Osteopathy is a holistic model of manual medicine that focuses on the interrelated relationship of structure and function and is best known as an effective treatment for musculo-skeletal complaints.
Osteopaths use a variety of “hands-on” treatment techniques to help restore movement, reduce pain and improve the way a body is able to function. Common techniques include soft tissue work, stretching, muscle energy (activation) techniques, positional release, dry needling and joint manipulation. You will almost certainly be given exercises or stretches to complete at home.
Osteopathic treatment is based on 3 key principles:
The Body Is A Unit
Although our body is made up of many different parts, the function of any one of these components relies on the function of all of the others. This “regional inter-dependence” is the reason why we may treat an area that is not where you feel your symptoms but none the less is compromising the symptomatic area..
Structure And Function Are Inter-Related
This means that a change in either will cause a change in the other. For example, Osteoarthritis results in structural changes in the joint – most often bought about by wear and tear. This structural change means the soft tissues around the joint must function differently to support and move the joint. This functional change can load the joint so that further wear and tear occurs. You can see how this structure-function relationship can result in a vicious cycle.
The Body Has The Ability To Be Self-Healing And Self-Regulatory
This is the good news. When the body is restored closer to normal function, self healing can occur. Where possible, we aim to remove any restriction or impairment in the body structures (muscles, joints or connective tissues) to allow optimal function and healing to occur.
Unfortunately in the case of permanent changes to the body’s structure through injury or pathology, a return to full function is not always possible. In these instances Osteopathy aims to promote the very best function that is available.