Osteopathy

 
 
 
 
“An osteopath is only a human engineer, who should understand all the laws governing his engines and thereby master disease.”
— Andrew Taylor Still

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a science and an art. Its philosophy embraces the concept that it unifies the body's structure and function in health and disease.

The science includes the chemical, physical and biological components of the body relating to the maintenance of health, and the prevention, cure and alleviation of disease. 

The art is the application of gentle hands-on techniques by the practitioner to utilize their assessment tools to determine the dysfunction in one's body relating to the human personality, looking at factors such as;

  • Past history

  • Familial history

  • Physical state

  • Mental state

How does Osteopathy work?

Much of people's pain and dysfunction stems from abnormalities in the function and structure of the body. The goal of an osteopath is to regain the normal equilibrium of the form and function for good health. The practitioner helps achieve this by using their knowledge of the anatomical, physiological and psychological structure and function of the human body making corrections to allow the body to heal itself.

Your body does the healing, the practitioner is the vector facilitating the body back to its equilibrium. 

Not one treatment is the same as the body begins to reorganize and restructure itself with the help of manual osteopathic therapy.

 
 

Take a look at what some our Osteopathy patients have to say!

  • Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on treatment that focuses on the craniosacral system, which includes the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This therapy aims to improve the function of the central nervous system by addressing restrictions or imbalances in the craniosacral system.

    🔹 How It Works

    • Gentle touch: CST involves using light pressure (usually no more than the weight of a nickel) applied to the skull, spine, and sacrum (base of the spine).

    • Therapist's goal: The therapist feels for and releases restrictions in the craniosacral system to promote better circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which nourishes and protects the brain and spinal cord.

    • Focus: Balancing the rhythm of the craniosacral fluid to support relaxation and healing.

    🌟 Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy

    • Relieves tension headaches and migraines

    • Reduces neck and back pain

    • Helps with stress and anxiety relief

    • Improves mobility of the spine and joints

    • Supports healing after trauma or surgery

    • Enhances sleep quality

    👶 Who Can Benefit from CST?

    • Adults: Helps with chronic pain, stress, and neurological conditions.

    • Children: Supports growth and development, and can be beneficial for issues like colic, ear infections, or sleep problems.

    • Infants: Especially after birth trauma, CST helps with feeding issues, latch problems, and overall development.

    🛑 Is It Safe?

    • CST is considered safe for most people when performed by a qualified practitioner (such as a trained physiotherapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist).

    • It’s often used as a complementary therapy for people dealing with conditions like fibromyalgia, concussions, or TMJ disorders.

  • Manual Osteopathic Therapists (MOTs), Chiropractors, and Physiotherapists (PTs) all specialize in treating musculoskeletal issues, but their approaches and techniques differ significantly. Here's a breakdown of how Manual Osteopathic Therapists differ from Chiropractors and Physiotherapists:

    🔹 Manual Osteopathic Therapists (MOTs)

    Philosophy:

    • MOTs follow the principles of Osteopathy but do not prescribe medications or perform surgery like osteopathic physicians (DOs).

    • They believe in a holistic approach to health, treating the body as a whole rather than focusing on isolated symptoms. MOTs aim to balance the body’s structure and function by improving circulation and reducing restrictions in the musculoskeletal system.

    Training:

    • MOTs usually hold a Diploma or Degree in Manual Osteopathy after completing 3-5 years of training. This training includes hands-on techniques for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

    • They study anatomy, physiology, and osteopathic techniques to treat conditions without medication or surgery.

    Treatment:

    • Manual Osteopathic Therapy is gentle and hands-on, using techniques like soft tissue manipulation, myofascial release, joint mobilizations, and craniosacral therapy.

    • Treatment focuses on restoring balance and function to the body, particularly the musculoskeletal system, by addressing restrictions in movement, muscle tension, and postural imbalances.

    Common Conditions Treated:

    • Chronic pain (neck, back, and joint pain)

    • Postural problems

    • Headaches

    • Digestive issues

    • Stress and tension

    • Soft tissue injuries

    🚨 Summary:

    • Manual Osteopathic Therapists (MOTs) take a holistic and hands-on approach, aiming to restore balance in the entire musculoskeletal system.

    • Chiropractors focus on spinal health and nerve function, using spinal adjustments to treat musculoskeletal issues.

    • Physiotherapists (PTs) are experts in rehabilitation, using a combination of exercise, manual therapy, and education to restore function and prevent future injuries.

  • Osteopaths are trained to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, as well as other health issues that affect the body's overall functioning. Since osteopathy takes a holistic approach, they aim to treat the root cause of the problem, rather than just the symptoms.

    Here are some common conditions that osteopaths typically treat:

    🔹 Musculoskeletal Conditions

    1. Back pain (acute and chronic)

    2. Neck pain (including whiplash)

    3. Joint pain (e.g., hips, knees, shoulders, elbows)

    4. Sciatica (pain radiating from the lower back into the legs)

    5. Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)

    6. Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

    7. Tendonitis and tendinopathy (inflammation or injury of tendons)

    8. Sports injuries (sprains, strains, ligament injuries)

    9. Postural issues (such as slouching or misalignment)

    10. Muscle strains and sprains

    🔹 Head and Neck Issues

    1. Headaches (tension-type and cervicogenic headaches)

    2. Migraines

    3. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction or jaw pain

    4. Vertigo (dizziness related to inner ear or neck problems)

    5. Whiplash injuries (from motor vehicle accidents)

    🔹 Chronic Pain and Soft Tissue Conditions

    1. Fibromyalgia (widespread muscle pain)

    2. Chronic fatigue syndrome

    3. Myofascial pain syndrome (muscle pain due to trigger points)

    4. Shin splints (pain along the shinbone, typically from overuse)

    5. Plantar fasciitis (heel and foot pain)

    6. Carpal tunnel syndrome (nerve compression in the wrist)

    🔹 Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

    1. Post-operative recovery (after surgeries like hip replacement, knee surgery, or spinal surgery)

    2. Scar tissue formation and adhesions following surgery

    3. Reduced mobility after surgery

    4. Joint stiffness after surgical procedures

    🔹 Digestive and Internal Health Issues

    1. Digestive problems (e.g., constipation, bloating)

    2. Reflux or heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD)

    3. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

    4. Pelvic organ prolapse (related to muscles supporting the pelvis)

    5. Menstrual pain and dysmenorrhea

    🔹 Pregnancy and Postpartum Care

    1. Back pain or pelvic pain during pregnancy

    2. Postpartum recovery (including pelvic floor issues)

    3. Postural changes due to pregnancy

    4. Sciatica or nerve pain during pregnancy

    5. Hip pain or sacroiliac joint pain during pregnancy

    🔹 General Wellness and Stress Management

    1. Stress and anxiety (osteopathic techniques can promote relaxation)

    2. Sleep problems (due to pain, tension, or musculoskeletal issues)

    3. General fatigue (addressing musculoskeletal imbalances that might contribute)

    🌿 Why Choose Osteopathy?

    • Holistic treatment that addresses the whole body, not just symptoms.

    • Manual therapies designed to improve joint mobility, soft tissue health, and reduce pain.

    • Treatment can be used in combination with other forms of healthcare, like physiotherapy or chiropractic.