is this appropriate?

[stoic]

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Over the past few months, I've gotten to know a local DO very well through shadowing. This is has in turn helped me pursue a career in osteopathy. Since becoming interesting in the field, I've learned a great deal about manipulation and the theory behind it. BUT I've never experienced OMM as a patient. However, I'm really interested in learning about it from this perspective. In any case, I'm going to be spending some more time shadowing the DO this week. During this time I'm thinking of asking him to perform some OMM on me, but am concerned that this might not be appropriate. Does anyone have any thoughts? Thanks a lot.

Dave

 

[Bookworm]

my first instinct would be, Sure , why not? It really depends on the personality of the physician you are shadowing. I think most would not have a problem showing one student--now if there are many, many students who want OMT (as in medical students in their OMT class), then DO's may not be so eager. But you as an undergrad shadowing a doc who practices OMT seems to me to be a perfectly appropriate situation. But if the attitude of the physician is that he/she will not do anything unless he/she is paid, then it wouldn't be such a good idea. But IMHO, this doc would probably be eager to give you some treatment.

Another consideration is are you in any kind of pain. Some docs may say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." On the other hand, if you just want a demonstration on yourself, it's not that hard to get/find minor dysfunction.

Good luck and enjoy the treatment (if you get it).
btw, it's great that you are going to apply to osteopathic school really knowing something about manipulation. Many Many pre-osteo's have no clue.

 

[Dr JPH]

Just from my experience working with many lab partners in OMM lab, there is undoubtedly something that the DO could find to correct on you.

Even if he were to perform some simple techniques that just "feel good", as well as having significant therapeutic value which you will learn about later.

If he does cranial osteopathy, ask him to check your cranial rhythm.

Have him do some thoracic HVLA.

Maybe some visceral techniques that will free up some of your innards.

If you have any counterstrain or chapmans points...that stuff will blow your mind the first time.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[OMMFellow06]

If he seems like he won't mind, just explain to him how interested you are in osteopathy and OMM and that you're going to be applying to osteopathic schools. Then tell him that you would like to experience it for yourself and ask him if he wouldn't mind doing a little something to you while also explaining it so that he still incorporates the teaching aspect to it. Be nice and if you've been working with him for a while, i'm sure that he'll be happy to demonstrate.

 

[Idiopathic]

You will love it. Especially from a scientific P.O.V. (i.e. why counterstrain works). Honestly, I want to go into neurosurgery and I am still fascinated by OMT, so have someone perform it on you pronto! 🙂