Do Osteopaths Prescribe Medication?

Has your doctor recommended that you visit an osteopath? Are you wondering what an osteopath is and what they can do for you? If you don’t know what anOsteopaths, Medication osteopath is, don’t worry. We are here to tell you.

Unlike physicians, who have a standard medical degree, osteopathic doctors earn a DO degree (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree). An osteopath is a medical doctor who specializes in preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions or problems of many systems within the body as well as the musculoskeletal system. If you are dealing with pain or other issues with your ligaments, tissue, bones, muscles or joints, then an osteopath may be able to help ease your symptoms and improve how your body functions.

How does an osteopath treat your musculoskeletal issues? Osteopathic medicine is often considered complementary or alternative therapy because it’s often recommended along with traditional medicine and other treatment options to help manage your symptoms. Through physical manipulation, stretching exercises and massage an osteopath can:

  • Improve blood flow and circulation
  • Promote more efficient and faster healing
  • Reduce muscle tension
  • Improve range-of-motion, flexibility and mobility

While an osteopath is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication, an osteopath takes a more natural and holistic approach to treating your problems. An osteopath also doesn’t turn to surgery. In fact, osteopathic medicine can be a great option for someone who doesn’t want to consider surgery but isn’t responding to other treatment options.

So, who can benefit from visiting an osteopath? There are many conditions and injuries that can be improved through osteopathic therapy, including:

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Posture and alignment issues
  • Menstrual problems and pain
  • Digestive disorders
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Sports-related injuries
  • Arthritis

While osteopathic medicine can offer amazing results for a wide variety of problems, lower back pain tends to respond best to this type of alternative medicine. It may also be a great option for someone who is recovering from certain musculoskeletal surgeries and who wants to find ways to reduce pain and swelling while also speeding up the healing process.

An osteopath will try and provide you with the tailored, individualized care you need to handle your chronic or severe symptoms without the need for medication. If you don’t want to start a medication regimen to handle your symptoms, then osteopathic medicine could be the right option for you.

 

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