

Osteopath (DO)

Find an Osteopath (DO) in Los Angeles


Osteopaths are trained to use various healthcare interventions and technologies depending on the location of their training. In the United States, osteopaths are trained at osteopathic medical schools. They are fully licensed physicians, with the same practice rights as physicians who carry an MD degree. Osteopathic physicians earn the degree of Diploma of Osteopathy or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) is a form of manual therapy that includes an array of physical treatments, and in particular joint manipulation. OMM is taught at all osteopathic medical schools in the US, usually as an elective specialty. However, the practice of OMM has decreased in recent years, apparently due to limits placed by managed care.

Outside of the US, most osteopaths are not physicians, and therefore most use drug-free, non-medical interventions. As a result of the emphasis given to the importance of the musculoskeletal system on health during their training, and their lack of prescribing rights, European, and other non-medical osteopaths provide predominantly OMM to their patients.

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