All About Osteopathy and Why You Should Visit an Osteopathy Doctor

First of all, osteopathy is a science that uses manual therapy to improve the health of an entire body and organ systems by using techniques to manipulate and strengthen the musculoskeletal units. Also, the procedure is drug-free. So, the next time you are having muscular or joint pains, you could consider visiting osteopathy doctors. In this article, an attempt has been made to answer your general queries regarding osteopathy.

What Is Osteopathy and Who Is an Osteopathic Doctor

If you are looking for a holistic and a whole-body approach to healthcare, then you should probably consider osteopathy. The manual approach or the ‘hands-on’ approach is used which benefits circulations, helps to set the biomechanics right and all without drugs. The techniques they use are gentle pressures, stretching, resistance, etc. to get your musculoskeletal system functioning correctly.

Osteopathic manipulative medicine [OMM] is the technique that is used to diagnose and treat these types of conditions.

An osteopathy doctor/physician is a professional who does not only concentrate on the area of the problem but also lays stress on the manual techniques that will help to balance all your system in the body, individual parts for overall wellbeing. Osteopathy doctors are capable of generating prescription suggesting the necessary medicines or surgical procedures that will prove helpful for the process. Many of these physicians serve as various primary care units like internal medicine, paediatrics, family medicine.

Most importantly, osteopathy is a ‘complementary therapy.’ Often used along with conventional medicine, it is aimed at helping holistically reviving the patient. The osteopathic physicians are also qualified as medical doctors [MDs]. They usually are trained more than the others. They are specialists of osteopathy.

Quick Facts on Osteopathy –

  • Osteopathy is usually drug-free.

  • Focuses on holistic wellbeing.

  • Focuses on joints, spine, muscles, musculoskeletal structures.

  • Can treat back pain, arthritis, back pain, headache, elbow pain, intestinal issues, etc.

  • Consists of regulating the sleep cycle, assisting the nervous, lymphatic and cardiac symptoms.

Benefits of Osteopathic Treatment –

  • It relieves and cures

  • Back pain, sciatica, neck pain

  • Arthritis

  • Ankle, knee, foot, hip pain

  • Elbow pain

  • Shoulder and hand pain

  • Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow

  • Headaches

  •  Neuralgia

  • Postural difficulties due to injuries or pregnancy

The Physical Examination Process –

  • You will be examined by the doctor; might involve removing parts of clothing for the sake of the process.

  • It might take 1 or 2 hours

  • You will be asked to perform few stretches, movements to help the doctor understand your condition better.

  • The doctor might use the palpation technique to judge the health of your joints, ligaments, etc.

  • He/she will propose a plan of treatment.

  • You might require several sessions depending upon your condition.

  • You might be instructed to follow a diet, a sleeping chart, free-hand exercise, etc.

  • You might feel sore for the first 24-48 hours after your first session.

Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing Physician –

  •  Make sure your doctor is accredited by the state or the national medical association.

  • Make sure he holds a license to practice.

  • Ask for the documentation if it is not displayed.

  • Always inform your regular doctor before going to the osteopathic physician.

  • An initial consultation should be expected by you.

  • Take notes of the first session.

  • The therapy varies in cost. It depends on the condition of the patient, the location of the clinic.

  • Make sure you ask the clinic about the overall limit of the complimentary outpatient therapy.

Along with the benefits, there might be some risk factors, so before consulting an osteopathy doctor makes sure you take advice from a general physician or your family physician.

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