what do osteopaths do

Osteopaths are licensed physicians who aim to improve peoples overall health and wellness by treating the whole person, not just a condition or disease they may have. They use a "whole person" approach to medicine, treating the entire person rather than just the symptoms. Osteopaths are trained to identify when a patient needs to be referred to a GP or needs further tests, such as MRI scans or blood tests, to help diagnose the problem. Osteopathy is a complementary therapy that is used alongside conventional treatment to improve health. Osteopaths focus on the musculoskeletal system, including the joints, muscles, and spine, and may use a variety of different hands-on methods, including spinal manipulation, soft tissue massage techniques, and stretching muscles and joint capsules. Osteopathic manipulative medicine involves stretching, massaging, and moving the musculoskeletal system. Treatment aims to positively affect the bodys nervous, circulatory, and musculoskeletal systems. Osteopathy can treat a range of disorders, including neck and back pain, arthritis, and sciatica. During the first osteopathy session, the osteopath will ask about your symptoms, general health, and any other medical care youre receiving before carrying out a physical examination. The osteopath will use their hands to find areas of weakness, tenderness, restriction, or strain within your body, particularly the spine. With your consent, youll probably need to remove some clothing from the area being examined, and you may be asked to perform simple movements. You should then be able to discuss whether osteopathy can help treat the problem and, if so, what the treatment program should involve.