Conventional medicine relies on reactive treatments, which are treatments delivered after you are sick or injured. Osteopathic medicine is different. An osteopathic physician focuses on prevention, providing care to keep you healthy.
The Role of Osteopathic Physicians
An osteopathic physician focuses on you as a whole person, not a set of symptoms or disconnected body parts. An osteopathic physician believes that your body is interconnected and interdependent. Consider that an osteopathic physician will:
- Use all the best knowledge and techniques from Eastern, Western, and alternative medicine
- Use all of the tools and techniques of conventional medicine including imaging studies, laboratory testing, and other diagnostic tools and techniques
- Develop a customized wellness plan to prevent illness and disease, so you can enjoy a healthy life
- Take the time to answer any questions or address any concerns you have about your health
During a wellness visit, an osteopathic physician will:
- Perform a complete physical examination
- Measure and record blood pressure, pulse, and other vital statistics
- Record a complete medical history including current medications, illnesses, and hospitalizations
- Administer immunizations to prevent serious illnesses
- Prescribe medication and other treatments to keep you healthy
An osteopathic physician also focuses on wellness throughout your life by developing a customized wellness plan for you. The customized wellness plan will recommend modifications to many areas of your life such as:
- Diet, including eating a heart-healthy diet
- Lifestyle, including stopping tobacco use
- Medications to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and other factors
- Exercise, to keep your body and heart strong
- Stress reduction, to promote overall wellness
Osteopathic medicine is proactive medicine, but you may still become ill or develop a chronic disease. An osteopathic physician can diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions, including:
- Viruses and bacterial infections like colds, flu, or pneumonia
- Strains and sprains of muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Chronic pain from an injury or accident
- Chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and asthma
Want To Know More?
To find out more about the role of an osteopathic physician and how osteopathic medicine can help you, call your osteopathic physician today.