It mainly treats the lymphatic, nervous, and circulatory systems. Osteopathy can provide relief for conditions such as;
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Neuralgia
- Pain in the legs, including the foot, knees, and ankles
- Neck pain
- Postural problems
- Hip pain
- Pain in the arms, including the shoulders, hands, and elbows
- Back pain
Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to healthcare. It uses manual techniques instead of drugs to adjust interrupted body processes and improve circulation.
These techniques are also known as Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). They balance your body system for good health and overall well-being. OMM techniques include stretching, resistance, and application of light pressure.
Prescription medicine, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery only support the manual technique.
Examination
An osteopathic doctor may take 1 to 2 hours to come up with a diagnosis. Specific movements and exercises are used to analyze your posture and flexibility. The physician will also use palpitations to examine your tissues, ligaments, and joints. The doctor will develop a treatment plan and recommend self-healing techniques such as exercises.
Doctors for Osteopathic Medicine (DOs)
DOs are licensed physicians who use a whole-person approach to maintain the health of their patients. They focus on prevention and pay attention to your environment and lifestyle to improve your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Osteopathic doctors are an excellent choice for holistic health. This is because they see more than a collection of body organs and systems that are susceptible to illnesses and damage; they see you as a partner and listen to you intently. Osteopathic doctors also train using standardized and simulated patients to help them handle patients from various backgrounds.
Is a DO the Same as an MD?
There are two types of doctors: DOs and Medical Doctors (MDs). They are similar in that they can all:
- Diagnose, treat and prescribe medication in the US
- Specialize in any field of medicine
The prerequisite, application process, and curriculum for medical school are also almost similar.
However, an MD cannot obtain a DO residency, and DOs are vital in practicing a holistic approach and manipulative medicine to help patients’ diagnosis and treatment.
What can Osteopathy do for your Health?
OSTEOPATHY AND BACK PAIN
Back pain is one of the most challenging and debilitating conditions for people. It is also common due to the changing lifestyle and increased time spent on average Americans’ screens per day (10.5 hours).
An osteopathic doctor treats back pain using gentle manipulation, massaging, or stretching soft tissues and muscles. He may also recommend ergonomic improvements to reduce pain. The doctor can also help you prevent back pain by recommending stretching and breathing exercises and lifting techniques.
OSTEOPATHY AND RESTLESS NIGHTS
Chronic pain can result in sleeplessness, which can disrupt the normal functioning of the body. Osteopathy is known to treat insomnia and sleep apnea even for children under four years of age.
OSTEOPATHY AND THE LYMPHATIC, CIRCULATORY, AND NERVOUS SYSTEMS
Osteopathic medicine can positively impact the functioning of body systems for overall patients’ health.
Side Effects
Osteopathy, though rarely, may pose some effects on the patients. They include:
- Stiffness
- Headache
- Numbness
- Tingling
Osteopathic medicine offers all the benefits of modern medicine and has a history of providing high-quality patient care. It helps people achieve wellness through health promotion and is one of the rapidly growing healthcare approaches today.
At VCOM Sports and Osteopathic Medicine, we use holistic treatment options to treat your injuries and get you back on your feet! Contact us today.
