Back Pain Forum - What Are Osteopathic Physicians

“Osteopathic physicians know that structure influences function, so they look for areas of the body where the structure may be altered and made more normal through manipulation in order to improve function to a particular body region, which then influences the entire body. Osteopathic physicians believe that the body has innate self-healing mechanisms that are key to restoring well-being and maintaining health, and that the physician’s job is to provide the proper supportive therapy or preventive measure to help the person return to health or to maintain health. Osteopathic physicians are trained that rational patient care is based on integration of these principles.” AACOM (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Manipulation)

Often, when people hear about osteopathic manipulation, they compare it to chiropractic adjustments or massage therapy. In reality, osteopathic manipulation is different from both of these types of manual therapy for a number of reasons. One primary difference between osteopathic manipulation and other forms of therapy is that an osteopath has the medical training to treat underlying disease, as well as to treat muscle and spinal disorders and injuries. Furthermore, osteopaths are skilled at being in tune with the body, and working with a patient’s own muscles and tissues to correct a problem, rather than forcing them into place, only to have the problem re-occur again.

Osteopathic physicians know that structure influences function, so they look for areas of the body where the structure may be altered through manipulation in order to improve function to a particular body region, which then influences the entire body. Osteopathic physicians believe that the body has innate self-healing mechanisms that are key to restoring well-being and maintaining health, and that the physician’s job is to provide the proper supportive therapy to help the person return to health.

What should I expect when I visit an Osteopath?
Be prepared to discuss your current medical problems and your past medical history, including accidents, illnesses, hospitalizations, injuries, surgeries, allergies and any family medical problems. These have a significant impact on your current condition-whether you realize it or not! Your first visit is a detailed consultation with the physician which includes your health history and an examination. The doctor will then discuss his findings with you and a decision will be made as to further treatment. We will keep your family physician advised of your conditions and progress as we care for you. As always, your care is conducted in a style of partnership between you and your Osteopathic physician.

What types of problems does an Osteopath treat?
Osteopathic physicians are not limited to treating injuries of the spine, although this is an area in which they excel. In addition, they can treat any musckuloskeletal injury, assist in recovery from Auto Accidents and falls, chronic headaches, sinus infections, upper back and neck pain, hip pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, unspecified problems with fatigue, insomnia, body aches, healthy living and weight management, and even autism.