What is Osteopathic Medicine?
Osteopathic medicine (also known as "osteopathy") is based on the idea that optimal functioning of the musculoskeletal system is essential to health. Osteopathic physicians use hands-on manipulation (among other techniques) to treat problems of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the nerves, muscles, and bones.
Osteopathic Physicians
Today, only about 10% of osteopathic physicians use manipulation as their primary form of treatment. In fact, doctors of osteopathy (also known as D.O.s) undergo the same training as medical doctors and tend to combine conventional care with manual manipulation. Most osteopathic physicians serve as primary-care practitioners, and many specialize in certain areas of medicine (such as obstetrics/gynecology or pediatrics).
What to Expect from Osteopathy
During a typical physical exam, your osteopath will check your posture and balance and assess the health of your spine, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments (in addition to performing routine tests, such as reading your blood pressure).
In order to promote healing from illness or injury, D.O.s may use osteopathic manipulative treatment (also known as OMT) to restore proper mobility and function to the body's framework. OMT techniques include stretching, applying gentle pressure, and slowing pulling a joint in the direction it's resisting.
The Benefits of Osteopathic Medicine
OMT is often used to treat conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, migraine, asthma, TMJ syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
Research suggests that osteopathic medicine may be particularly effective for soothing back pain. In a 2005 review of six previous studies, for instance, scientists concluded that OMT significantly decreases low back pain and that the pain reduction may persist for at least three months.
Osteopathic Medicine Risks
OMT may not be appropriate for people with injured or infected ligaments or bones, osteoporosis, or bone cancer, as well as anyone who has recently undergone joint surgery.
Although some people experience pain, headache, or fatigue following OMT, symptoms tend to disappear within a day.
How to Find an Osteopathic Physician
For help finding a D.O. near you, contact the American Osteopathic Association, the American Academy of Osteopathy, or the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.
Source:
Licciardone JC, Brimhall AK, King LN. "Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials." BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2005 4;6:43.
