Definition
It is a natural medicine which aims to restore function in the body by treating the causes of pain and imbalance. To achieve this goal the Osteopathic Manual Practitioner relies on the quality and finesse of his/her palpation and works with the position, mobility and quality of the tissues.Osteopathic Manual Practitioners palpate by a gently yet intentionally touching the tissues or systems under examination. With experience Osteopathic Manual Practitioners learn to palpate not just superficially but also very deeply within the body. This sensory information is received through touch receptors on the fingertips and palms, and through the
proprioceptors (motion and position sensors) embedded deep in the joints of the hands, wrists, arms, and even in the shoulders.
The human body is a unified organism
Osteopathic physicians emphasize that all body systems, including the musculoskeletal system, operate in unison and disturbances in one system can alter functions of other systems. By recognizing the close relationship between body structure and organic functioning, the D.O. has a broader base for treating the whole patient.