Osteopathy

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that utilizes drug-free, non-invasive manual techniques to enhance overall well-being by treating and fortifying the musculoskeletal system, encompassing the joints, muscles, and spine. It aims to positively influence the body's nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems.

A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O. or DO) is a professional doctoral degree for physicians in the United States. Those holding the DO degree are referred to as osteopathic physicians and enjoy the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as MDs. While traditionally many DOs practiced as family physicians, today, they can be found in various medical specialties.

The osteopathic medical philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of the organism's structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) in healthcare delivery.

The field of osteopathy has evolved into two distinct branches: non-physician manual medicine osteopaths and full-scope medical practice osteopathic physicians. These branches function separately in practice, although they share a common foundation.

It's important not to confuse osteopathy and osteopaths with the study of bones (osteology) and its practitioners (osteologists).