If you want to improve your health all across the body systems, you have to consider a complementary therapy called osteopathy. It is a drug-free and non-invasive manual therapy that can be used together with conventional treatment to improve the quality of life. Osteopathic medicine strengthens the musculoskeletal framework by manual manipulation.
Who are osteopathic physicians?
The osteopathic physician will create an osteopathic treatment, management and education of the patients. Osteopathic interventions seek to eliminate the discomfort brought about by arthritis, headaches, back pain and other postural problems. The physicians diagnose and treat the conditions using techniques referred to Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM).
What are the manipulation techniques of osteopathic physicians?
Osteopathic physicians employ many manipulation techniques to improve the health of patients. Common manipulation techniques include cranial-sacral, counterstrain, high velocity-low amplitude or thrust technique, muscle energy, myofascial release, ligamentous release, lymphatic pump, soft tissue techniques and visceral techniques.
You have to know that osteopathic physicians are not chiropractors. Chiropractors can treat back pain but their main focus is the position of the joints and spine. Chiropractors will focus on a particular area while osteopathic physicians will treat the body as a whole.
What are the benefits of osteopathic medicine?
In general, osteopathic treatments can benefit the musculoskeletal and other systems. There is no surprise that more and more people consider treatment because of a sedentary lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to musculoskeletal problems like poor posture. The treatments are subtle and gentle manipulation. Most people approach physicians for back pain.
How much will it cost for a treatment?
The cost will depend on the clinic and your condition. If the patient has an insurance plan that covers osteopathic conditions, it will be lesser. It would be best to ask the insurance provider if there is a limit in every session.
What are the risks of osteopathic medicine?
As with any treatment, osteopathic medicine has some risks involved. After treatment, it is common for patients to feel stiff for 24 hours. There are other patients who also noted a headache after the treatments. As for older patients, they will experience pain, tingling and numbing.
It is important that you know when to find the doctor. If the pains persist, it is crucial that you speak to your physician right away. For adverse effects, patients may need emergency medical treatment. Patients should be aware of the risks before starting treatment so they will know what to expect in the future.
What to expect on your first visit?
During your first visit, you have to inform the doctor that of your symptoms. The doctors will listen and take notes. The first consultation session will last about 30 to 45 minutes. The next thing to expect is a physical examination. During this stage, you will be asked to perform simple movements and stretches so the doctors can identify the problem area and make an accurate analysis. After that, the doctors will propose treatment plan to help the patients. The number of sessions will depend on how the patient will respond to treatments.