Oesteopaths... what do they do and does it help????

Question

Oesteopaths... what do they do and does it help????

Answer 1

A doctor of osteopathy is trained in much the same way as the traditional doctor of medicine.  They can prescribe medications, do surgery, deliver babies - all the same things.  The main difference is in the philosophy or approach.  DO's are primarily concerned with the total body, and working with the body to restore health.  They don't tend to leap in with large amounts of medications unless they are really needed, and they will also encourage lifestyle changes, exercise, etc along with the medications.  DO's also do spinal manipulations and physical therapy, much like a chiropractor does, to help with musculo-skeletal pains.  The focus is on the total patient, not the disease or injury, and assisting the body to heal itself.  Personally, I prefer to see a doctor of osteopathy than a traditional MD.  You get the benefit of medicine when it is needed, from a person who sees you as more than the sum total of whatever is ailing you.  I think if you have back pain or that sort of trouble, a DO is the practitioner of choice.