Osteopathy is a natural and physical therapy relying on medical science and the philosophy that a body in balance is capable of self-regulation, self-healing and health maintenance.
It was developed by Andrew Taylor Still, an American physician and surgeon in the mid-1800s.
He was not satisfied by allopathic medicine and disappointed by use of drugs frequently ineffective and sometimes harmful so he searched for better, safer, drug-free non-invasive and more effective healing method that he named Osteopathy.
Principles of Osteopathy
Osteopathy is based on three fundamental principles:
Person as a Unity
A human being is a dynamic functional unit whose state of health is influenced by the body, mind and spirit and in which all parts are interrelated.
All body systems are interrelated and dependent upon one another for good health therefore the effects of any disease are felt, in varying degrees, throughout the body.
Structure and function
The body structure and function are dependent on one another. Each structure in the body supports the body’s functions and each function actuates the development of body’s structure.
If a structure is damaged, out of place, or otherwise not working properly, the body will not function at its best and the rest of it must adapt and compensate for this inability.
Self healing
The body has the ability to treat itself. There is still no substitute for the immense pharmacy that the body has at its disposal, and no drugs are even close to the purity and perfection of those it produces.
The body contains all of the elements needed to maintain health.
“To find health should be the object of the doctor. Anyone can find disease.”
Andrew Taylor Still
Treatment
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), employs many types of manipulative techniques, including thrust and muscle energy techniques, as well as soft-tissue, fascial and cranial techniques. It may be combined with other treatments or advice, such as a diet, physical activity and posture.
The chosen technique is determined by the patient's needs at the moment of the treatment. Consequently each treatment is different in terms of duration and execution.
The techniques employed are non-invasive and they work "with the body", not against it. For this reason they should not be painful and should encourage the body to treat itself.
What can it help with
Osteopathy is most commonly associated with back and neck pain, sport or work injuries, or other joint or muscle disorders.
However, since osteopathy is a holistic form of healthcare which helps individuals improve or restore health and well being, there are many other reasons someone may visit an osteopath. Some of them are listed below:
Muscoloskeletal problems
Neck pain, backache, frozen shoulder, tendinitis, joints pain, arthritis, tailbone pain, tennis and golfer's elbow, heel pain, postural problems, knee pain, trauma, whiplash
Digestive disorders
Stomach pain, heartburn, bloating, colitis, constipation, indigestion
Neurological Disease
Carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, migraine, herniated disk, dizzness, tingling, fibromyalgia
Pelvic problems
Weak pelvic floor, incontinence, menstrual pain, leaky bladder
Respiratory issues
Asthma, chest pain, palpitation, sinusitis
Pregnancy
Osteopathy could be very helpful during pre and post partum time. Osteopathic treatment will maximize the body’s ability to change, adapt and align as the pregnancy progresses, and support the mother and the baby with minimum pain and discomfort. It also might facilitate an easy passage of the baby through the birth canal. Patients often report that they recovered more quickly after the labour if their pelvis has been prepared for the birth.
The most common complaints treated during pregnancy are:
- lower Back Pain, sciatica, pelvic girdle pain
- sickness, vomit, pyrosis
- swelling
- shortness of breaths
- neck, shoulder and upper back pain
- insomnia
- high blood pressure
- fatigue
Depending on the type of pregnancy and labour experienced, women can have a wide range of post-partum issues. Osteopathic care can help to restore and maintain normal pelvic mobility and take away quickly any pain and discomfort there might be.
Newborns support
Birth is a physical stress and the effect that it can have on the head and body of a baby may produce problems. Complications in labour or interventions such as forceps, vacuum or a C-section could all add stress to the birth.
Osteopathic treatment relax stress and enhance good health of the infants, children and teenagers and can be great for a lot of common (not normal) problems such as:
- sucking difficulty
- otitis media, ear infection
- torticollis
- malformation of the skull
- tear duct problems, crossed-eye
- colic, constipation
- bad sleep, excessive crying
- motor skill development problems
- learning disabilities
- dental occlusion and jaw problems
Others
Sleep disorders, anxiety, Temporomandibular (ATM) dysfunction and bad occlusion, circulatory problems, fatigue.
Osteopathy is suitable for everyone!
Newborns, pregnant women, young as well as older people may profit from osteopathic treatment.
Osteopaths are trained to check for signs of serious conditions they cannot treat. In these circumstances, they should inform you of what they believe is the problem and refer you to see your GP for further investigations.
“The processes of Life must be kept in motion”
Andrew Taylor Still
Benefits
Osteopathy support your Health and your wellness improving the mobility, function, alignment and harmony of your whole body.
It can benefit the musculoskeletal, neurological system as well as the circulatory, digestive, psychological one and so on.
Osteopath will help your body to work at its best, giving you the best chance of recovery.
Many people approach osteopathic care with pain or disease, but preventive treatment is also possible.
Today's increasingly sedentary lifestyle and lack of nutrition education lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal problems.
One of the purpose of an osteopathic treatment is to allow you a functional lifestyle.
An osteopath can provide a range of health advice such as she/he may suggest stretching and breathing exercises and/or changes to workplace ergonomics, e.g. seating and desk position.
Lifestyle changes can dramatically improve health and reduce chronic issues.
Osteopathy helps you take care of your body and pay attention to the message it sends you and so it’ll give you the chance to prevent injury and enjoy the benefits of an active body.
If you want to know more about disturbs and diseases that Osteopathy can help with, you can check my blog