What is Osteopathic Medicine?

Millions of Americans deal with back, neck and joint pain and discomfort and don’t know how to treat or even manage their symptoms. While some people may turn to medication to at least temporarily dull or eliminate pain, some people are looking for a long-term, non-invasive, and drug-free approach to treating their symptoms.

Those who are dealing with problems of the musculoskeletal system (this includes the spine, muscles, ligaments, joints, and connective tissue) can turn to an osteopathic physician to improve not just the musculoskeletal system but also how the nervous, circulatory, and even lymphatic systems within the body function.

When you turn to an osteopath they won’t just focus on a specific area of the body but rather focus on holistic care, or treating the body as a whole to make sure that everything is functioning as it should. Good quality of life and physical and mental well-being begin with a sound, healthy body without the need for medication.

Osteopathic medicine involves a variety of therapeutic manual techniques such as stretching, applied pressure, and resistance, that can help realign and restore the body to improve musculoskeletal function while boosting blood flow to certain areas (which speeds up the healing process) and reducing pain and discomfort.

Osteopathic medicine can be a great option for people dealing with:

  • Headaches and migraines
  • Back and neck pain
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Tennis elbow
  • Arthritis
  • Pregnancy aches and pains
  • Sports-related injuries
  • Work-related injuries
  • Digestive disorders and issues

During your first visit, an osteopathic physician will ask you a series of questions regarding the symptoms you are experiencing before performing a thorough physical examination. Remember that your initial consultation may take up to one hour or more to complete in order to determine what is going on and the best treatment options for you. It’s also normal to feel a little sore for a day or two after your osteopathic manipulation treatment.

Along with regular osteopathic sessions, your physician may also recommend other options including stretching and strengthening exercises, dietary changes, ergonomic recommendations and other lifestyle modifications to improve symptoms for the long term without having to turn to medicine or surgery.

Regular osteopathic treatment sessions are also a great way to not only treat current musculoskeletal issues but also to prevent future problems. Osteopathic medicine can also provide therapeutic effects not just for the body but also the mind. Based on the type and severity of your condition, your osteopathic physician will tell you how many visits you’ll require to treat the issue.

 

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