An individual is a complex being that goes beyond just the physical structure of the body. As humans, we are also influenced by our mental health, spiritual health, environment, social situation, and lifestyle. By examining all of these areas and treating the whole person, osteopathic doctors are better able to aid in the prevention of many diseases and issues that can lead to physical symptoms.

An individual might come to their doctor with symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and headaches. While a general physician might diagnose high blood pressure and send the patient home with blood pressure medication, an osteopathic doctor might look at the greater picture. Perhaps the patient is under a tremendous amount of family or work stress, has neck pain that leads to additional high stress levels, is making unhealthy dietary choices, and struggles with obesity. By helping the patient with their neck pain through spinal manipulation and better posture, teaching the patient how to better manage their stress levels, providing the patient with information on healthier dietary decisions and exercises that lead to weight loss, the patient might be able to lower their blood pressure to the point that medication is no longer even necessary or they require a lower dose. This is the goal of a whole-person medical approach-to prevent issues leading to uncomfortable symptoms and possibly life-threatening diseases by treating the whole person.