Is osteopathic treatment defined as a manual procedure involving directed thrust to move a joint?

Osteopathic treatment is not solely defined as a manual procedure involving a directed thrust to move a joint, which makes the statement false. The practice of osteopathic medicine encompasses a broader scope, focusing on a holistic approach to patient care. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) does involve manual techniques, including manipulation of joints, but it also includes techniques that do not necessarily involve thrusting movements. These may comprise stretching, pressure, and resistance methods designed to promote healing and improve function without the need for aggressive manipulations.

Furthermore, osteopathy is widely recognized in modern medicine. Physicians trained in osteopathic medicine, known as DOs (Doctors of Osteopathy), are fully licensed to practice medicine, perform surgery, and prescribe medications, integrating traditional medical practices with osteopathic principles. The definition and practices associated with osteopathic treatment involve much more than just joint manipulation, emphasizing the interrelationship between the body's structure and function as well as the body’s ability to heal itself.