Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic Medicine Specialist

Dr. Mark LaBeau is a leading physician of osteopathic medicine in Encinitas, California. At the Stengler Center, he uses this evidence-based, holistic approach to provide long-term relief of a wide range of physical and mental health conditions, from arthritis to ADD. Focusing on improving his patients’ overall health and wellbeing rather than specific symptoms, Dr. LaBeau delivers lasting results. If you are ready to feel your best, call and make an appointment  today.

WHAT IS OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE?

Osteopathic medicine is based on the philosophy that good health is more than just the absence of illness. Osteopathic doctors, identified by the letters D.O. (DO suffix), take a holistic approach to their medical practice. Dr. LaBeau engages with his patients encouraging behavioral adjustments to diet, exercise, and stress management as well as integrative medical treatments to improve your total body health and wellbeing.

This means that Dr. LaBeau is concerned with your experience as a human being instead of focusing on just your symptoms. He understands that optimal body function, which is fueled by a nutritious diet and regular exercise, is critical to maintaining your health and preventing health issues.

WHAT IS OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATION?

Osteopathic manipulation is literally a hands-on approach to medicine used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and injury. Dr. LaBeau first evaluates your body for range-of-motion and restrictions then gently moves your muscles and joints to ease pain, improve mobility, and support your body’s natural healing response.

Osteopathic manipulations release restrictions in your nerves and muscles improving circulation, functionality, flexibility, and your range of motion. Some of the manipulations feel like massage or myofascial release others use a push-pull technique to stretch and release your tissues.

The objective of Osteopathic manipulation is to improve the circulation and function of your body to enable your body to participate in the healing process.  So whether you live with conditions like asthma, headaches, migraines, menstrual pain, sinus issues, or musculoskeletal pain, osteopathic manipulations can offer you relief.

WHAT IS CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY?

The first thing to understand is that our skull consists of 22 boney plates that move ever so slightly to allow circulation of blood, spinal fluid, and sinuses to flow properly.  With the infant skull there are over 30 soft cartilage plates that allow for more motion, but can significantly be affected by such forces as birth trauma.

Craniosacral therapy is a manual treatment in which Dr. LaBeau uses his hands to gently palpate your skull to identify restrictions in the cranium as well as strains throughout the body.

The practice is based on the principle that the different bones that comprise the skull have slight mobility along the sutures where they meet. These joints can become misaligned and cause restrictions in the head, neck, and imbalances throughout your body.

Craniosacral therapy is often helpful for patients who experience headaches, trauma-related symptoms, and chronic pain syndromes, like temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

If you are interested in osteopathic treatments including craniosacral therapy, call or schedule a consultation online today to discuss your needs with Dr. LaBeau. He is committed to helping his patients to lead their best, healthiest lives and will provide you with customized care to help you improve your total body health and wellbeing.