Osteopathy is a form of complementary medicine which gives a holistic approach on the use of manual and physical treatment in prevention of diseases. It deals with the musculoskeletal system like neck and back pain. It focuses on the treatment of the disorders related to bones, muscles and joints. A physician who specializes in osteopathy is called an osteopathic physician. An osteopathic physician prescribes and performs diagnostic tests to treat the disorders related to the musculoskeletal system. He is also licensed to perform surgeries in all medical specialties. They are also allowed to pursue medical specialties like cardiology, surgery, radiology and intensive care. The physicians can also practice allopathic medicine by pursuing residency program in M.D.
There are two main specialties in osteopathic medicine – cranial osteopathy and visceral osteopathy. Cranial osteopathy involves techniques that allow microscopic movement of the plates on the skull. It enhances cerebral spinal fluid to the peripheral nerves increasing the metabolic outflow. Visceral osteopathy deals with the imbalances and restrictions between all the organs and structures of the body. There is a good demand for osteopathic physicians in the USA. Physicians are also interested to take up this course because of the high pay that is being offered. The salary of an osteopath varies according to the specialty, location, gender and experience.
An osteopathic physician who is specialized as a general practitioner is expected to earn about $145,600 per year where as one who works as a specialist in internal medicine makes about $135,000 annually and a surgeon makes about $250,000. A family physician makes an average annual pay of about $140,000. Earning increases as the experience of an osteopath increases. A physician with about ten years of experience can earn more than $25,000 per year. An osteopath working in Arizona earns about 175,000 whereas one working in Florida earns about and Ohio earns about $150,000 and $135,000 respectively. Apart from the salary, an osteopath is offered various benefits like insurance, vacation and conference allowances.