Osteopathy is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, as well as the impact of this system on overall health and well-being. It is based on the belief that the body has a natural ability to heal itself, and osteopathic practitioners work to facilitate this healing process by restoring balance to the musculoskeletal system.
The musculoskeletal system includes bones, muscles, joints, and other connective tissues that work together to support the body and allow for movement. Osteopathic practitioners use a variety of hands-on techniques, including soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilization, and stretching, to improve range of motion and reduce pain and stiffness in the musculoskeletal system.
In addition to treating musculoskeletal problems, osteopathy also takes into account the impact of other factors on overall health, such as stress, diet, and lifestyle habits.
Holistic Approach
Osteopathy looks at the body as a whole to understand the causes and treatment of health issues. Many recent injuries or chronic conditions may be helped by osteopathic care.
An osteopathic physician does not concentrate only on the problem area, but uses manual techniques to balance all the body systems, and to provide overall good health and wellbeing.
Diagnosing and treating conditions using these techniques is called Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). Techniques include stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance, known as osteopathic manipulative medicine.
An osteopathic physician may also issue prescription medicine and use surgical methods to support the holistic, manual treatment. Many osteopathic physicians also serve as primary care physicians in fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
How does Manual Osteopathy work?
Manual practitioners of osteopathy look at all of the symptoms the patient presents with – not just the loud ones.
We listen to the patient and the patients body by taking the time to assess and examine movement of the structures, quality of movement and sensation.We ask in-depth questions about the patients lifestyle, digestion, and sleep patterns.Then we piece together the information to approach the problem from all angles and facilitate balance between the systems through gentle, non-invasive joint, fascial, muscle, visceral and cranial manipulations.
What are the Systems?
Muscles & Fascia
Muscles are the springs that move us, while fascial tissue the web that holds us together. In dysfunction, both will become firm and restrictive to movement, eliciting ‘loud’ pain that may feel sharp or achey.
Bones & Joints
Bones are the living framework that give the body support and structure. Joints allow for movement capacity. In dysfunction, pain may or may not be present but is usually specific.
Viscera
Organs are the filling of our bodies that provide for bodily function and cellular feeding. In dysfunction the body will decrease mobility to guard them. Most dysfunctions tend to be ‘quiet’ and refer pain to other areas in both specific and general patterns.
Cranium & Spinal Canal
The cranium and spinal canal house the communication pathways of the body, and are made up of mobile, living tissues. Dysfunction here creates a vast array of consistent symptoms and pain tends to feel ‘untouchable’.
What does Osteopathy Treat?
Osteopathy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint pain, and sports injuries. It may also be used to help manage chronic health conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and digestive disorders.
Conditions treated:
- Headache arising from the neck / migraine prevention
- Neck Pain
- General, acute and chronic backache, back pain
- Chronic/Unresolved Pain
- Medically Unexplained Pain
- Carpal Tunnel & Repetitive Use Injuries
- Joint pains including hip pain and knee pain
- Lumbago
- Sciatica
- Muscle spasms
- Neuralgia
- Fibromyalgia
- Inability to relax
- Rheumatic pain
- Arthritic pain
- Frozen shoulder, shoulder and elbow pain, tennis elbow
- Circulatory problems, cramp
- Digestive Issues
- Insomnia & Sleep Disturbance
- Whiplash
- Structural Dysfunctions
- Reduction in flexibility and movement
- Many more
Why does Osteopathy Work?
Nothing within the body functions entirely on its own. Osteopathy works because we treat it with consideration to the way the body is designed and the interconnectedness of its systems. Osteopathic practitioners use a holistic approach to health, which takes into account the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the patient’s life.
The musculoskeletal system is an essential part of the body, and it has a significant impact on overall health and wellness. Osteopathy focuses on restoring balance and alignment to the musculoskeletal system, which can help improve the function of other systems in the body, such as the nervous and circulatory systems.
Additionally, by taking into account other factors that impact health, such as stress, diet, and lifestyle habits, osteopath can help promote overall health and well-being.
Osteopathy Personalized Treatment Plans
Osteopathic practitioners work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address the root cause of their health problems, rather than simply treating the symptoms.
It involves developing personalized treatment plans for each patient.
Osteopathic practitioners assess the patient’s musculoskeletal system and overall health to determine the underlying causes of their symptoms. This involves taking a comprehensive medical history, conducting a physical examination, and assessing the patient’s posture, gait, and range of motion.
Based on this assessment, the osteopathic practitioner develops a treatment plan that is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and goals. The treatment plan may include a variety of manual therapy techniques, such as Fascial stretch therapy, Visceral Manipulation Massage, Osteoarticular Corrections, Access Bars technique, Myofascial release therapy, Manual lymphatic drainage, Pelvic floor dysfunction treatment, Craniosacral therapy, to improve range of motion and reduce pain and stiffness in the musculoskeletal system.
In addition to hands-on techniques, the treatment plan may also include recommendations for lifestyle modifications, such as exercise, nutrition, and stress management, to support overall health and well-being.
Throughout the course of treatment, the osteopathic practitioner monitors the patient’s progress and adjusts the treatment plan as needed to ensure that they are receiving the most effective care possible.
If you are experiencing pain or mobility issues, or have a chronic health condition, you may want to consider consulting with an osteopathic practitioner to determine if osteopathy may be a beneficial treatment option for you.
Save 10-15% Off Osteopathy Plans
You can purchase discounted treatment packages, which are valid for 6 months (6 sessions) and 12 months (12 sessions) from date of purchase.
- 6 x 60 minute osteopathy treatments (10% saving)
- 12 x 60 minute osteopathy treatments (15% saving)
Osteopathic treatments can be carried out using a number of techniques, depending on the needs and conditions of different patients. This versatility makes osteopathic treatments fit for the whole family.
**Purchased plans can not be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
Learn more about osteopathic treatments we offer.
