What is Manual Osteopathy

The practice of manual osteopathy is a holistic approach for treating one or more concerns. It is a drug-free, non-invasive manual therapy that aims to improve health across all body systems through manipulation and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework. Manual therapy means that both diagnosis and treatment are carried out with the hands. Treatment addresses the patient as a whole unit based on the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the human body.

Using specific hands-on techniques, treatments may focus on different areas such as the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles and joints), the cranium (head, face and jaw) and the visceral system (internal organs). 

These systems are treated according to a specific methodology called traditional osteopathic manual practice. It begins with a full body evaluation for restrictions in mobility or vitality. As restrictions in the body are treated, symptoms resolve and normal function returns to the area. This allows for swift and safe return to active living.

Why Manual Osteopathy 

This whole systems approach to wellness is supportive for a myriad of physical and emotional ailments. Treatment will focus on the joints, muscles, and spine. Osteopathy aims to positively affect the body’s nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems.

Osteopathic intervention can help treat conditions such as arthritis, back pain, migraines and headaches, tennis elbow, digestive issues, and postural problems. Osteopathic treatment can also assist with sleep cycles and the nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic symptoms.

An Osteopath may use a variety of different hands-on methods. This includes spinal manipulation⁣, soft tissue massage techniques⁣, articulation – gentle rhythmic joint movements⁣, stretching muscles and joint capsules⁣, muscle energy techniques – encouraging muscles to work against resistance⁣, visceral manipulation – gentle movement of the abdominal and pelvic areas⁣, as well as cranio-sacral which is a focus on the small movement of the bone in the skull, face, jaw, spine and pelvis.⁣

Osteopathy can be suitable for many people, from the newborn to the older person, as well as those with more complex medical concerns.⁣