What is Osteopathy
by Boaz Gilboa What is Osteopathy?Osteopathy is a form
of drug-free non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on total body health by
treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the
joints, muscles and spine. Its aim is to positively affect the body's nervous,
circulatory and lymphatic systems.
This therapy is a unique holistic (whole body)
approach to health care. Osteopaths do not simply concentrate on treating the
problem area, but use manual techniques to balance all the systems of the body,
to provide overall good health and wellbeing.
What are the qualities of Osteopathy
The
philosophy of Osteopathy is what
sets it apart from other medical disciplines. The key principles are based on
all parts of the body functioning together in an integrated manner. If one part
of the body is restricted, then the rest of the body must adapt and compensate
for this, eventually leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions. When the body is
free of restrictions in movement, Osteopathic treatment assists the body with pain
minimisation, reduced stress and
greater mobility providing the body with the opportunity to heal itself.
Osteopaths use a broad range of gentle hands-on
techniques including soft tissue stretching, deep tactile pressure, and
mobilisation or manipulation of joints.
In some cases, Osteopaths can complement the advice given by GPs. For
example, people who suffer from arthritis are often prescribed
medication by their GP. In addition to that, Osteopaths can ease the pain caused by joint and muscle
stiffness, by improving joint mobility and the flow of blood to the joints, and
show arthritis sufferers how to prevent causing injury to themselves.
Osteopathy is a five-year university course, which
includes a degree and masters qualification. Senior Osteopathy students complete clinical training under the
supervision of registered Osteopaths at student teaching clinics Osteopaths believe in working as part of a health system
of health providers and often refer back to the G.P. or another allied health
professional where appropriate.
What are the benefits of Osteopathy
Osteopathic treatment in itself is not 'preventative'. Osteopaths respect the body's natural ability as a
self-regulating mechanism and only intervene when pain or discomfort is
present. The benefits of osteopathy are the general improvement
in mobility and structural stability of the body. In turn, other systems of the
body such as the circulatory, nervous and lymphatic systems function more
effectively and for a number of general conditions, minimal treatment is required.
What are the impacts of Osteopathy on our sleep patterns?
A key
indicator of pain or discomfort is lack of sleep or restless nights. An
effective osteopathic treatment outcome often
reflects the first signs of recovery with a good night's sleep. Poor sleep
patterns only serve to magnify the body's inability to function adequately and
reduce our psychosomatic (Psychosomatic illnesses are those in which physical
symptoms are caused or aggravated by emotional factors) ability to cope with
pain.
Would there be any flow on effects for a
patient's well-being?
Osteopathic treatment positively affects the nervous,
circulatory and lymphatic systems, to deliver a more balanced body and better
health overall. This combined with good dietary and /or exercise prescription
can enhance a patient's well being and often leads to a positive approach to
individual health responsibility.
How does Osteopathy act to "prevent" ailments like back
pain?
With our lives becoming increasingly busy, yet more
sedentary, Osteopaths can
offer prevention advice such as stretching exercises, lifting techniques,
posture, breathing and stress reduction which is a great way for individuals to
maintain their own health. In addition some lifestyle changes including diet or
workplace ergonomics can dramatically improve ones health and reduce ongoing
health costs.
Sponsor Ads
Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.