What Is an Osteopath? By Dr. Jay Feldman

A doctor of osteopathy (DO) is a doctor who is licensed and aims to improve the overall well-being and health by treating the entire person, not only an illness or condition they might be suffering from.

This is a part of osteopathic manipulative therapy that involves massaging, stretching, and moving the musculoskeletal system.

In every state, DOs, also called osteopaths or osteopathic doctors, have the authority to recommend medicines and perform surgeries, as well as utilize technology-based imaging to detect and treat injury and illness.

Many individuals use manual treatments to relieve discomfort, improve physical mobility and enhance the circulation of lymphatic and blood fluids.

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine estimates that 25% of medical students in the United States are graduating from osteopathic medical schools.

More than 114,000 osteopaths are practicing in the US at present.

Osteopathic medicine education system 

As a doctor of medicine (MD) DO is required to first obtain an undergraduate degree, which is then 4 years in medical school. In addition to conventional education, DOs DO is required to undergo training in manipulative medical practices.

After graduation from medical school, DOs are required to pass an exam for national licensure that includes the same information as the examination for becoming an MD, said Dr. Jay Feldman. Both types of doctors are certified by state medical exam boards.

DOs are required to be able to complete a residency which could run from 1 to 7 years, depending on their practice field. They also have to complete an additional 200 hours of training which focuses on the body's muscular-skeletal framework.

Although a large number of medical students attend the traditional schools of medicine, the interest in the study of osteopathic medicine is growing. There are currently 37 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States.

What is the best way to determine whether you should consult a DO instead of an MD?

While Dos have been trained as DOs in traditional Western medical practices osteopathy is considered to be a complementary treatment.

The main distinction between the two MD and the DO is that osteopaths may utilize conventional medical therapies, some also employ manual therapies, for example, manipulating and massaging the spine.

If you're more comfortable having your needs assessed and managed by a doctor willing to consider other treatments, a DO may be the right fit for you.

 

Dr. Jay Feldman explains that although there are many MDs who employ alternative therapies, osteopaths have specialized training to treat people as a whole, rather than targeted treatment of specific organs and symptoms.

What is the difference between DO and Naturopathic physician (ND)?

Dr. Jay Feldman explains a naturopathic physician (ND) takes part in a four-year master's program in naturopathic medicine and must pass a rigorous test administered to them by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education.

Naturopaths are a different profession that is distinct from naturopathic physicians. Naturopaths do not have a governing organization, are not licensed, and cannot be trained to the same level as DOs.

While DOs and NDs share a fundamental philosophical idea that the body has the capacity to heal itself, the scope of what naturopathic doctors are able and cannot do differs in each state.

In certain states, a Naturopathic doctor is a primary-care doctor, treating and diagnosing patients using natural and homeopathic methods. However, in other states, their duties are much less.

The DO has been licensed to practice in every state to provide the same medical tests and procedures as a medicDr. Jay Feldman explains chiropractic practitioners and DOs also have specialized training on the connection with the body's musculoskeletal systems as well as general health. Both are educated in manual adjustments to the spine.

As per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Trusted Source, chiropractors are primarily focused on manipulations that make use of controlled thrusts to correct the spine's alignment. They're more likely to "crack" your back in the treatment of your back.

In contrast to DOs, chiropractors haven't licensed doctors. They're not typically required to finish their residencies at accredited hospitals.

 

Are osteopaths able to perform specializations?

Yes. Many DOs are primary-care doctors, however, they are able to be specialized in any area of medicine, such as surgical and pediatrics said Dr. Jay Feldman

What types of procedures and tests could an osteopath do?

Osteopaths are able to conduct the identical tests and procedures as a medical doctor would, for example, tests for diagnosis such as urine and blood tests, as well as biopsies.

They also can prescribe medication as well as perform surgeries as well as treat people of any age with various treatments that cover each of the allopathic (Western) as well as Osteopathic medicine.

There is a need to conduct further study

Osteopathy has been used in the late 19th century but more research is required to verify its efficacy.

Research has shown that manipulative osteopathic treatment is efficient and safe to relieve pain throughout the pregnancy process. Trusted Source. It also helps relieve headaches and lower back pain.

A 2017 review conducted by Trusted Source found that although researchers have confirmed positive results, more research was required to be done.

Dr. Jay Feldman further explains the UK's National Health System goes in the direction of saying that, while manual therapies have proven effective in treating osteoarthritis as well as lower back pain, there is no evidence yet of the effectiveness of osteopathic therapy for other ailments.

Bottom line

An osteopath can be described as a physician licensed who practices medicine by using traditional treatments as well as the osteopathic manipulative method which is focused on relieving tension and pain in the musculoskeletal system.

DOs are graduates of medical schools, have completed residencies and fellowships, and are certified to perform surgeries as well as prescribe medications. They also employ advanced technology similar to allopathic doctors.

all professionals. While certain DOs employ natural and alternative methods, many are reliant on traditional methods and treatments.

What is the difference between chiropractic and DO?

While further research is required to prove the effectiveness of osteopathy most people have found it efficient and safe in treating their conditions.