People often suffer from various forms of pain and discomfort, and traditional medicine can sometimes fall short of providing lasting relief. Osteopathy, on the other hand, is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on promoting the body’s natural healing mechanisms. It is a form of non-invasive manual therapy that uses gentle manipulations, stretching, and massage techniques to alleviate pain and restore balance in the body.
In this blog article, we will explore four key benefits of osteopathy that patients can enjoy, from improved posture to reduced stress levels. Whether you are suffering from a specific condition or simply want to maintain your overall health, osteopathy can be a valuable tool in your wellness arsenal.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is treating and preventing health issues through the movement and manipulation of an individual’s muscles, joints and ligaments to maintain or restore function and mobility. People seeking out an osteopath often do so for pain relief, and the practice is highly recommended for conditions like joint pain or lower back issues. There are several benefits of having an osteopathic treatment; these include:
1. Improved flexibility
Osteopathic treatments help blood flow and circulation around the body, which distributes nutrients and oxygen into muscles and joints. It can help the body detox and restore lymphatic balance. With better blood circulation and nutritional distribution, the body can benefit from easier and more fluid movement. This, in turn, allows the joints and ligaments to work at their optimal capacity
2. Faster healing
Those who have suffered from injury or experience problems like chronic back pain often find that seeing an osteopath substantially reduces symptoms. Treatments can increase muscle length and resistance, promoting faster healing and preventing further damage to the area. Many workers from physical occupations such as construction or sports competitors swear by the benefits gained from osteopathy, and the non-invasive treatment is preferred by many.
3. Pain management
Osteopathy restores function and balance to the body. Therefore, it can be helpful in a whole range of conditions to reduce pain and support recovery. Manipulation of the musculoskeletal system transfers benefits into organs, muscles, and tissue. Conditions like asthma or IBS can benefit from osteopathic treatments as the body is primed for self-healing. During pregnancy, women can reduce or ease discomfort and reduce strain on the joints by having regular treatments.
4. Stress relief
Osteopathy treatments can be hands-on in a way not dissimilar to massage. Skin contact can increase dopamine and release feel-good chemicals into the body, which aids relaxation and reduces stress. Improvements to the vascular and lymph systems can spread the feeling of well-being throughout the body.
Osteopathy services offered by The Health Suite
Osteopathy can be suitable for all ages, from birth to 100 and beyond. At The Health Suite, we offer specific services in osteopathy for children and anyone under 18 (paediatric osteopathy), and we also offer an adult osteopathy service (general osteopathy)
General Osteopathy: Despite popular belief, Osteopaths treat more than just the spine. With their trained eye and skilled touch, they can treat most joints, muscles, ligaments, fascia, and tendons.
Paediatric Osteopathy: Osteopathy for babies and children is a specialist form of treatment that uses a variety of techniques.
How often should you see an osteopath?
Visits to your Osteopath will depend on many factors, including whether you or your child is housing an injury, are suffering from chronic issues, or are after maintenance treatment. Your osteopath will recommend if you need to visit again and, if so, how far apart the sessions should be.
Some people benefit from MOT-type sessions to prevent pain and injury. Others will need regular sessions to aid recovery. Speak to your Osteopath for tailored advice.
Osteopath vs chiropractor: What is the difference?
Osteopathy and chiropractic are both types of complementary and alternative medicine. They both focus on treating musculoskeletal problems with a holistic approach, considering the entire body rather than just the specific symptoms. However, there are some differences in terms of their philosophies, treatment methods, and scope of practice.
Philosophy
Osteopathy emphasises the interrelationship between the structure and function of the body and recognises the body’s ability to heal itself.
Chiropractic care focuses primarily on the relationship between the body’s structure (primarily the spine) and its functioning, with an emphasis on the nervous system.
Treatment Methods
Osteopaths use a wider range of techniques for manipulating the body’s muscles and joints, including stretching, massaging, and moving.
Chiropractors mainly focus on spinal adjustments (also known as spinal manipulations) to correct alignment problems and promote the body’s natural ability to heal.
Common Q&A about Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a holistic healthcare approach that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. It involves manual manipulation, stretching, and massage to improve the body’s function by addressing issues in the muscles, joints, and bones.
While both osteopaths and chiropractors use manual techniques to treat musculoskeletal issues, osteopathy focuses on the whole body, including soft tissue and overall health. Chiropractors primarily focus on the spine and nervous system, emphasizing spinal adjustments.
Osteopaths treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Joint and muscle pain
- Sciatica
- Headaches and migraines
- Sports injuries
- Digestive issues
- Postural problems
Yes, Osteopathy is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. Osteopaths are trained professionals who understand the anatomy and physiology of the body. However, like any medical treatment, there may be some risks, especially if there are underlying conditions, so it’s essential to consult with your osteopath about your medical history.
Osteopaths use a variety of hands-on techniques, including:
- Soft tissue massage
- Joint articulation and manipulation
- Stretching and muscle energy techniques
- Cranial osteopathy, which involves subtle manipulations of the head
You can schedule an appointment directly. However, in some places, you may need a referral for insurance purposes.
During your first appointment, the osteopath will take a detailed medical history and ask about your symptoms. They will conduct a physical examination, which may involve observing your posture and mobility. Treatment may begin during the first session, using manual techniques tailored to your condition.
The number of osteopathy sessions depends on the nature and severity of your condition. Some issues may resolve after a few treatments, while others may require ongoing care. Your osteopath will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.
Yes, osteopathy can be beneficial for chronic conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain by improving mobility, reducing muscle tension, and promoting circulation. However, osteopathy may not cure the condition but can provide symptom relief and improve quality of life.
The coverage may vary depending on the provider and policy. It is recommended to check with your insurance company about coverage and whether a referral is required.