Osteopathy and Chiropractic (Essay Sample)

Osteopathy and Chiropractic Introduction In the United Kingdom, Osteopathy and Chiropractic are very similar, and have a large part of their potion of their workload being similar. However, they do not mix, and always appear to be in competition. The two were founded during the late 19th century at the Midwestern part of America. Osteopathy, which preceded Chiropractic was found by Andrew Taylor Still in 1864, while Chiropractic was founded by Daniel David Palmer, a self taught healer (World Health Organization 2005). Both chiropractic and osteopathy methods of treatment are hands on treatment, and are both regulated by law. In chiropractic, diagnostic tools such as MRI and X- Rays may be used for the purposes of determining the parts of the body that need attention. On the other hand, mobilization is the technique generally used in osteopathy to treat joints, nerve as well as ligaments and muscles. Occasionally, scans may be used to pinpoint the problematic points of the body. One of the main differences between the two methods is that while chiropractic is largely focused on joints and spine, an osteopath will typically be concerned with the rest of the patient's body (Still 1902). Adjustments are used by chiropractors, and tend to be very specific so as to restore the position and function of joints. However, an osteopath will take a broader approach for the treatment of larger areas. Common beliefs in the philosophies of the two * The structure and function are interrelated, * As a unit, the body has an inherent ability to heal itself, * The musculoskeletal system is critical to the well being of an organism, * On disrupting the normal adaptability, disease may develop, * Exercise and good nutrition, which are preventive strategies, are very important in maintaining well being, This shows that both methods address similar structures in addition to using the same manipulative techniques. Consequently in a majority of cases, patients with an experience of the two methods will be very similar. In U.K. both Chiropractic and Osteopaths are statutorily regulated by their individual Acts of Parliament as well as their own Councils. These include GCC (general chiropractic council) and the GOC (general osteopathic council). In this case, it becomes illegal to attempt practicing osteopath or chiropractic without having been registered with either of the respective councils. Being registered as a chiropractor or osteopath would therefore guarantee that the practitioner is an approved osteopathic or chiropractic, and has been trained to the approved standard in their chosen profession. Approved practitioners in either discipline will also be provided with professional indemnity insurance, and thus has to follow the code of practice as well as the standards of proficiency as dictated by their individual council of professionalism (World Health Organization 2005). By law, a chiropractor is expected to give his or her patient a diagnosis in addition to prognosis and treatment plan in accordance to their code of practice. Given that the osteopathic council is not as heavily handed as that of the chiropractic, an osteopath, it may not be illegal for osteopaths not to give a diagnosis. Treatment With regards to treatment, some stats have stated that whereas 50 percent of the patients who consult osteopaths receive manipulation techniques, about 90 percent of those who consult chiropractors receive manipulation techniques. However, each of the practitioner tends to be unique in their use of a given technique, and therefore to be effective for the particular patient. While the two professions have the same methods of treating postural, muscular, pediatric and cranial problems, the terminologies they use in their respective professions tend to be different. Disciplines of Osteopathy and Chiropractic medicine Chiropractic medicine refers to a health profession that is majorly concerned with the diagnosis, treatment as well as the prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system of the body (WHO 2005). The practice is also used for the effects of such disorders on the proper functioning of the nervous system and the general health of an individual. Osteopathy on the other hand refers to a way through which health problems can be detected, treated and prevented through moving, stretching and massaging the muscles and joints of the patient. One of the similarities between the two professions is the fact that they both target similar areas of the body. However, courses as well as the degrees awarded for the two are different and so are their methods of treatment. In the United Kingdom in the NHS, the use of chiropractic is limited. Practitioners of these methods will typically use their hands for the purposes of treating the disorders of the muscles, bones and joints (manual therapy) In chiropractic, a range of techniques are used. This is performed with a main emphasis of manipulating the spine. Moreover, advice is given on rehabilitation programs with regards to exercises one can do in their own time,, exercise, diet, and lifestyle. High velocity thrust is, one of the best known techniques is majorly favored by chiropractors. . It is a short and sharp motion that is typically applied to the spine. The maneuver is mainly designed for the purposes of releasing structures that experience a range of restricted movements. Often, this produces a `cracking' sound of the joint, which is associated with manipulative therapy. Although there are a variety of methods that can be used to deliver high velocity thrust, chiropractors tend to use their hands to push on the vertebrae while osteopaths are most likely to use the limbs to make thrusts that are levered. Moreover, the practitioners will also use a variety of tissue techniques that do not necessarily involve velocity thrust. Another example of these is the muscle energy technique. This makes use of the postisometric relaxation so as to increase restricted range of body movements. Being part of alternative and complementary medicine, Chiropractic medicine is important for a number of treatments that are considered part of the conventional medicine in the west. However, some of the treatment used in chiropractic medicine has been based on evidence and ideas that are not well recognized by a good number of independent researchers and scientists. Application Most of the chiropractors will only treat the conditions that are related to the spine, including neck pains and lower back pains. However, some of these practitioners will use this method to treat a wide range of conditions such as infant colic, asthma, as well as irritable bowel syndrome among others. Osteopathy This method is based on a principle that suggests that the well being of a person will highly depend on their muscles, bones, connective tissues and ligaments functioning together in a smooth manner. Those who practice osteopathy also believe that the treatment tends to allow the body to heal itself the use of drugs and surgery in is not allowed or performed in this method (Uk Beam Trial Team 2004). A majorit...