A form of conventional medicine that, in part, emphasizes diseases arising in the musculoskeletal system. There is an underlying belief that all of the body's systems work together and that disturbances in one system may affect function elsewhere in the body. Some osteopathic physicians practice osteopathic manipulation, a full-body system of hands-on techniques to alleviate pain, restore function, and promote health and well-being. Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Diagnosis and treatment of general medical conditions. Specialization in the primary care of all age groups.
a contemporary school of medical thought and practice, founded on the concept that the normal state of a person is health
Like medical doctors, osteopathic physicians provide comprehensive medical care, including preventive medicine, diagnosis, surgery, prescription medications, and hospital referrals. In diagnosis and treatment, they pay particular attention to the joints, bones, muscles, and nerves and are trained specially in osteopathic manipulative treatment-using their hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.
(D.O. denotes a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) A school of medicine based upon the theory that structure governs function. Involves the attempt to understand the entire patient, physically, psychologically and emotionally in order to uncover the underlying causes of symptoms. Treatment includes musculoskeletal manipulation, recommendations on diet and exercise, and general preventive medicine. Fathered by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the late 1800's, D.O.'s are licensed separately from M.D.'s in all 50 states but enjoy duplicate privileges of practice, including performing surgery.
a system of therapy that emphasizes normal body mechanics and manipulation to correct faulty body structures. Osteopathic physicians provide comprehensive medical care.
Most osteopathic doctors (DOs) work as primary care physicians, combining conventional Western medicine (drugs/surgery) with specific manipulative techniques taught in the osteopathic medical colleges. Osteopathic medical training focuses on preventive care with a special emphasis on the musculoskeletal system. Because their medical degree and license is legally recognized as the equivalent of a MD in the United States, DOs can utilize all recognized diagnostic and therapeutic methods in their practice.
Medical treatment concentrating on diseases related to musculoskeletal system.
Today, the training of M.D.'s and Osteopaths (D.O.'s) is strikingly similar, but Osteopathic is a holistic discipline which emphasizes prevention and the individual, not just disease. Osteopath philosophy is based on the belief that the body cures itself, and doctors should see the relationship between structure and function, with a special emphasis on the musculo-skeletal system. Osteopaths are licensed to adjust the bones of the body, and manipulate the body, and they may also prescribe medications, give injections, and perform surgery.
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." http://www.aacom.org/om.html/ Glossary of Osteopathic Terminology Usage Guide Outside the United States, "osteopathic medicine" is often used interchangeably with "osteopathy".