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| Osteopathy | |
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Other common name(s): osteopathic medicine Scientific/medical name(s): none Description Osteopathy is a form of physical manipulation (moving the joints and muscles) used to restore the structural balance of the body's system of bones and muscles. The word osteopathy comes from 2 Greek words meaning "bone" and "disease." Osteopathic physicians may combine this physical treatment with standard medical care. Overview There is little scientific evidence that osteopathic medicine is effective in treating cancer or any condition other than musculoskeletal problems. Doctors of osteopathy (called DOs) are educated in standard medical practices, and most of the methods that they use are based on the same scientific studies that medical doctors (MDs) use. In addition to bone and muscle movement, DOs prescribe drugs and generally do everything that MDs do. How is it promoted for use? Osteopathy is based on the belief that all systems in the human body work together. Doctors of osteopathy observe the patient, ask questions about health history, and use their hands to diagnose and correct muscle, tendon, and joint abnormalities, which they claim are the cause of many diseases. Some osteopaths claim that if bones and muscles are in balance and functioning properly, the body can heal itself. Practitioners most often recommend osteopathy for head, neck, and back pain, headaches, joint pain, muscle strain, repetitive strain injuries, and sports-related problems. Osteopathy is sometimes promoted as an alternative method to ease pain, improve quality of life, minimize the side effects of treatment, enhance other types of treatments, and extend the life of some cancer patients. Some proponents claim that people with cancer, heart disorders, high blood pressure, stomach disorders, and a variety of other conditions can benefit from osteopathy. Some supporters claim that osteopathy, when used with conventional medicine, can reduce the pain from arthritis, chronic fatigue, and some gynecological problems. What does it involve? In treating people with various conditions, DOs use several different forms of physical manipulation:
These techniques are sometimes used alongside standard medical treatment or after conventional treatment has failed. For example, an osteopath who treats cancer patients may use the same chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgical treatments as a physician, but may also look at how the disease has affected the patient's body structure and provide osteopathy to correct other physical abnormalities. Some DOs limit their practice to conventional medicine only, while others may practice manipulative therapy almost exclusively. In recent years, there are fewer differences between the practices of osteopaths and conventional medical doctors. What is the history behind it? Originally started in the 1800s as a reaction to conventional medicine's reliance on drug therapy, osteopathy today is quite similar to conventional medicine, except for its use of osteopathic manipulative therapy. Andrew Taylor Still, MD, first expressed the philosophy and principles of osteopathy in 1874. Dr. Still rejected reliance on drug treatment and considered surgery a last resort in treating diseases. He believed that diseases could be cured through the manipulation of misplaced bones, nerves, and muscles, which cleared "obstructions." In 1892 he founded the first osteopathic medical school in Kirksville, Missouri, to promote his philosophy of medicine. Today, there are 20 osteopathic medical colleges in the United States, and osteopathy has evolved to incorporate the theories and practices of conventional medicine as well. There are nearly 60,000 DOs practicing in the United States, about half in general practice or one of the primary-care specialties -- family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. Osteopaths make up about 5% of the doctors practicing in the United States but represent almost 10% of primary-care providers. Doctors of osteopathy are allowed to do more in the United States than in any other country. Laws in every state and in the military permit DOs unlimited medical practice once they are licensed by the state, following training in an accredited osteopathic medical school and a one-year internship in an approved hospital. Osteopaths may also undertake residency training in any medical specialty and become board certified by passing a certification exam. Once barred from conventional hospitals and restricted to their own hospitals, most osteopaths now receive at least some of their training in conventional hospitals and may practice in conventional medical settings. Osteopathic medical schools have education programs that are similar to conventional medical schools, with the exception that they include up to 300 hours of training in manipulation therapy. What is the evidence? Although most osteopaths use standard medical treatments that are proven in scientific studies, a few osteopaths use unproven methods, such as craniosacral therapy and chelation therapy. Available scientific evidence does not support claims that osteopathic manipulation alone is helpful in most diseases, although studies have indicated that the therapy may help relieve some musculoskeletal problems and related pain. A review of research studies that looked at lower back pain suggested that osteopathic manipulation was no better or worse than the usual medical management. Are there any possible problems or complications? As with any medical treatment, osteopathic manipulation may carry risks of failure or may have serious effects. There may be some risk of injury or fracture to anyone with bone cancer or severe osteoporosis. People who have cancer and chronic conditions such as arthritis and heart disease should consult their physicians before undergoing any type of therapy that involves manipulation of joints and muscles. Relying on osteopathic manipulation alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical treatment for cancer can result in serious consequences. Additional Resources More information from your American Cancer Society The following information on complementary and alternative therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on our Web site (www.cancer.org) or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345). References Assendelft WJ, Morton SC, Yu EI, et al. Spinal manipulative therapy for low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(1):CD000447. Barrett S. Dubious aspects of osteopathy. Quackwatch Web site. Accessed at http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/QA/osteo.html on August 18, 2003. Accessed May 30, 2008. Lesho EP. An overview of osteopathic medicine. Arch Fam Med. 1999;8:477-484. Magee M. Rethinking physician supply [transcript]. Health Politics with Dr. Mike Magee. Health Politics Web site. Accessed at http://www.healthpolitics.org/program_transcript.asp?p=prog_52 on June 3, 2008. Osteopathic fact sheet. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Web site. Accessed at http://www.healthsciences.okstate.edu/student/factsheet.cfm on June 2, 2008. Still AT. Autobiography with a history of the discovery and development of the science of osteopathy. Reprinted, New York, NY: Arno Press and the New York Times; 1972. Wood DL. Research lacking in osteopathic medical profession. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 1997;97:23. Note: This information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical situation. Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008 |