In the initial stages, there is not a big difference in the way the allopathic doctor and osteopath diagnose a patient. Before a patient is diagnosed, a thorough examination is performed which covers any complaints the patient has and treatments they may have undertaken. This is routine among both allopathic and osteopathic physicians. The next step is where the two might start to differ. Depending on the disorder, the osteopathic approach involves the doctor performing a standing mechanical examination. This exam will allow the osteopath to evaluate the quality of the patient's range of motion and determine the functionality of the patient's body mechanics. Allopathic doctors do not use standing mechanical examination and instead send their patients for x-rays or other outpatient procedures (Handoll DO,