What is the focus of osteopathic medicine?

The focus of osteopathic medicine centers around the health of the musculoskeletal system, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and the importance of maintaining a properly functioning musculoskeletal framework for overall health. Osteopathic physicians are trained to consider how the musculoskeletal system affects the rest of the body and how dysfunction in this area can contribute to illness and health issues. This holistic view is a defining characteristic of osteopathic practice, which incorporates not just conventional medicine approaches but also osteopathic manipulative treatment techniques aimed at diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions by addressing structural imbalances.

This focus differentiates osteopathic medicine from other medical approaches, which may not prioritize the musculoskeletal system in the same way. While options like surgical correction of vision, treatment of psychiatric disorders, and specialization in elderly care may be important aspects of healthcare, they do not align with the primary emphasis of osteopathic medicine on the musculoskeletal system and its influence on overall health.