What is Osteopathic medicine?
Osteopathic medicine is a “whole person” approach to medicine—treating the entire person rather than just the symptoms. A distinct branch of medicine in the U.S., osteopathic medicine emphasizes the interrelated unity of all systems in the body, each working with the other to heal in times of illness.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, are fully licensed physicians who practice their unique whole-person approach in every medical specialty. DOs look beyond your symptoms to understand how lifestyle and environmental factors impact your wellbeing, and complete extensive postgraduate and clinical training before becoming fully licensed physicians.
The difference between Chiropractors and Osteopaths
US trained Osteopaths (DO’s practicing Osteopathic Medicine) are fully trained and licensed in practicing regular medicine (just as MD’s) but with a more holistic approach in body, mind and spirit. Along with it also trained and licensed in performing hands on manipulation to achieve balance in the body, where somatic dysfunction is noted. Chiropractors are also trained in performing adjustment or realignment of the body, but not trained as a licensed clinician.