Osteopathy Meaning
Osteopathy is one of the branches of medical science that treats medical disorders by massage or manipulation of bones, joints, and muscles. This specialization is based on the belief that a person needs a good state of bones, muscles, ligaments, as well as connective tissue. So, his body stays healthy. Although it only involves the musculoskeletal system, it also affects the nervous system, blood circulation, and lymph.
The branch of osteopathy emerged in the late 1800s. This science was developed by a doctor who wanted to introduce the body’s ability to recover from disease. Osteopathy science believes that a person’s lifestyle and habits have an impact on his body’s health. In general, osteopathy treatment works by removing obstacles and making the patient healthy and comfortable with his body.
Osteopathy treatment techniques
The goals of osteopathy treatment include:
- Relieves tense muscles
- Improves joint movement
- Improves blood circulation
- Accelerates healing
In order to achieve this goal, osteopathy specialists use a combination of massage, stretching and breathing exercises. Special techniques used include:
Soft tissue manipulation
This technique is used to improve tissue conditions and improve fluid circulation in the body. This technique can prevent fluid buildup and boost the immune system.
Articular technique
This technique helps reduce muscle spasms and improve joint movement. This technique is potent in reducing nerve irritation around the joints. In addition, this technique can relieve pain and discomfort in the body.
Cranial osteopathy
This technique is the softest osteopathy technique, but also the most difficult to do. This technique is used to treat spinal and groin problems. This technique works by restoring the body’s biorhythm.
Visceral bone manipulation
This technique can treat pain and improve the flexibility of organs and internal organs. This technique works by moving the surrounding fascia organs slowly. This therapy is very effective and can improve organ function.
Read also:
Physical Therapy: Definition, Types, and Conditions That Require It (Indications)
How osteopathy works
Osteopathy aims to help reduce symptoms and improve the health and quality of life of patients by:
- Identify to no balance on the musculoskeletal system.
- Facilitates the body’s ability to self-medicate.
- Special massage by looking for trigger points on muscles and gentle manipulation.
- Provide a special exercise program if necessary on the condition, as well as health tips.
The way osteopathy works includes:
- Browse details about the health/disease history, including general health, specific symptoms as well as patient complaints, and more.
- Check certain movements and posture examination thoroughly, including limitations of motion, stiffness of muscles and joints as well as changes in the position of the joint structure of the body.
- Examination of the patient’s body by means of sedation / touch to identify the weakness / stiffness of certain parts of the body.
- Checking blood pressure and other necessary checks.
- Use of manipulation therapy with soft tissue techniques, gentle release technique and some other therapeutic methods such as: Cranial osteopathy or Cranio Sacral Therapy: is a therapy that prioritizes the balance of the neck bone / upper body up to the one’s hips.
- Using equipment such as ultrasound and balance boards, it provides health advice on recommending diet, posture maintenance, exercise and relaxation that can aid healing if necessary.
Osteopathy Side Effects
For those of you who have bone cancer, infection of the joints, or bone loss, it is not recommended to take this therapy. It is recommended that you consult a doctor or physiotherapist first rather than something happens.
Although promising, this therapy also contains side effects. However the overall side effects depend on the approach chosen by a therapist. These side effects do no harm except one or two days after the first therapy. After that, you will enjoy the results more.
Thank you very much for reading Osteopathy Meaning, Techniques, How It Works, and Side Effects, hopefully useful.