A Guide to Osteopathy for 2022

Osteopathy is a branch of manual medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. It is based on the principle that the structure and function of the body are interrelated, and that an imbalance in one area can lead to problems in other regions.

Osteopaths use a variety of techniques to diagnose and treat patients, including manual therapy, dry needling, and functional release. While osteopaths are trained in traditional medical diagnostics, they also place emphasis on the patient’s history and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to their condition.

What Does an Osteopath Do?

An osteopath will take a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination to identify any structural changes or imbalances in the body that may be causing pain or dysfunction. Once these imbalances are identified, the osteopath will develop a treatment plan to address the findings.

Osteopathic treatment generally falls into two categories: direct and indirect. Direct techniques are those that are applied directly to the site of pain or dysfunction, while indirect techniques are geared more towards overall body balancing and restoring normal function. These therapies can be used alone or in combination with each other, depending on the needs of the patient.

Common direct techniques include joint manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, and trigger point release. Common indirect techniques include functional release and lymphatic drainage.

One of the most common questions we get asked is how osteopathy differs from other modalities like chiropractic care or physiotherapy. The answer lies in the holistic approach that osteopaths take. Osteopaths not only focus on relieving pain in the musculoskeletal system, but they also take into account how the body’s systems are interconnected. This means that an osteopathic treatment plan will not only address your musculoskeletal pain but will also consider how it is impacting your overall health.

Another difference lies in the training that osteopaths receive. In order to become an osteopath, one must complete a four or five-year double degree at an accredited osteopathic course. Osteopathic student education includes coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and pathology. In addition, students must complete extensive clinical education in order to graduate. This means that osteopaths are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care for their patients.

How Can Osteopathy Help You?

Osteopaths treat a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, arthritis, and postural problems. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your musculoskeletal system, an osteopath may be able to help.

In addition to treating existing conditions, osteopaths can also help prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. If you have a physically demanding job or participate in sports, regular osteopathic treatments may help keep your body in peak condition and reduce your risk of injury.

What Are The Top Five Benefits of Osteopathy For Your Body?

1.  Improves Joint Function

One of the top benefits of osteopathy is that it can improve joint function. Osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) is a type of hands-on treatment that can help to reduce restrictions in the joints and improve range of motion. This can be beneficial for people of all ages, but is particularly helpful for those who suffer from conditions such as arthritis.

2.  Reduces Inflammation

Another benefit of osteopathy is that it can help to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or disease, but chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems. OMT can help to reduce inflammation by improving circulation and lymphatic drainage.

3.  Relieves Pain

Osteopathy can also be effective in relieving pain. OMT can help to release muscle tension and relieve pressure on nerves, which can lead to significant pain relief. Additionally, osteopathic treatments may help to increase blood flow and improve range of motion, both of which may also help to reduce pain.

4.  Improves Digestion

Osteopathy may be beneficial for digestion. OMT may help to improve function in the digestive system, which may also improve motility and decrease bloating and constipation. Additionally, osteopathic treatments may help to increase blood flow to the digestive organs, which can improve nutrient absorption.

5.  Boosts Immunity

Another benefit of osteopathy is that it can help to boost immunity. Osteopathic treatments can help to increase lymphatic drainage, which helps to remove toxins and waste products from the body. Additionally, osteopathic treatments can stimulate the production of immune cells, which are essential for fighting infection

Making the Most of Your Visit

To get the most out of your osteopathic visit, it is important to be open and honest with your practitioner about your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle habits. The more information your osteopath has to work with, the better they will be able to tailor their treatment to meet your individual needs.

It is also important to follow any instructions given by your practitioner during and after treatment. This may include things like taking it easy for 24-48 hours after a manipulation, drinking plenty of water to help flush toxins from the body, or avoiding certain activities or positions that may aggravate your condition.

Osteopathy is a unique form of therapy that focuses on treating skeletal disorders using manual therapies. If you are considering seeing an osteopath for treatment, it is important to be open and honest with them about your symptoms and medical history. Following their instructions after treatment is also key to ensuring a successful outcome.

Ready to explore Osteopathy treatments? Book your first treatment today!