Osteopathy is a drug-free, non-invasive manual therapy that aims to improve health across all body systems by manipulating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework.
It uses manual 'hands-on' techniques to improve circulation and correct altered biomechanics, without the use of drugs. 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.
Osteopathy Uses
Osteopathy can provide relief and treatment for a wide range of conditions.
How does Osteopathy work?
It is a hands-on technique where the it focuses on finding the root cause of the illness. An Osteopath addresses the interconnectedness of the body through connective tissue fascia, muscles, bones, blood and other fluids circulating in the body like the cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and the spinal cord. All these parameters form an important part of the diagnostic part of this treatment modality.
The root cause whether it is in the body or the mind, has the ability to manifest in the physical body. Once identified, the treatment involves the use of diverse techniques ranging from a light thrust and gentle physical manipulation of the hard and soft tissues to using a very light touch. This not only helps in re-establishing circulation but also in realigning the structures resulting in improved function, efficiency and a better quality of life.
Osteopathy addresses all the aspects of the body namely musculoskeletal, visceral (soft abdominal organs) and craniosacral (bones of the skull and connected structures).
Duration of One Session?
A session usually takes an hour and the sessions are spaced a week to ten days apart.
Lifestyle & Environmental Factors
Although osteopathy is best known as a form of hands-on medicine, osteopaths may also refer you on to other healthcare providers, and are able to offer advice on injury prevention, pain management and rehabilitation programs.
Osteopathy encourages you to take responsibility for your own long-term health and wellbeing, and can help you find out which lifestyle and environmental factors may be contributing to your condition. These may include poor posture, stress or the need for ergonomic furniture.
An osteopath may work out a range of treatments, including individual exercise routines, relaxation techniques or body awareness sessions, which show you how to move your body in gentler ways.
