What Is Osteopathy?

Connection To Traditional Medicine

Osteopathic medicine has a particularly strong connection to traditional medicine. In fact, doctors of osteopathic medicine are also fully-licensed medical doctors, and many of them serve as primary care doctors. Doctors of osteopathic medicine practice across all medical disciplines, and they receive specialized training in understanding the musculoskeletal system. Like other physicians, osteopathic doctors can prescribe medications and order tests such as bloodwork and imaging studies. Although osteopathy uses manipulation with the hands as a potential treatment option, osteopathic physicians are qualified to use conventional techniques, and they will do so if this is best for the patient. Osteopathic physicians typically work in clinics or hospitals along with traditional medical doctors, so they are well-connected and can make referrals for specialized treatment if necessary.

Get familiar with the benefits and goals of osteopathy next.