Osteopathic medicine or "osteopathy" is a comprehensive system of holistic health care with a distinctive philosophy and art. Philosophically, osteopathy embraces the concept of unity of a human being's structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) with an emphasis on the neuromusculoskeletal system as central to a patient's well-being. Its art is the application of this philosophy to the practice of medicine and surgery to establish and maintain health and to alleviate disease. Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy, wrote that to obtain good results in treatment, "We must blend ourselves and travel in harmony with Nature's truths." Thus, classical osteopathic philosophy is not necessarily focused upon intervention in disease nor upon mending broken parts. Instead. adds Dr. Jan Hendryx, "we enter a partnership with our patients to assist them naturally in removing barriers to optimal health." Osteopathic philosophy and practice interface nicely with the Eastern practice of acupuncture as well as with orthodox Western medicine. Osteopathic physicians use all of the recognized medical procedures and available technologies. Yet classical osteopathy focuses on manipulation, the therapeutic use of the hands to restore maximum, pain-free movement of the musculoskeletal system. Osteopathic manipulation is most often used to overcome restrictions of movement to restore the body's maximum functioning capabilities, explains Dr. Hendryx. "I believe in the original principles of osteopathic medicine as they were formulated 100 years ago," says Dr. Hendryx. "I utilize other therapies when appropriate, but I like to work naturally with people. My practice focuses on the use of osteopathic manipulation and acupuncture in treatment."

Education: BS Pennsylvania State University 1974, DO Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine 1986, board-certified in family practice, physician acupuncture training through the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture