What does an osteopath specialize in?

Answer 1

To answer your question, it really depends on what medical specialty the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine chose. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) and Doctors of Medicine (M.D.) are both full-fledged physicians trained in the United States who attend four years of medical school and are eligible to specialize in any field of medicine after residency training. Additionally, both DOs and MDs may sit for board certification examinations and each type of physician has the same legal and medical responsibilities such as prescribing medications, performing surgery, working in the hospital, medical diagnosis, etc. The difference between a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Doctor of Medicine is a slight one-Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, in addition to the standard medical curriculum, receive 300-500 hours of instruction in a form of manual therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). This form of therapy is another approach sometimes used by DOs to address a patient's musculoskeletal issues.

Answer 2

In modern practice (in the UK), most osteopaths will treat a wide range of conditions. Osteopathy can be used to treat any joint in the body as well as muscular problems and some visceral complaints (such as IBS or Asthma) as well. Many osteopaths also have some experience with nutritional therapies, sports injuries or treating pregnant mothers and children. Some conditions treated include:

Low Back pain,

Neck Pain,

Headaches,

Osteoarthritic conditions (commonly hip, knee),

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,

Thoracic outlet syndrome,

'Sciatica',

The list is expansive. The best reply is to always check with a local osteopath; explain over the phone what complaint you have and see whether it is within their remit to treat you. As a side note, all osteopaths must undergo 4 years of training (in the UK) and must be covered by the General Osteopathic Council. It should be said that in the US, the role of an osteopath is quite different to one in Europe or the UK.