Chronic pain, tension, or restricted movement can make life difficult. Orthopedists are the primary caregivers for patients suffering from these musculoskeletal problems.

Other than orthopedic treatment, there is a complementary therapy that can help you recover faster – osteopathy. What does an osteopath do and how is it different from an orthopedist?

We will address these questions in this article.

What is Osteopathy?

What do osteopaths graduating from the best osteopathic college do? Before answering that question, let’s learn a bit more osteopathy.

The NHS defines osteopathy as “a way of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging a person’s muscles and joints.”

Simply put, Osteopathy is a type of hands-on therapy that helps your body heal by focusing on your muscles and bones.

The core belief behind osteopathy is that the body has a natural ability to heal, and osteopaths work to promote this healing by restoring balance within the musculoskeletal system.

We can describe the musculoskeletal system as the body’s network of bones, muscles, and connective tissues.

Osteopaths use a range of manual therapies, including soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilization, and stretching, to restore proper function, increase range of motion, and decrease pain.

What Do Osteopaths Do?

Osteopathic practitioners collaborate with patients to create tailored treatment plans that focus on addressing the underlying causes of health issues, rather than just managing the symptoms. They personalize each treatment plan to suit the individual needs of each patient.

This plan may involve various manual therapy techniques, such as Fascial Stretch Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Osteoarticular Corrections, Access Bars technique, Myofascial Release, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction treatment, and Craniosacral Therapy.

All these work together to improve range of motion and reduce pain and stiffness in the musculoskeletal system.

Osteopathic practitioners evaluate the patient’s musculoskeletal system and general health to identify the root causes of their symptoms.

This includes a detailed medical history, a physical examination, and an assessment of posture, gait, and range of motion.

Here’s how osteopaths treat a patient:

• Listen: Osteopaths listen to their patients’ concerns and ask questions to gather the necessary information.
• Rule Out Red Flags: Osteopaths work to confirm that pain is the main issue. If the pain is related to underlying conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, infections, or fractures, it must be addressed accordingly.
• Assess the Patient’s Movement: Osteopaths assess a patient’s posture and may ask them to perform various movements and tests to evaluate their body’s mobility.
• Use Palpation: Osteopaths use palpation, a delicate sense of touch, to locate areas of pain, limited movement, or tension in the body.
• Carry Out Other Tests: Depending on the patient’s presentation, osteopaths can also prescribe orthopedic and neurological testing to confirm the diagnosis.
• Recommend Lifestyle Changes: Osteopaths focus on the key aspects of proper sleep hygiene, nutrition, stress control, and suitable physical exercise.
• Finalize the Treatment Plan: The goal of treatment is to restore natural, confident movement in patients. After ruling out serious health concerns, osteopaths focus on the body’s strengths, reassuring patients that, regardless of pain, their body is capable. 

The treatment process includes hands-on techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation, alongside medical acupuncture and rehabilitation exercises to either mobilize or stabilize areas of the body.

The osteopathic practitioner regularly assesses the patient’s progress and makes adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

When seeing an osteopath, it’s important to confirm that the practitioner is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and holds a valid license to practice. If their credentials are not visible, don’t hesitate to ask to see them.

Patients may come with a referral from their primary care physician or may refer themselves. If a patient self-refers, they should notify their regular doctor to ensure continuity of care.

Osteopathy is focused on the patient’s needs. Before any active treatment begins, an initial consultation will take place where the osteopathic physician will discuss the patient’s health concerns, listen to their symptoms, and take case notes. This session generally lasts around 45 minutes.

When Should You Consider Consulting an Osteopath

You can consult an osteopath if you have any of the following health problems:

• Tennis and golfer’s elbow
• Back pain, neck pain, and sciatica
• Foot, ankle, hip, and knee pain
• Postural problems linked to pregnancy, sports, work, or digestion
• Hand, shoulder, and elbow pain
• Neuralgia
• Arthritis
• Headaches

Osteopath vs Orthopedic Doctors

Osteopath vs Chiropractors

The difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor is quite subtle, so a table may not be the best way to highlight their distinctions.

Although both chiropractors and osteopaths treat back pain, chiropractors tend to focus on spinal and joint alignment.

They want to enhance nerve function and promote healing. They are more likely to perform adjustments that involve ‘popping’ or ‘cracking’ the joints. In contrast, osteopathic physicians generally don’t use this technique.

Chiropractors tend to focus on isolated problem areas, while osteopaths take a more comprehensive approach, addressing the body as a whole.

Final Words

Osteopaths can collaborate with orthopedic physicians to treat your musculoskeletal issues more effectively.

It’s still an evolving field, but we have already seen top-tier athletes, including Olympics participants, availing it.

So, you can consider scheduling a meeting with an osteopath and get an alternative view to improve your pain management and rehabilitation.