Naturopathy vs. Osteopathy: What’s the Difference?

If you are dealing with a medical problem, or you are just looking for a doctor who can be a partner in your quest to maintain or improve your overall wellness, you have lots of options in front of you. If you are attracted to natural and alternative medicines, you might be particularly interested in both naturopathy and osteopathy. What are the differences and similarities between these two approaches to healthcare? This blog post provides some important information.

What Is an Osteopath?

Just like physicians who have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) certification, osteopaths must complete rigorous medical training. However, instead of going to traditional medical school, they go to an osteopathic school of medicine. They graduate with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.

Osteopaths have more training in the nuances of the musculoskeletal system than traditional MDs. And, just like their MD counterparts, they can choose a specialty, such as primary care, pediatrics, cardiology, etc. Osteopaths can prescribe medicine, refer patients for surgery, run tests, and do just about everything else you would expect from a traditional medical practitioner. Often, though, osteopaths choose conservative, noninvasive, and natural treatment options whenever the situation calls for it.

What Is a Naturopath?

Naturopathic doctors have to complete a four-year graduate program before they start practicing. Their training focuses on how to use natural approaches to care, such as food, exercise, supplements, herbs, and general lifestyle adjustments.

Naturopathic doctors are licensed in some states but not in others. Florida stopped issuing naturopathic licenses in the 1950s. Those who were licensed at that time were allowed to maintain their right to practice, but no new naturopathic doctors have legally begun practicing in Florida since then.

Some naturopathic treatments are not evidence-based and may cause some serious side effects. Other naturopathic treatments, however, do have a consistent track record of success. For example, some supplements can be very helpful in supporting overall wellness.

Choosing Your Doctor

Naturopathy is not always well-regarded in the medical community, but that does not mean that all natural approaches to medical care are bad. An osteopathic doctor takes the best of naturopathy and can combine it with an extensive medical education to provide effective treatment. Really, osteopathy is the best of both worlds!

Meet the Practice

Dr. Derek Murphy is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who believes in evidence-based care that is as natural and noninvasive as possible. He works with patients to help them design personalized wellness plans that set them up for long-term improvements in their health. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Murphy and his approach to care, contact Holistic Medicine Wellness Center at 407-319-7541.