What is Osteopathy

Osteopathy takes a holistic, whole-body approach to healthcare. It is a manual form of therapy which emphasizes the interrelationship between structure and function of the human body. It follows a belief in the body’s ability to self-heal and self-regulate. Osteopathic practitioners see themselves as facilitators to optimal health and well-being.

Find out how osteopathy can restore your bodies inner balance.

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Osteopathic manipulation (OMT) is a whole system of evaluation and treatment designed to achieve and maintain health by restoring normal function to the body. Manipulation means the therapeutic application of manual pressure or force. D.Os believe structural problems in the spinal column can affect the nerves that radiate out to the various organs, thus causing disease.

Some D.Os use OMT to treat all forms of disease. However, the majority of D.Os use manipulation to treat musculoskeletal disorders such as:

  • Low back pain

  • Neck pain

  • Sports injuries

  • Repetitive stress injuries

  • Some types of headaches

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There are several different techniques of OMT, including:

Soft tissue technique: This approach applies pressure to the muscle area around the spine. It consists of rhythmic stretching, deep pressure, and traction.

Muscle energy technique: With this technique, the patient is directed to use his or her muscles from a precise position and in a specific direction against a counterforce applied by the doctor.

Counterstrain technique: During this approach, the patient is moved away from a position where motion is restricted to one of greater comfort. This technique is good for an acute injury

Thrust technique: This approach uses high velocity forces to restore motion to a joint to reduce or eliminate the signs of tissue changes, asymmetry, restricted movement and tenderness. This is the "cracking" technique of manipulation.

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One of the keys to osteopathic therapy is the idea that tightness and restriction in your nerves and muscles can be caused by or lead to other problems. So D.Os are trained to use their hands to gently move your joints and tissues to correct any restrictions in your range of motion. OMT is the way that they do that.

The practice includes 40 different techniques, including:

Soft tissue: You will feel stretching and pressure on your muscles.

Muscle energy: In this technique, you move your muscles in a specific direction while the D.O counters that movement. Think push-pull.

Myofascial release: Firm but gentle pressure is used to release tension in the fascia, which is the layer of connective tissue that surrounds your bones, muscles, and organs.

Osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine: Soft pressure is applied to your skull to stimulate healing.