Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a process of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by manipulating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the joints, muscles and spine. Specialists trained in osteopathy are called osteopaths. They use manual ‘hands-on’ techniques to release stresses and tension and to mobilise joints. Osteopaths make use of an extensive practical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neurology and pathology. Osteopaths focus on how our skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulatory system, connective tissue and internal organs function as a whole body unit.

Osteopathy provides a broad range of approaches in the maintenance of health and the management of disease. Osteopaths treat patients from across all ages, ranging from children to adults. They also treat pregnant women in order to help them deal with their back pain during childbirth.

What does an osteopath do?

An osteopath identifies the cause of the problem in the body and treats it by the means of manipulations, muscle energy techniques and mobilisations. It involves the massage of muscles and ligaments, through passive stretching and traction, to improve joint mobility. These different techniques are used to help the body heal itself from all kinds of aches, pains and other problems. An osteopath focuses on the whole body, including the soft tissues (such as muscles, ligaments and tendons), the spine and nervous system. They maintain that structural integrity and physiological adjustment of the tissues and fluid tensions of the organism which form the most important factors in maintaining health.

Osteopaths address all components of our bodies together, as a functioning holistic unit. All parts of our body from the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs work together.

It utilises a variety of techniques including soft tissue mobilisation, ligamentous stretch techniques and high velocity short amplitude manipulations. Following are the most commonly used procedures by osteopaths to diagnose and treat dysfunctions:

Thrust technique:

In this technique, the physician applies a high velocity/low-amplitude thrust to restore specific joint motion. HVLA provides quick and efficient curing of problems such as lower back pain, neck pain, migraines, and headaches that are related to the neurological and musculoskeletal interaction in the neck. HVLA thrust technique does not directly move the bones in a restricted joint but rather, it exerts its effect on the Golgi tendon organs which allow movement of the bones in the joint back to their normal resting position via relaxation of the restrictive muscle and a concomitant contraction of its antagonist muscle. HVLA thrust techniques generate a force sufficient to cause strong stretching of the restrictive muscle. With this technique joint regains its normal range of motion. HVLA is intended to benefit patients with joint restriction by reducing pain, freeing motion, improving biomechanical function, and reducing somato visceral reflex. However, it is not indicated for certain conditions such as traumatic contracture, advanced degenerative joint disease, or ankylosis.

Soft tissue technique:

This approach applies pressure to the muscle area around the spine. It consists of rhythmic stretching, deep pressure, and traction.

Muscle energy technique:

In this technique, the patient is directed to use his or her muscles from a precise position and in a specific direction against a counterforce applied by the doctor.

Exercise:

Chiropractors may provide patients with instructions for an exercise program focusing on stretching and strengthening the back.

Cranial approach:

Cranial osteopathy is a gentle therapy that aims to balance and strengthen the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which surrounds and nourishes the brain and spinal cord. In this technique, the spine and head are gently moved around to encourage proper functioning of the body. It intends to relieve stress and tension that may be held in the spine.

Uses

Osteopaths treat a wide variety of health problems; they actually treat a wide range of conditions, including those of the musculoskeletal system, vascular system, nervous system and visceral (organ) systems. The most commons issues they treat are:

• Arthritis
• Neck pain and back pain
• Shoulder and elbow pain
• Headaches
• Sports injuries
• Sciatica
• Asthma

Side effects

Side effects of osteopathy may include:

• Soreness in the treated area
• Allergic reaction from the oil or cream used
• Tiredness, Drowsiness and Headaches
• Bruising
• Tenderness

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