We all have experienced injuries during our lifetime. They may be sports injuries or fall injuries. There are multiple medications indicated for the treatment of these injuries. One of the treatment modalities is osteopathy.
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a certified physician who strives to enhance people’s overall health and wellness by treating the patients with some muscle and bone injuries.
Stretching, massaging, and manipulating the musculoskeletal system are all part of osteopathic manipulative medicine.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a treatment designed to treat patients with musculoskeletal problems by physical manipulation and also improve overall health. Osteopathy uses the body’s natural self-healing mechanism and enhances it. The doctor who performs this kind of treatment is known as an osteopath.
How is an osteopath different from a chiropractor?
We all have seen multiple videos of ‘bone-cracking, and they are trending on multiple platforms. The videos we encounter are chiropractic.
The major difference comes in the licensing. Chiropractors do not hold a medical degree but are well trained in musculoskeletal problems whereas osteopath is a licensed medical practitioners who can prescribe medicines and customize your treatment plan.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is a medical degree, and an osteopath is a licensed doctor. Osteopathic physicians can also prescribe imaging and drugs.
How does it work?
Osteopathy is not only used for treatment but can be used to diagnose and prevent as well. Osteopathy involves physical manipulation of the joints, muscles and ligaments to achieve the desired effect. It is effective in the reduction of pain. The physical movement increases the blood flow, which in turn helps in healing. They use multiple techniques like massaging, mobilization of joints, lymphatic drainage techniques and joint manipulation techniques. The sessions last for half an hour and are repeated periodically. Principles of isotonic contraction, counter strain are also used by the osteopath.
When should you go for osteopathy?
Osteopathy may be used alone or in conjunction with pharmacotherapy and surgery. This may be due to joint or muscle problems. The most common condition that affects our joints is arthritis. We are all familiar with the agonizing pain in our knees, shoulder, ankle, elbow, or feet. It is incredibly painful and negatively affects the lifestyle of the individual. Arthritis is inflammation of our joint spaces, which make it difficult for the person to move from one place to another. It is also used after injuries for rehabilitation. Neck, back and shoulder pains can also be treated by osteopathy. It has been proven to be highly effective in pregnancy-related problems.
Injuries and osteopathy:
Osteopaths are equipped to treat multiple injuries by increasing the blood flow and promoting rapid healing. They are effective in treating sports injuries, work-related injuries, overload injuries etc. Spinal cord injuries causing sciatica can be treated by restoring muscle strength. It is to be noted that some techniques are contra-indicated fractures, crush injuries, joint dislocations and spasms as they put undue pressure and may worsen the injury.
Benefits of osteopathy:
Osteopathy works on the principle of self-regulation. That is, the body has its own capacity to rejuvenate itself. Hence it works by restoring the muscle strength by using the function, as structure and function are related to each other. Mobility and flexibility are also restored. The lifestyle of the person is drastically improved, and it concentrates on improving your general health, there is a positive effect on mental health and mood.
The Bottom Line
Osteopathy is effective in treating injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal problems. It is a safe and well-researched method performed by osteopaths with 6 years of training. It is very useful and has been recommended. It is a holistic approach and improves your overall health.
