Osteopath
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An osteopath is a practitioner of osteopathy the approach to healthcare named, which emphasises the importance of the musculoskeletal system on general health.
An osteopath is trained to use various methods of treatment and intervention depending on the location of one's training. In North America, osteopaths are trained as fully licenced physicians, and are equivalent to Doctors of Medicine (MD's). Osteopathic physicians, earn the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Although osteopathic physicians work in every area of medical specialism, a large proportion work in primary care.
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) is a range of physical treatments, such as manual therapy, and in particular joint manipulation. OMM is taught at all osteopathic medical schools in North America, but the practice of OMM has decreased in recent years due to limits placed by managed care.[citation needed]
In Europe, most osteopaths are not physicians, and therefore most use drug-free interventions. As a result of the emphasis on the importance of the musculoskeletal system on health in their training, and their lack of prescribing rights, European osteopaths provide predominantly OMM to their patients.
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