What Is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a medical field that takes a holistic approach to the treatment of illness and injury. Considered a form of alternative medicine, osteopathy is based on the principle that illness and injury stem from structural alterations within the body. Osteopaths aim to correct these alterations through hands-on manipulation of the muscles and joints. This may be done through massage and stretching, and many osteopaths also use advanced technology in their practices. Treatment can help increase blood flow to injured areas, relieve muscle tension, and improve range of motion. Where necessary, osteopathy can be supplemented with medication or surgery. Patients typically seek osteopathic care for musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back pain, shoulder pain, sports injuries, arthritis, and tendonitis.
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.
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.
