Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a musculo-skeletal approach to health.
Through a variety of techniques, joints are mobilised, muscle tension
relieved, blood and nerve supply to tissues enhanced, the body's own
healing mechanisms enhanced and its capacity for compensation improved.
Advice on posture and exercise may be provided to aid recovery, promote
health and prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Osteopathic healthcare is a model for treating illness, centred on
palpatory evaluation of the whole person. It is dedicated to optimising
health for the individual. It is based on the recognition that structure
and function are closely linked. Osteopathy also recognises the contribution
of genetic and environmental factors and the influence of lifestyle
in maintaining health or in the causation of disease.
Symptoms Treated
Osteopaths are capable of treating a wide range of disorders. It is best known for the treatment of muscle and joint problems. Before the age of antibiotics osteopathy had the reputation of being efficacious in treating pneumonia, for example. Nowadays, it can be useful as an adjunct to medical intervention. Some common problems may include:
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· Low back pain with or without sciatica
· Neck and upper back pain which may or may not include pain in shoulder,
· Joint pain eg.shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, foot
· Workplace strains
· Sports injuries
· Backache of pregnancy
· Symptoms of chronic conditions, e.g., asthma, arthritis
· Stiffness associated with wear and tear
· Effects of trauma, e.g., whiplash
· Postural problems & many others
Osteopathy can also be useful for treating non-musculoskeletal problems. It may not look an obvious choice for treating irritable bowel syndrome but the bowel is made up of muscle and muscles become tense and tight when a patient becomes stressed. Osteopathy cannot cure a chronic condition such as arthritis but it can help ameliorate many of its painful features. Cancer is another condition where osteopathy can make life more comfortable for those suffering from this distressing condition.
Health Promotion
Osteopaths recognize the perceptions of the patient in assessing what may be wrong. Health belief models are important in this regard. Empowering the patient to have knowledge and control over their own health is often crucial in producing a positive outcome. The unhealthy patient is often disempowered with feelings of helplessness and a seeming inability to have any control over their destiny. An osteopath is trained to offer support and guidance in promoting health for the individual patient.
