Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

A New Chapter in Riordan Clinic’s Integrative Approach

We’re excited to introduce Drew Rose, DO, and the addition of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine to Riordan Clinic’s comprehensive integrative care offerings. In this article, Dr. Drew shares his journey with OMM and his vision for bringing this approach to our co-learners.

Written by Drew Rose, DO

Over the past century, traditional allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical school curriculums have largely merged, with one significant exception: osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). This hands-on modality, comprising approximately 40 recognized techniques, offers a unique approach to addressing structural imbalances and restrictions in the body.

I’m thrilled to join Riordan Clinic and bring OMM to a community that has long understood what I’ve seen throughout my training—that true healing addresses body, mind, and spirit. Since the Riordan Clinic was founded by a psychiatrist who recognized the profound connection between these elements, OMM is a natural fit.

OMM does not treat, diagnose, or cure disease. It is a hands-on approach that addresses structural dysfunction to support the body’s natural self-regulation.

My Journey to Osteopathy

To understand why I’m passionate about OMM, you need to understand osteopathy itself. Osteopathy is a philosophy founded by A.T. Still, MD, DO, in 1874 after he became dissatisfied with the limitations of conventional medicine. Dr. Still built his philosophy on four foundational tenets: the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit; the body can self-regulate and self-heal; structure and function are interrelated; and treatment is based on understanding these principles.

In today’s world, these tenets might seem obvious. However, I’ve found that applying them clinically in a meaningful way is where the true power of OMM emerges. It’s what drew me to pursue specialized training not just in osteopathic manipulative medicine, but also in cranial osteopathy and biodynamic osteopathy during my fellowship.

More Than the Spine

Osteopaths who use OMM do not just treat spinal misalignments. We treat the entire musculoskeletal system and recognize the interconnection between structure and function throughout the body.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this work is understanding that fascia, the connective tissue throughout your body, holds patterns from physical experiences throughout your life. I’ve seen how addressing restrictions in these tissues can create profound shifts in overall function.

What many people don’t realize is that the various organ systems require similar maintenance, as does the flow of fluid throughout your entire body. Our bodies are approximately 60% fluid. Mobilizing this fluid through OMM can improve circulation, bowel function, and lymphatic system function.

Once proper structure has been restored, proper function returns as the body self-regulates and self-heals. As a physician, my role is to provide the appropriate environment for your body to heal itself.

Healing Mind and Spirit

What drew me deeper into specialized training was the work of William Sutherland, DO, the founding father of cranial osteopathy. He challenged the long-held belief that cranial bones don’t move because they’re fused in a suture-like fashion. He concluded there is a Primary Respiratory Mechanism—essentially, the brain, spinal cord, and sacrum are all connected and move in a predictable manner. Cerebrospinal fluid flows from the brain down the spinal cord and back again, like a tide.

When Dr. Sutherland first proposed this hypothesis, none of it could be proven. It took nearly 50 years for technology to advance far enough to prove him correct. I find this inspiring. He trusted what he observed and felt, even without the technology to validate it.

During my fellowship, I was fortunate to receive additional training in biodynamic osteopathy. “Biodynamics” is a term used to convey the “life-force-guided” model of health founded by Rollin Becker, DO. Dr. Becker concluded that the Primary Respiratory Mechanism is not mechanically generated. Instead, an immeasurable force drives motion, a force he termed “potency.” This potency lies within the body’s fluid and organizes around stillness.

I often describe my process during these sessions as becoming a tuning fork, listening. I hold my hands on the co-learner and essentially meditate, stilling my thoughts while acknowledging where my attention is being pulled. This typically takes 5 to 15 minutes. Eventually, I feel a humming sensation that travels from the co-learner through me. This is how I know I’ve connected to the co-learner’s specific biodynamics.

Using these concepts, I can help co-learners regain energetic balance, which I believe is a critical foundation for health.

You’re an Active Partner

I want to be clear that while the treatment itself may feel passive as you lie on the table, your active participation is essential. Human bodies are not meant to be sedentary. We require motion to stay healthy.

That’s why I pair OMM with recommendations for stretching, movement and exercise, building muscle, and lifestyle modifications such as improving diet and minimizing stressors. Treatment is a collaborative process—you’ll learn how to support your body between appointments.

Why Riordan Clinic

Blending OMM with the Riordan Approach is a natural step towards holistic health. By reviewing labs, I can individualize a treatment plan based on each co-learner’s unique biochemistry. This optimizes the internal environment, enabling the body to self-heal and self-regulate.

Dr. Still once said, “To find health should be the object of the doctor. Anyone can find disease.” This resonates deeply with the Riordan Approach. The journey to health doesn’t ignore disease, but instead seeks to identify the root cause and address it through a variety of modalities, including OMM, in pursuit of Real Health.

What to Expect

Sessions are typically 1 hour in length, with 30 to 45 minutes devoted to active treatment. Most co-learners can expect at least 4 to 6 appointments to fully treat a given dysfunction. Follow-up visits are scheduled every 1 to 2 weeks at first and are gradually spaced out as dysfunctions improve.

Certain treatments are so gentle and passive that you may not feel any noticeable movement. However, this does not mean the treatment is finished or not occurring at all.

Considering Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine?

If you’re new to Riordan Clinic, you’re welcome to schedule an appointment at our Wichita or Overland Park, Kansas location to discuss your health goals and explore whether OMM may be a good fit.

If you’re a current Riordan Clinic co-learner, talk with your provider about whether incorporating OMM into your existing care plan may be appropriate.