Beginner’s Guide of Osteopathy
Osteopaths aim to restore a state of balance which is required for healthy living. Like Physiotherapy and Chiropractic, Osteopathy uses gentle and non-invasive manual techniques, but practitioners can also develop other skills to compliment their approach including exercise rehabilitation, dry needling, taping and bracing.
The manual techniques used by Osteopaths aim to improve the mobility of joints, tension within muscles and increase the blood supply and nerve function. The focus area of your treatment is dependent on your clinician and ailment. Treatments can vary from soft tissue work, stretching and movement, cranial techniques or spinal mobilisation. Osteopaths can select the most suitable combination of techniques and modalities to suit you and your recovery.
What can I expect from the treatment?
Each Osteopath approaches a new patient and their problem on an individual basis, taking into account their history, habits, and own understanding of their pain as it relates to them. Whilst treatment, rest, and time can be helpful from a pain relief perspective, that success is likely to be short lived because although you may now be pain-free you’re likely to be:
Slightly weaker from not using your body
Slightly stiffer from the lack of movement (this has implications on blood flow and joint mobility)
Unaware of how to prevent future problems
Osteopathy’s is to treat patients where needed, but get them off the treatment table sooner rather than later. This can be achieved with posture, lifestyle, and specifically targeted exercise advice.
Osteopaths want you to understand your condition, how to manage it and the road to recovery so you feel involved in the process. Research shows that educating patients on the mechanics and psychology of pain plays a big part in recovery – particularly in the instance of chronic pain.
What are the Benefits of Osteopathy?
Osteopaths may be able to help you with the management of some of the issues listed below. This help may come in the form of treatment, advice, or an appropriate referral.
Acute or chronic low back pain
Neck and shoulder problems
Sports injuries
Joint / muscle / ligament pain
Headaches arising from the neck (cervicogenic)
Hip / pelvic problems
Pregnancy related pain
Postural problems
If you have any questions on whether physio is the best option for you, or you have any questions about MVMNT in general, feel free to contact via email.
- Jay Towolawi, Specialist Sports Physiotherapist and MVMNT Founder.