Conditions We Treat with Osteopathic Medicine
When people often assume that osteopathy focuses only on back pain or joint problems.
While osteopathic physicians receive additional training in the musculoskeletal system and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), their role extends far beyond muscles and bones.
As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in primary care, Dr. Starkman provides comprehensive medical care for patients of all ages. That means caring for everything from routine wellness visits and preventive screenings to chronic disease management, acute illnesses, and musculoskeletal concerns.
At Osteopathic Healing Arts, our philosophy is simple: treat the whole person, not just the diagnosis. By understanding your overall health, lifestyle, medical history, and personal goals, we can develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to you, not just your symptoms.
On This Page
Comprehensive Primary Care
Whether you’re feeling well and want to stay healthy or you’re dealing with a new symptom that needs evaluation, our goal is to provide thoughtful, personalized care built on a long-term relationship.
We routinely care for patients seeking help with:
- Annual wellness visits
- Preventive care and screenings
- Acute illnesses such as colds, influenza, and infections
- Medication management
- High blood pressure / high cholesterol
- Diabetes and prediabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Asthma and allergies
- Digestive concerns
- Weight management
- Men’s health / women’s health
Many health concerns benefit from having a physician who understands your complete medical history rather than treating each visit as an isolated event. That’s one of the strengths of both osteopathic medicine and the Direct Primary Care model.
Back, Neck, and Joint Pain
Whether discomfort develops suddenly after an injury or gradually over time, it’s important to understand not only where the pain is occurring but also what may be contributing to it.
Depending on your condition, treatment may include a comprehensive medical evaluation, lifestyle recommendations, medication when appropriate, referrals for additional care, or OMT.
Common concerns include:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Joint stiffness
- Muscle strains
- Mobility limitations
Rather than simply focusing on the painful area, osteopathic physicians consider how posture, movement, previous injuries, and overall body mechanics may be influencing your symptoms.
Headaches, Muscle Tension, and TMJ
Some headaches may be related to illness or underlying medical conditions, while others may be influenced by muscle tension, posture, stress, or problems involving the jaw and surrounding muscles.
An osteopathic evaluation considers the many factors that may contribute to recurring headaches and facial discomfort. Patients commonly seek evaluation for:
- Tension headaches
- Certain migraine symptoms
- TMJ discomfort
- Neck-related headaches
- Muscle tightness
- Facial pain
Every headache deserves an appropriate medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and identify the most effective treatment approach.
Sports Injuries and Active Lifestyles
Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend golfer, or simply enjoy staying active, injuries can disrupt your routine and affect your quality of life. Our goal is not only to help you recover but also to identify factors that may reduce your risk of future injury.
Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
- Evaluation of acute injuries
- Overuse injuries
- Muscle strains
- Joint pain
- Movement assessments
- Rehabilitation recommendations
- OMT when appropriate
- Referrals for imaging or specialty care when needed
Helping patients stay active is an important part of promoting long-term health.
Chronic Pain and Ongoing Health Concerns
Living with ongoing pain can influence your sleep, your ability to work, your activity level, and your overall quality of life.
Chronic pain often has multiple contributing factors, which is why it benefits from a comprehensive evaluation rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include:
- Medical evaluation and diagnosis
- Medication management
- Lifestyle recommendations
- OMT, when appropriate
- Physical therapy referrals
- Diagnostic testing or imaging
- Coordination with specialists when needed
Our goal is to help patients better understand the factors contributing to their symptoms while developing a treatment plan that supports long-term function and overall health.
Care That Adapts to Every Stage of Life
Your healthcare needs naturally change over time. Whether you’re a young adult establishing care for the first time, managing a busy career and family, or focusing on healthy aging, your care should evolve with you.
At Osteopathic Healing Arts, we believe healthcare should reflect your current goals as well as your long-term well-being.
That may mean helping one patient manage a chronic medical condition while working with another to prevent future health problems through education, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.
When Should You See a Primary Care Physician?
Many people wait until they’re sick before scheduling an appointment.
While we’re always here to evaluate new symptoms and illnesses, establishing care before a problem develops allows your physician to better understand your health history and provide more proactive care.
You should consider scheduling an appointment if you:
- Need an annual wellness examination
- Have a new or ongoing medical concern
- Want help managing a chronic condition
- Are experiencing recurring pain or discomfort
- Need medication management
- Are interested in preventive care
- Are looking for a new primary care physician
- Want to learn whether Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment may be appropriate for your condition
Every patient brings a unique medical history, lifestyle, and set of health goals, and no two treatment plans are exactly alike. We strive to understand the broader factors influencing your health so we can create a care plan that addresses both immediate concerns and long-term wellness.
The Right Care Starts with the Right Conversation
If you’re unsure whether Osteopathic Healing Arts is the right fit for your healthcare needs, we’d be happy to answer your questions.
Whether you’re seeking a new primary care physician, looking for a more personalized healthcare experience, or interested in learning how osteopathic medicine may fit into your care, we’re here to help.
Our goal is simple: to provide comprehensive, relationship-based healthcare that treats you as a whole person.
Detailed Condition Guides
We’re expanding our patient education library with in-depth guides covering many of the conditions we see most often, including:
These resources will explain common causes, symptoms, treatment options, and how osteopathic medicine may fit into a comprehensive care plan.