What is osteopathic medicine?

Answer 1

Osteopathic medicine is a field in which physicians can utilize both standard medical techniques that a regular MD would use as well as manual manipulations of the musculoskeletal system to treat some conditions. It is also a philosophy in that we view the body as a whole and that the body heals itself and it is our job to assist it in the process.
There are a few misconceptions about osteopathic medicine:
1. we are not bone doctors. we are licensed to practice in any area of medicine and do. Some DOs (doctors of osteopathy) are in specialties like dermatology that never address bone issues.
2. We are not chiropractors. Osteopathic medicine predates chiropractic. In addition, we use manipulations as part of a larger practice, where chiropractors are limited to manipulative treatments only.
Often people have DOs as their physicians and do not notice any different. Some people prefer to see only DOs. And of course, some people have no idea we are out there.

Answer 2

An Osteopathic Doctor goes to a medical school very similar to what a Medical Doctor goes to. The training is about the same length as well. The main difference is that an osteopathic physician considers the whole person when coming up with a diagnosis. They are more in tuned to the mental and emotional factors that come into play when a person has a disease or condition. For instance, let's say you were having insomnia. A medical Doctor might give you a sleep aid and tell you to come back in two weeks if that doesn't work. An Osteopath would ask, "What's been happening in your life? Is there anything you're worried about? What kind of stress have you been under?" They will look for emotional and mental reasons why you haven't been sleeping instead of just the physical. Hope this explains it!

Answer 3

Osteopathic medicine is a practice of medicine that has a slightly different philosophical approach to illness, injury and treatment. It recognizes that the body is wired through the spinal cord to all parts, and that misalignment is often a factor in physical complaints. Doctors of osteopathy tend to be more inclined to use physical manipulation of the spine, physical therapy and other means to treat you, other than simply medication or surgury. They tend to be more focused on treating the entire patient, rather than focusing solely on the part with the problem. They do prescribe medication and practice medicine just like the traditional M.D. you are familiar with. When you see their name, you will see the letters D.O. follow, instead of M.D. There are a couple of schools in the US that train them, and you should be able to locate them with a web search. They should be able to give you more information about the philosophy behind the practice, as well as simply asking a D.O in person.

Answer 4

Osteopathic medicine (formerly known as osteopathy) is "a complete system of medical care with a philosophy that combines the needs of the patient with current practice of medicine, surgery and obstetrics. The emphasis is on the interrelationship between structure and function, and has an appreciation of the body’s ability to heal itself."

Answer 5

Well, if you break down the term "osteopathic", Osteo means bones or relating to bones; pathic means pathology. So, osteopathic medicine deals with bone pathologies or bone diseases.

Answer 6

It is quackery with respect to "manipulation" and valid with respect to the use of standard medical procedures. Osteopathy and chiropractic are based on the same false premises. As for DO s being more caring and asking wider ranging question---bull. DO s AND MD s can both be uncaring if they are just in it for the money, and both can be caring when they actually want to help their patients.

Answer 7

search osteopathic medicine for details

Answer 8

bone medicine