Mind-Bending Facts About Osteopathy That Will Leave You Stunned
Imagine your body as a finely tuned machine—every bone, muscle, and joint working in harmony. But what happens when a single part is out of alignment? Aches, pains, and a feeling of being "off" can quickly take over. Osteopathy is a medical philosophy that believes this harmony is the key to health. It's a hands-on approach that goes beyond treating symptoms, seeking to find and fix the root cause of your discomfort by correcting structural imbalances. Far from just an alternative therapy, it's a holistic path to healing that recognizes the incredible connection between your body's structure and its overall function. We’ve expanded our list of facts to shed light on this fascinating field and its potential to restore your body’s natural balance.
1. How It Works
Like other forms of medicine, osteopathy begins with a medical history and physical examination to detect issues that may require treatment. The osteopath will ask the patient about their symptoms, and they will also ask about the patient's home, work, and family life to obtain a holistic understanding of what could be contributing to illness or injury. Next, the osteopath will conduct a complete physical examination, but unlike exams with conventional doctors, this exam pays special attention to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and spine. The osteopath will quickly check the patient's posture as well. Based on the exam results, the osteopath might order tests, including blood tests and imaging studies. Treatment tends to emphasize manipulation of the body with the practitioner's hands, and patients may be taught stretches or self-massage techniques to use at home. Regular follow-up appointments are recommended to monitor the patient's progress, and treatment methods are adapted as needed.
2. Connection To Traditional Medicine
Osteopathic medicine has a particularly strong connection to traditional medicine. In fact, doctors of osteopathic medicine are also fully-licensed medical doctors, and many of them serve as primary care doctors. Doctors of osteopathic medicine practice across all medical disciplines, and they receive specialized training in understanding the musculoskeletal system. Like other physicians, osteopathic doctors can prescribe medications and order tests such as bloodwork and imaging studies. Although osteopathy uses manipulation with the hands as a potential treatment option, osteopathic physicians are qualified to use conventional techniques, and they will do so if this is best for the patient. Osteopathic physicians typically work in clinics or hospitals along with traditional medical doctors, so they are well-connected and can make referrals for specialized treatment if necessary.
