatment on a regular basis, according to a 2018 survey of osteopathic physicians conducted by the American Osteopathic Association. Seventy-seven percent of the doctors who responded said they used the techniques on fewer than 5% of patients. Fortunately, hands-on treatments are readily available at chiropractic offices.

Bothered by joint pain, stiffness, muscle sprains and strains, or frequent headaches? Chiropractic treatment relieves these painful conditions naturally. Call us to schedule an appointment with the chiropractor.

Sources:

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine: About Osteopathic Medicine

https://www.aacom.org/become-a-doctor/about-osteopathic-medicine

WebMD: DOs, Chiropractors, and MDs: How They’re Different, 5/4/2022

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/osteopathic-versus-md-chiropractor

SPINE-Health: Chiropractic and Osteopathic

https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/chiropractic-and-osteopathic

Journal of Osteopathic Medicine: Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Use Among Osteopathic Physicians in the United States, 1/1/2021

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33512391/

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Regular Office Hours

By Appointment Only

Monday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

3:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

3:00 pm-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

3:00 pm-6:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

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Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Absolutely love Dr. Skocik and his staff!!! I treated with this practice for several years after a really bad fall, thanks to the wonderful chiropractic care and massage therapy I am pain free and have my mobility back!! Highly recommend Dr. Skocik!!!"
    Teresa S.
  • "Wonderful staff. Makes you feel like it's home. Dr. Skocik is a wonderful gentleman. Just wants to help you so you can be better. Goes up and beyond."
    Sean F.
  • "This office is extremely friendly and provides excellent service!!!!"
    Rohimah H.
  • "Best doctor and best staff ever the service is perfect thanks you all guys I appreciate it."
    Pagal R.
  • "Always super helpful! I got hit by a car earlier this year and they have been helping me heal ever since!"
    Charlette B.
  • "My experience With Dr. Skocik has been exceptional. The staff provides excellent services and care. I always feel better after my treatment! Looking forward to a full recovery!"
    Linda S.
  • "Great Doctor! Amazing Staff! The first time I went to skocik chiropractor I was in a lot of pain but after just a few months I feel so much better."
    Waslat W.
  • "Very great dr.Skocik, and amazing nurses they definitely know what they doing."
    Alona L.
  • "Helped me with a damaged disk.very knowledgeable and a great way to go to handle pain in a natural way."
    Tommy H
  • "The best Chiropractor in town."
    Bryan D.
  • "Good experience. Explains things patiently. Friendly Staff"
    Amit K.
  • "The staff is all great and Dr. Skocik is one of the best and nicest chiropractors."
    Matthew G.
  • "Dr. Skocik did a wonderful job helping me get back to normal. He explained things in detail. A very pleasant and courteous atmosphere. I found my go to chiropractor!!"
    Diane L.
  • "Dr Sk is thorough in his exams and explanations of recommended treatment and process. The staff are courteous, friendly and professional. I have seen improvement in my range of motion, mobility and reduction of pain in back and spine."
    Arlis V.
  • "I love this place. I have been going through a rough time, injuries, employment, school, death in the family, and stress. Dr. Skocik and his staff are a blessing. They have been there to help me not only with my injuries but with my life in general. No matter how much pain and misery I may be going through, I always leave feeling better and with a smile on my face. I think the entire staff is awsome."
    Melissa J.
  • "Quote from the movie The best exotic marigold hotel- β€œMost things don’t work out as expected, but what happens instead often turns out to be the good stuff.” - reminded me of you all. Thank you for helping me through my rough and frustrating healing process !!"
    Shirly P.
  • "Great office, sure had helped me"
    William G.
  • "Thank you to the entire team, Dr. Skocik, Kourtnay, Shannon, Nicole, and Daphne for taking great care of me. From not being able to walk to using a cane to now...you are a god-send! Highly recommended!!!!!"
    Dwayne D.
  • "Thanks"
    Jody B.
  • "Very nice people."
    Kim D.
  • "Great Doctor! Amazing Staff! The first time I went to skocik chiropractor I was in a lot of pain but after just a few months I feel so much better."
    Waslat W.
  • "In addition to the standard chiropractic services, Skocik also offers massage. The massage therapist is awesome, the prices are fantastic and I have never left anything but totally satisfied. You do give up a tiny bit of ambiance compared to a "spa", but what you get is more than worth it in my opinion. Highly recommended."
    Tiffany I.
  • "I appreciate Dr Skocik calling me at home to inquire about my recovery!
    Try stem cell & PRP therapy. It's worth it if it means having your life back without surgery!"
    Regenerative Medicine Patient O. Olagbemi
  • "I have been coming to this office for years and I would refer anyone to come to this office I never have had a bad experience."
    J. Weldon
  • "I like the combination of services they have.
    Adjustments, Maintenance, Physical Therapy options, massage and laser therapy.
    Not many places have that."
    A. Schultz
  • "The staff was very welcoming & make you feel completely comfortable. I would recommend them to anyone."
    T. Mahone
  • "Great Chiropactor , great staff, they are passionate about what they do and it shines through. I would highly recommend Skocik Chiropractic ! πŸ‘"
    T. Romberger
  • "Dr Skocik treats his patients like family, great rehab equipment, phenomenal staff and amazing massage therapists!!!"
    T. Warner
  • "I go here for massages, best you'll find in the area, and very good prices. The large office that has a wide range of chiropractic treatment equipment, and is a complete back treatment and rehab facility."
  • "This office is highly professional and organized! Great chiro service and I highly recommend!"
    J. LeCadre
  • "Simply the best! Period."
    J. Williams
  • "Dr. Skocik office treats you like family, wonderful staff and I will recommend anyone to his office.πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘"
    K. Trollinger
  • "Amazing first impression and excellent, thorough exam for diagnosis. Physical therapy feels great."
    C. Campbell
  • "This office is organized and very professional, great chiro care! Would definitely recommend this office!"
    C. Myers
  • "I've been seeing Dr. Skocik for many years. Very professional office, he and his staff take great care of me. I recommend them often."
    T. Mowatt
  • "Absolutely love Dr. Skocik and his staff!!! I treated with this practice for several years after a really bad fall, thanks to the wonderful chiropractic care and massage therapy I am pain free and have my mobility back!! Highly recommend Dr. Skocik!!!"
    T. Coffman
  • "Coming from Toronto and seized up shoulder. Dr went way out of his way on a Saturday to open the clinic for me to assess. Very professional and kind. Wonderful."
    A.C.
  • "Doctor Skocik is really sincere about helping people"
    J. Peiffer
  • "What I love about my experience. I was able to be seen with in a 24 hours window..For those who suffer from lower back pain will truly understand how important that is. For that alone i give you five stars .. Excellent staff"
    F. Jackson
  • "I love coming here. The staff is very Friendly! I have had all kinds of issues with my back and ever since I started coming here i have made lots of improvement. I highly recommend Skocik Chiropractic!"
    Jessica C.
  • "The level of care, from the chiropractic services, to the massage therapy..to the office staff...EVERYONE treats you like family. I can honestly say that their is a genuine concern for your progress and well being.
    I would highly recommend."
    Craig W.
  • "I have always had a good experience with them and I have been a patient for a number of years. They are very nice about rescheduling appointments. The staff is always very friendly and I have always found them reasonably priced."
    L. Henninger
  • "I had a great experience in Skocik Chiropractic and they are very professional and fixed my lower back pain problem. My whole family goes to this practice and we highly recommend to other people."
    F. Zhang
  • "Skocik Chiropractic was very personable and informative. Dr. Skocik and his staff purposefully takes care of their patients with attentiveness and professionalism. I enjoyed my time there and highly recommend Skocik Chiropractic."
    B. Wanda

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