Osteopathy is an established recognized system of healthcare
which relies on manual contact for diagnosis and treatment.
It respects the relationship of body, mind and spirit in health
and disease; it lays emphasis on the structural and functional
integrity of the body and the body’s intrinsic tendency
for self-healing. Osteopathic treatment is viewed as a facilitative
influence to encourage this self-regulatory process.
Pain and disability experienced by patients are viewed as
resulting from a reciprocal relationship between the musculoskeletal
and visceral components of a disease or strain. For what kind
of problems can osteopathic treatment help? While often identified
with the treatment of back pain, osteopathic principles in
clinical practice varies with the training, interest and license
of the individual practitioner. A partial list of complaints
in which osteopathic treatment would commonly be applied would
include:
·
Back pain
· Headache
· Neck pain
· Shoulder pain
· Non anginal chest pain
· Athletic or overuse strain injuries
Depending
on individual practitioner expertise, osteopathic manipulative
treatment may make a significant contribution to the health
care management in the following diagnoses:
·
Muscle or ligament strains, ankle, elbow, knee
· Traumatic injuries without laceration or fracture
· Pregnancy and childbirth, gestation, labour and post-partum
· Muscle tension headache independent or associated
with migraine
· Sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, Otitis media
· Osteoarthritis
· Pneumonia, bronchitis, congestive heart failure
· Hypertension
· Gastric reflux, non acute cholecystitis
· Anxiety and depression
· Vertigo
How does
an Osteopath work?
Osteopathic diagnosis requires observation and palpation (touch)
of the body. This may involve the immediate area of the complaint
or distant parts of the body. This may involve your being
placed in various positions on a treatment table. The degree
of disrobing for diagnosis and treatment is variable among
cultures and trainings. If unclear about the type of contact
or involvement, ask for clarification at he time you call
for an appointment.
