Osteopathy takes a holistic, whole-body approach to healthcare. It uses manual ‘hands-on’ techniques to improve circulation and correct altered biomechanics, without the use of drugs. An osteopathic physician does not concentrate only on the problem area, but uses manual techniques to balance all the body systems, and to provide overall good health and wellbeing. Diagnosing and treating conditions using these techniques is called Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). Techniques include stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance, known as osteopathic manipulative medicine. An osteopathic physician may also issue prescription medicine and use surgical methods to support the holistic, manual treatment. Many osteopathic physicians also serve as primary care physicians in fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
