What are Osteopathy and Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathy is a distinctive approach to promoting health which pays particular attention to the order and freedom of motion of all parts and systems of the body. If some part of the body is not functioning optimally, an osteopath or osteopathic physician has ways to manipulate body parts to help optimize function and health. The practitioner’s hands are used to diagnoses and treat. In some countries, such as the United States, osteopathic principles have been integrated into a full scope osteopathic medical practice.

Osteopathic care, at its best, is a total approach to health care integrating the patient’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. The musculoskeletal system is the most comprehensive and conveniently available channel for promoting total health. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) most directly engages the patient’s musculoskeletal system to engender health. However, besides adjusting the physical restrictions, pains, and asymmetries, OMT may address problems of an emotional or spiritual nature. This requires cooperation of intention by the osteopath and the person being treated.