Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on approach to treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It can also help improve general health, and aids in recovery from injury or illness.
Osteopaths have a deep understanding of how the body functions at a whole body level and are therefore able to recognise and treat the root cause of your symptoms. This is what distinguishes them from other disciplines such as massage therapists and chiropractors who tend to focus more on the specific area that is painful or injured.
During an osteopathic treatment session, the osteopath will assess your health history and ask questions about the symptoms you have been experiencing. They will then take an initial observation and physical examination of the problem areas, which may require you to dress down to your underwear. The osteopathic physician will then make their diagnosis and prescribe an individual treatment plan.
Osteopathic manipulations can have a profound impact on the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems, which will lead to internal improvements in your health and well being. Many patients experience a sense of rejuvenation and increased vitality following their osteopathic treatments.
Studies have shown that osteopathic manipulative techniques are effective in treating a number of problems such as low back and neck pain, shoulder and hip dysfunction, sciatica, and recovery from surgery for hip and knee replacement. In addition, one study found that the indirect diaphragm release technique improved the movement of the respiratory diaphragm, and another showed that osteopathic manipulation of the sacroiliac joint (the pelvis) was able to realign the pelvis and reduce back pain.