6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Osteopathy

Osteopathy deals with musculoskeletal structure of the human body. It is a specialization in medicine that focuses on curing problems in muscles and bones, also in nerves by the virtue of working on the muscles and bones as they are all interconnected. Osteopathy is almost a hundred and fifty years old but manipulation of the musculoskeletal structure dates back several hundreds of years. Osteopathy has its share of advantages and disadvantages.

List of Pros of Osteopathy

1. Noninvasive, No Medication
Osteopathy is noninvasive. There is no surgery. You don’t have to take any medicine. Osteopathy therapies don’t involve any kind of drug. The therapies are almost entirely physical but at times dietary changes are recommended which is not a problem for anyone who is looking for relief to a serious musculoskeletal problem.

2. Relief from Many Ailments
Osteopathy can be used for a plethora of conditions and diseases. Neck pain, back pain, injuries, physical stress or anxiety related stress, tennis elbow, menstrual pain and even asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be treated with osteopathy. Some conditions can be completely treated while others can be partly cured. Relief is certain with every osteopathy therapy.

3. Preventive Therapy
Osteopathy is not only effective in providing relief and curing a few conditions, it is also a preventive practice. Regular osteopathy therapy can replace massages or spa treatments to have better health, to be more agile and to keep musculoskeletal problems at bay. Various physical anomalies can be prevented with effective osteopathy therapy.

List of Cons of Osteopathy

1. Limited Scope
Osteopathy therapy often doesn’t work in serious cases. Extreme injuries, serious anomalies in the muscles or bones or nerves and complicated ailments cannot be treated with osteopathy and it may not offer any relief in some of these cases.

2. Not Recommended in Some Cases
Osteopathy should not be opted for when someone is suffering from bone infection, joint infection or some kind of unexplained inflammation, bone cancer, ligament tear or damage, rheumatoid arthritis and broken, dislocated or fractured bones among others. Osteopathy may worsen some of these ailments.

3. Side Effects
Osteopathy can have some side effects. There can be fatigue, soreness, mild or severe pain and headaches. These side effects are temporary and subside on their own. It is better to avoid any type of osteopathy therapy if you are on anticoagulant or blood thinning medicines. Osteopathy is not recognized as a mainstream practice and is not regulated in the United States.