What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a branch of the healthcare field which is concerned with the body as a whole, and the interaction of the structures within it, especially the musculoskeletal system. As the “osteo” in osteopathy suggests, the bones of the body are of particular interests to osteopaths. Osteopathy is practiced all over the world, and it is an incredibly varied medical field: in the United States, for example, osteopaths are licensed physicians, while in other regions, they can offer varying degrees of medical treatment, but they do not have the prescribing rights associated with a medical degree. This discipline emerged in the late 1800s, and it is considered the invention of Andrew Taylor Still, a doctor who worked during the Civil War. During his period as a military doctor and surgeon, Still found himself disappointed with the state of medicine, seeking for some additional piece of the puzzle which could help his charges recover more quickly. Over time, he developed osteopathy, in the b
Osteopathy is a drug-free, non-surgical medical discipline focused on overall health. Strengthening the muscles, bones, joints, and spine to help maintain a healthy body is the main goal of osteopathy. This whole-body approach to healthcare has been in practice since the 1800s in the United States, providing a hands on approach to healthcare and blending a holistic view of the body with medical training. Osteopathic philosophy is based on the principles of bodily function as an integrated whole, rather than separate mechanisms. Osteopaths use techniques that include manipulation of joints, deep tactile pressure, and soft tissue stretching to relieve pain, stiffness, and inflammation. They often work in conjunction with primary doctors to ease pain, increase mobility, and prevent injury. Osteopaths must complete four years of medical school, a residency program within a specialty, and additional study in osteopathy. Doctors of osteopathic medicine receive a D.O. and are licensed physici
Osteopathy is a primary care profession, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, and the effects of these conditions on patient’s general health. Using many of the diagnostic procedures applied in conventional medical assessment, osteopaths seek to restore the optimal functioning of the body, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal, and osteopathic care focuses on strengthening the musculoskeletal systems to treat existing conditions and to prevent illness. Osteopaths’ patient-centred approach to health and well-being means they consider symptoms in the context of the patient’s full medical history, as welll as their lifestyle and personal circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that all treatment is tailored to the individual patient.
