An Overview of Osteopathic Medicine: Principles, Techniques and Benefits

Mahmood Khan^*
*Correspondence: Mahmood Khan, Department of Clinical Immunology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA, Email:

Keywords

Traumatic brain injury • Inflammation • Projectile concussive impact

Introduction

Osteopathic medicine is a branch of healthcare that focuses on the treatment of the body as a whole, rather than treating individual symptoms or diseases. Osteopathic physicians (DOs) use a hands-on approach to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, from musculoskeletal disorders to respiratory problems. One of the key components of osteopathic medicine is osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which involves using hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems. OMT can help to improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing in a variety of conditions, including back pain, headaches, and asthma.

Literature Review

Osteopathic medicine is based on the principle that the body is a unified system, with all parts of the body working together to maintain health and wellness. The musculoskeletal system, in particular, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, as it provides support and structure for the body and facilitates movement. DOs use a holistic approach to healthcare, considering not only physical symptoms but also psychological and social factors that may be contributing to a patient's health problems. They take the time to listen to their patients' concerns and develop treatment plans that address their individual needs [1-3].

DOs believe in treating the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a particular illness or injury. They use a variety of hands-on techniques, such as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems, and to promote overall wellness. OMT involves gentle, hands-on manipulation of the muscles, bones, and other tissues, to relieve pain and improve function [4-6].

Discussion

In addition to their medical training, DOs receive additional training in osteopathic principles and practices, which emphasize the body's ability to heal itself, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle and environment in maintaining good health. They also receive training in traditional medical disciplines, such as anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology, and are licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states.

Overall, osteopathic medicine provides a unique approach to patient care that combines traditional medical practices with a holistic approach to health and wellness. DOs are dedicated to providing comprehensive, patientcentered care, and are committed to helping their patients achieve optimal health and well-being.

OMT techniques are designed to improve the function of the musculoskeletal system, which can help to alleviate a wide range of symptoms and improve overall health. Some of the most common OMT techniques include:

• Soft tissue techniques – These techniques involve using gentle pressure and stretching to release tension in muscles and other soft tissues.

• Muscle energy techniques – These techniques involve using a patient's own muscles to correct imbalances in the musculoskeletal system.

• High-velocity, low-amplitude techniques – These techniques involve applying a quick thrust to a joint to improve its mobility.

• Myofascial release – This technique involves applying sustained pressure to the connective tissue surrounding muscles to release tension.

Conditions treated with osteopathic medicine

Osteopathic medicine can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from acute injuries to chronic illnesses. Some of the most common conditions treated with OMT include:

• Back pain – OMT can help to alleviate pain and improve mobility in patients with back pain, regardless of the cause of the pain.

• Headaches – OMT can be an effective treatment for tension headaches and migraines, as it can help to release tension in the neck and head.

• Asthma – OMT can help to improve lung function and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

• Arthritis – OMT can help to reduce pain and improve mobility in patients with arthritis.

• Digestive problems – OMT can help to improve digestion and reduce symptoms of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Benefits of osteopathic medicine

One of the biggest benefits of osteopathic medicine is its focus on treating the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a particular condition. By taking a holistic approach to healthcare, DOs can help their patients achieve better overall health and wellness.

OMT can be a particularly effective treatment for musculoskeletal problems, as it can help to improve mobility and reduce pain without the need for medication or surgery. It is also a non-invasive treatment option, which means that there are typically few side effects or risks associated with OMT.

In addition to its physical benefits, osteopathic medicine can also have psychological benefits for patients. DOs take the time to listen to their patients' concerns and develop treatment plans that address their individual needs, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall quality of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, osteopathic medicine is a unique approach to healthcare that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's systems and the importance of treating the whole person, not just their symptoms. Osteopathic physicians use a variety of hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat patients, and they are trained to consider not only the physical but also the emotional and spiritual aspects of health and wellness.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

No conflict of interest.

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