What Is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy VS Physiotherapy

The primary difference between osteopathy and physiotherapy is their philosophies on how the human body works and heals its tissues. Physiotherapy aligns closely with Western medicine and tends to focus more on certain problem areas. Osteopathy has a more holistic approach with the viewpoint that all the systems in an individual's body are interconnected, and the body should be treated as a whole. Education for individuals who perform physiotherapy includes neuromuscular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular training. Physiotherapists provide treatment based on exercise and help with rehabilitation following an injury or surgery. Osteopathic practitioners have an education and training based on palpitation, musculoskeletal health, cranial, visceral, pediatrics, and women's health. Treatment in osteopathy is more than ninety percent hands-on, whereas only sixty percent of physiotherapy is hands-on. Osteopathy is used more for pain and symptom relief, and physiotherapy is used more for rehabilitation and recovery.

Learn about what patients can expect with osteopathy next.