Osteopathy is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on their bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning smoothly together. Osteopathic Manual Therapists believe their treatments allow the body to heal itself. They use a range of techniques but do not use drugs or surgery.
Osteopathy is a primary health care system, complementary to other medical practices. It is suitable for almost anyone and can contribute to the treatment and management of a wide range of conditions.
Osteopathic Manual Therapists primarily work through the neuro-musculo-skeletal system, mostly on muscles and joints, using holistic and patient-centered approaches.
Acore principle behind osteopathy is the idea that the body is an integrated and indivisible whole, and contains self-healing mechanisms that can be utilized as part of the Osteopathic Manual treatment. No part of the body works, or can be considered, in isolation. Relevant psychological and social factors also form part of the process of patient diagnosis.
The key tools for osteopathic diagnosis include listening to the patient’s history, examining muscles and joints and observing movements. A wide range of gentle, non-invasive manual techniques such as deep tissue massage, joint articulation and manipulation are applied therapeutically. Most people who see an osteopath do so for help with back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain or other problems related to muscles and joints. Some Osteopathic Manual Therapists treat a wide range of health conditions, including asthma, digestive problems and menstrual pain.
To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. So Osteopathic Manual Therapists work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopathic Manual Therapists use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.
