What is an Osteopath?
An osteopath is a licensed physician of osteopathic medicine who works for the general improvement of a person’s overall health by the use of osteopathic medicines. It is based mainly on various activities such as stretching, massaging and movement of the various parts of the musculoskeletal system. Osteopathy is essentially a drug free approach which aims to improve the health in a completely non-invasive manner. It is a complementary therapy which can be used alongside the conventional one.
How are osteopaths trained?
Osteopaths are trained just like any other doctor of medicine after the completion of their bachelor’s degree in medical school. Osteopaths need to complete a residency for one to seven years depending on their field of specialization. Along with this, they also need to complete 200 hours of work focusing on the various musculoskeletal aspects of the human body.
Advantages of osteopathy
Osteopathy deals with the musculoskeletal structure of the body and has several advantages, some of which are-
- Non-invasive and drug free
The process is completely non-invasive without any surgery or drugs which greatly reduces the chances of any side effects.
- Relief from several ailments
Osteopathy is a type of therapy which can be used for various types of conditions such as neck pain, back pain, tennis elbow or even asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Preventive therapy
Osteopathy can be used not only for the cure and relief of various ailments, but is can also be used as a preventive practice. It can also be used for the prevention of several anomalies of the human body
Osteopaths put a lot of emphasis on self-healing by several dietary changes and exercise programs along with lifestyle adjustments. To sum it up, an osteopath can treat arthritis, joint pain, sciatica, headaches, tennis and golfer’s elbow and other postural disorders.