Osteopathy is a non-invasive manual therapy. This drug-free treatment aims to enhance overall health and wellness of individuals by strengthening and manipulating the musculoskeletal system. A doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) brings the person to their normal health by not just treating a problematic part but the whole body.
The main areas of focus in osteopathic treatments are joints, muscles, and spine. Procedure positively affects the body’s circulatory, nervous, and lymphatic systems. This treatment works with a conventional procedure(medicines) to bring an improvement in overall health. It is becoming one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions in the contemporary world.
So, before you pay a visit to any osteopathic in Dubai, read this article to some insight about the treatment.
What Does the Term ‘Osteopathy’ Signify?
The holistic treatment of osteopathy involves the manipulation of joints to treat the whole system of the body. And as this is a manual ‘hands-on’ procedure, it aims to improve circulation and rectify altered biomechanics, without using drugs.
An osteopathic physician, instead of concentrating on the problem area, uses manual techniques to balance all the body systems. If the doctor is diagnosing and treating the condition this way, then this technique is known as Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). It involves stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance.
Moreover, an osteopathic physician may also prescribe medicine and use surgical methods to support the holistic, manual treatment. Many of these physicians are also serving as primary care physicians in fields including internal medicine, family medicine and paediatrics.
What Are the Benefits of Osteopathy Treatment?
Osteopathy treats various conditions such as
- Arthritis
- Back pain, neck pain, and sciatica
- Hand, shoulder, and elbow pain
- Foot, ankle, hip, and knee pain
- Headaches
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Postural problems due to a sports injury, driving or work strain, pregnancy, or digestive issues
- Neuralgia
Osteopathic physicians can also refer the patients to another specialist in case they find that a certain disease is incurable through osteopathy.
What to Expect from This Treatment?
First thing first, an osteopath will do a complete and thorough examination of a patient’s health. This helps them figure out which treatment suits best for the patients. An individual, visiting osteopathic, may or may not have a referral from a primary care physician. Most importantly, it is vital for self-referring patients to inform their regular doctor as well.
Osteopathy is a patient-centric procedure. An initial consultation is a must before the patent is prescribed with any active procedure. During the consultation, the doctor makes notes while asking about the general health problems of the patients. The session will last approximately 45 minutes.
What Is the Cost of The Treatment?
The cost of the treatment will vary. It all depends upon the clinic, the insurance plan the patient possesses, and the area in which they reside. There are many insurance companies which will give find to this treatment by keeping in view the conditions of the patient. It’s important to discuss with your doctor beforehand.
What Is the Difference Between an Osteopathic Physician and A Chiropractor?
A chiropractor can also provide the treatment to cure back pain. That said, they will more likely to put their focus on spine and joints. Their aim is to improve healing ability and nerve function. In short, they the either pop or crack the joints.
On the other hand, an osteopathic physician doesn’t take into account this thing. The main difference is that a chiropractor will only treat the problematic area while an osteopath treats the whole body. The latter is a medical doctor having specialized training in strengthening the healing process of the body.
Physical Examination
Then the patients will be physically examined. It may take an hour or so.
The doctor will ask the patient to demonstrate simple stretches and movements. This will assist them in making an accurate analysis of their posture and mobility. They will also take into account the health of their joints, tissues and ligaments, with the help of a highly trained technique of touch known as palpation.
The patient will be prescribed treatment and the number of sessions according to their needs. The latter can be changed by keeping in view the patient’s response to treatment.
As osteopathy emphasizes self-healing. So, they may ask the patients to change their diet while suggesting them some home exercise programs, and lifestyle adjustments as well.
Although the treatment is gentle, due to the physical work being carried out, there will be a mild soreness for the first 24 to 48 hours.
In all, if you are looking for a physiotherapy clinic in Dubai, discuss all the pros and cons with your regular doctor. It is important that you should have prior knowledge of any treatment. In this way, you can make an informed decision without landing yourself in hot waters.
Comment below if you have any questions.
