Living with persistent discomfort can make daily tasks feel like monumental hurdles. At Maryland Medical First P.A. in Parkville, Maryland, our dedicated primary care team, led by board-certified internist Narender Bharaj, MD, is here to help you regain your quality of life.
We’re proud to feature Dr. Andrew Warner, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), on our medical team. Dr. Warner’s osteopathic medical training emphasizes whole-person care, including how lifestyle, environment, and different body systems may affect overall health.
An osteopathic approach to chronic pain management focuses on treating you as a whole person rather than just addressing isolated symptoms. This medical philosophy recognizes that your body's systems are deeply interconnected, meaning that physical tension in one area can cause pain in another. For patients dealing with long-term conditions like arthritis, this comprehensive style of care can be life-changing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2022) pain guideline recommends maximizing appropriate nonpharmacologic and nonopioid therapies for subacute and chronic pain before considering opioid treatment. Our team uses these principles to design personalized primary care plans based on the cause of your pain, your overall health, and how symptoms affect your daily function.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine receive additional training in the musculoskeletal system and in osteopathic manipulative treatment OMTOMT, a group of hands-on techniques involving stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance. Some DOs incorporate OMT into patient care when appropriate.
In our practice, we look at how different parts of your body affect one another to improve your overall mobility. For example, a 36-month retrospective study published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine (2025) found that patients who received care from osteopathic physicians experienced significant improvements in low back pain intensity and physical function.
Additionally, a 2025 meta-analysis published in Cureus showed that osteopathic techniques can substantially reduce peripheral joint pain, particularly in the shoulders. By improving your body's mechanics, we help you move more freely and comfortably.
A common misconception is that osteopathic treatment is the same as chiropractic care, or that it is a standalone cure-all for every type of pain. In reality, DOs are fully licensed physicians who practice in the same medical specialties as MDs. Their medical education also includes additional training in osteopathic principles and manipulative techniques.
While both fields use hands-on adjustments, osteopathic doctors complete standard medical school and residency programs. This means they can prescribe medication, perform surgeries, and manage complex conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
We don't view osteopathic techniques as a magic cure, but rather as a powerful tool within a broader, personalized treatment plan. Whether you need an annual physical or specialized support, we coordinate your care to ensure all your health needs are met under one roof.
If you're ready to explore how an osteopathic approach can naturally enhance your chronic pain management, we're here to help. Our team at Maryland Medical First P.A. is committed to finding the right path forward for your unique health journey. Don't let persistent pain hold you back any longer — schedule a consultation with our team in Parkville, Maryland, today.
