Helping bodies heal, naturally: Meet Alex King, doctor of osteopathic medicine

But D.O.s bring a physician’s level of anatomical and physiological knowledge to this hands-on practice of diagnosis and treatment, helping patients feel better from a variety of ailments — whether it’s low back strain from lifting a toddler or herniated discs from competitive power lifting — often without medication.

“Your standard doctor will say, ‘I don't know what pill to give you for that,’” says Alex King, D.O., an associate professor in the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. “But our bodies can heal naturally when given the opportunity.” 

King, who studied sculpture and neuroscience in college, found osteopathy despite growing up in a family of medical doctors (M.D.s), including a grandfather who incorporated acupuncture into his medical care. In King’s practice at the Rowan-Virtua NeuroMusculoskeletal Institute, he combines osteopathic manipulative medicine with acupuncture to add depth to his treatment. In acupuncture, providers insert thin, stainless steel needles into the patient’s body to activate nerves and decrease the perception of pain.

Along with patient care, King does research on objective metrics to show the benefits of osteopathic manipulative treatment. He also directs the osteopathic manipulative medicine residency program, but his teaching stretches beyond Rowan students. King regularly produces videos of treatments and techniques for his Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube channels.

“Osteopathic medicine has given me so much that I want to give back and teach anyone who wants to learn,” King says. “You don’t have to be a medical student to learn from me.”