On Doctors 2

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We continue on doctors, in this post. But first, a short diversion.

Cameras, we know, are usually fixed on a tripod stand for shooting pictures or video, so that there is no shaking. And we know that this tripod stand is a three-legged stand.

We also know that a podium is a small platform for the conductor of an orchestra, or for a public speaker to stand on.

You would understand from the above that "pod" is actually a word for "foot" or "leg". So, a doctor who treats foot disorders is a podiatrist.


Podiatrist

He is a person qualified to diagnose and treat foot disorders. He is also called a chiropodist.

Some of us know that there are people who can tell future by reading the lines on your "hand". Many believe it, but some call it a pseudo-science (Btw, pseudo means false). It is widely known as Palmistry. But it is also called Chiromancy.

Chiro is therefore a word related to hand. A Chiropodist was originally was a quack who used to massage a leg, with his hand, and make it better. But now a qualified foot-doctor is called a Chiropodist or a Podiatrist.

If one uses hands on your back when you are lying down and massages and manipulates the spinal chord, he can be called the Chiropractor.

Chiropractor

He is one whose occupation is the practice of chiropractic

Chiropractic is a system of therapy in which disease is considered the result of abnormal function of the nervous system. The method of treatment usually involves manipulation of the spinal column and other body structures.

Some chiropractors help in sports when a person needs immediate attention to his spine or musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors cannot, and do not, prescribe medicines but only give drug-free alternative treatments.

Closely related to this is an Osteopath.


Osteopath

Osteo is related to 'bone', and osteopaths generally treat the bone structure but without medicine or surgery.

An Osteopath is considered a fully licensed physician in some countries but is not accepted as one in some countries. In the U.S., osteopaths are trained at osteopathic medical schools. They are fully licensed physicians, with the same practice rights as physicians who carry an M. D. degree.

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Osteopathy diagnoses and treats pain, stiffness and dysfunction in the body. Osteopaths use manual techniques including massage and other muscle tension techniques, manipulation of joints, and cranial techniques. Exercises including core stability work may be given, as well as postural advice. Trigger point acupuncture may also be used.

Physiotherapy is the diagnosis and management of disorders of human movement. Therapists continue to evolve treatment, based on up to date clinical evidence and incorporate health education, rehabilitation, exercise therapy, mobilization, manipulation & dry needling on trigger points.

The Osteopaths and Physiotherapists work closely together and will often inter-refer if they feel it would be appropriate. They sometimes assess difficult cases together
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An Extra Bit

Apple's iPod is not related to the words above. The name iPod was proposed by Vinnie Chieco, a freelance copywriter, who (with others) was called by Apple to figure out how to introduce the new player to the public.

After Chieco saw a prototype, he thought of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey and the phrase "Open the pod bay door, Hal!", which refers to the white EVA Pods of the Discovery One spaceship.

Apple researched the trademark and found that it was already in use. One, Joseph N. Grasso of New Jersey had originally listed an "ipod" trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in July 2000 for Internet kiosks. The first ipod kiosks had been demonstrated to the public in New Jersey in March 1998, and commercial use began in January 2000. The trademark was registered by the USPTO in November 2003, and Grasso assigned it to Apple Computer, Inc. in 2005.

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