Osteopathic
Therapy

During an evaluation, an Osteopath reviews and documents the individual’s current musculoskeletal complaints as well as takes a detailed health history.

Afterwards, the evaluation process involves the examining of static posture, gait, a manual examination, a functional screen, and potentially a mobility, strength, and balance screen.

The Osteopath uses this information to design a specific therapeutic treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Treatment typically begins in a follow-up appointment after the assessment results have been discussed with the individual.

During a treatment visit, an Osteopath may mobilize the joints of the affected area, ask you to perform specific movements or exercises, or to contract and relax specific muscles in particular planes of motion. Visits are typically between 30 to 40 minutes in length, however they may take more or less time depending on the individual’s needs.

Many treatment plans may require 2 visits during the course of the initial 2 weeks, followed by 1 visit per week for an additional 2 to 3 weeks. Some cases require as few as 1 appointment, while others may require more than what’s been stipulated above.

Osteopathic Therapy was developed at the turn of the 20th century by an American Physician known as Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. This form of therapy began being recommended by physicians as a first line conservative therapy for musculoskeletal complaint and injuries prior to considering more invasive treatment methods, medications, and/or surgeries.

The profession itself gained popularity due to its success in treating tensions, neuromuscular dysfunctions, and chronic pain.

In modern day, Osteopaths are typically consulted for low back pain, neck pain, musculoskeletal tensions, or musculoskeletal injury.

There is a huge difference in scope of practice between practitioners of Osteopathic Medicine and Osteopathy (Osteopathic Therapy). In most locations around the world, Osteopaths are not considered Medical Physicians, though this doesn’t hold true in the United States of America.

In the United States, Osteopathic Physicians are educated in schools of Osteopathic Medicine and licensed to practice medicine in it’s entire scope. In fact, this is the only country in the world offering a recognized medical degree in Osteopathic Medicine; these practitioners are eligible for medical licensure outside of the United States, including in Canada.

Osteopaths (Osteopathic Therapists), on the other hand, are trained to work exclusively without the use of medical drugs or surgery, and while some practitioners may be eligible to use the title of doctor if they hold a doctorate degree and are conferred that right by their governing body, these practitioners in no way are to be considered medical physicians.

Therefore, therapists are not permitted to practice restricted medical acts such as performing invasive medical tests or interventions, diagnosing medical diseases, prescribing medications, requisitioning special tests, and/or performing surgery.

In summary, two types of Osteopaths exist:
– Osteopathic Physicians
– Osteopathic Therapists

Only American Osteopathic Physicians Hold Medical Licensure With All Applicable Rights, Privileges, and Responsibilities.

No. Anyone can make an appointment to see an Osteopath. However, some insurance policies may require a medical prescription in order to qualify for reimbursement. Please verify your eligibility with your insurance provider prior to scheduling an appointment.

Both, Physical Therapy and Osteopathy aim to restore human movement and musculoskeletal function to an individual.

While Physiotherapists are most often consulted for a musculoskeletal disorder involving pain, a reduction in mobility, and injury; they are also trained to treat nervous system, developmental, respiratory, as well as other conditions.

Osteopaths, on the other hand, assess the alignment, mobility, and tonicity of tissue both statically and dynamically in order to get a global sense of how the movement is being impacted along with the individual’s primary complaints. In this way, taking a big-picture viewpoint to the region of complaint.

When discussing treatment, Physical Therapists may use manual therapy, along with Ultrasound, TENS stimulation, and exercise; whereas Osteopathy primarily focus on manual therapy and exercise intervention strategies.

Both professions bring value in their own rights, and the choice between may be dependant upon individual needs, and personal preference.

That said, in cases that exceed a particular scope of practice, Osteopaths are trained to recognize when a referral to Physical Therapy is required.