In today’s world, doctors are growing less and less likely to prescribe medications like opioids for pain management. This limits treatment options for patients with chronic pain. That’s where your osteopathic doctor (DO) comes in. Osteopaths believe in natural treatment for your aches and pains, focusing instead on full-body health. They work with you to find safe and holistic treatment for your chronic pain. What Is an Osteopath?
An osteopath focuses on how your muscles, bones, organs, and more work together. When one area is injured, the entire body is thrown out of whack. They practice what is known as a whole-body approach in terms of treatment. By locating the source of your pain, they can treat the root of your problem. This is different from other medical professionals who just focus on your symptoms.
Your Appointment
At your first appointment, you’ll get a full-body physical from your osteopath. This gives your DO insight into what exactly is going on. They’ll also ask your questions about your past medical history, your diet and exercise regimen, and how long you’ve had these symptoms. Osteopaths believe that these questions reveal all the contributing factors to your pain.
Treating Your Chronic Pain
There are a few possibilities for relieving your chronic pain. The most common osteopathic technique is called osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). The osteopath uses their hands to move your joints and muscles with gentle pressure. They target sensitive areas to help your pain. The belief is that OMT increases your circulation, helping the body heal quicker. This is important for chronic pain relief.
There are many benefits for patients with chronic pain when they receive OMT. The biggest is the restoration of proper posture in the musculoskeletal system. These negative manifestations are often reactions to socioeconomic, environmental, cultural, or psychological events, creating the physical effects on your body. OMT corrects the dysfunction creating your chronic pain.
Your osteopath will work with you to find the right treatment schedule. The severity of your chronic pain and your overall health determine the right frequency. You’ll most likely start with appointments on a bi-weekly basis that lessens as the months go by. Either way, osteopathic treatment is never a one-and-done deal. You need frequent checkups to obtain a positive outcome.