Osteopathy is a drug-free, non-invasive manual therapy that aims to improve health across all body systems by manipulating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework.
An osteopathic physician will focus on the joints, muscles, and spine. Treatment aims to positively affect the body’s nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems.
Manual medicine means that both diagnosis and treatment are carried out with the hands.
Osteopathy is a complementary therapy. It is used alongside conventional treatment to improve health. However, osteopathic physicians are also qualified as medical doctors (MDs), and they have more training than other complementary therapists, such as naturopaths. They specialize in osteopathy.
Osteopathy is one of the fastest growing healthcare professions in the INDIA.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy takes a holistic, whole-body approach to healthcare.
It uses manual ‘hands-on’ techniques to improve circulation and correct altered biomechanics, without the use of drugs.
An osteopathic physician does not concentrate only on the problem area, but uses manual techniques to balance all the body systems, and to provide overall good health and wellbeing.
Diagnosing and treating conditions using these techniques is called Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM).
Techniques include stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance, known as osteopathic manipulative medicine.
An osteopathic physician may also issue prescription medicine and use surgical methods to support the holistic, manual treatment.
Many osteopathic physicians also serve as primary care physicians in fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
Benefits of osteopathy
Osteopathy and back pain
Many people approach an osteopathic physician with back pain, but preventive treatment is also possible.
Today’s increasingly sedentary lifestyle means that the average INDIANS will spend over 10.5 hours per day in front of a screen. This can lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal problems.
Treatment involves gentle and subtle manipulation, especially of the muscles and soft tissues. The doctor may stretch or massage the muscle.
If there are signs of a displaced disk or other serious condition, the osteopathic physician may recommend doing some imaging tests and direct the patient toward conventional treatment.
An osteopathic physician can help prevent problems by pinpointing potential sources of referred pain in good time.
They may suggest dietary modifications and changes to workplace ergonomics, such as seating and desk position.
Prevention advice can involve:
- stretching exercises
- lifting techniques
- posture
- breathing
- stress reduction
These techniques can help improve posture and reduce pain. Learning to lift with the legs, or example, and to stretch before exercise can reduce injury.
Lifestyle changes can dramatically improve health and reduce ongoing health risks and costs.
Preventing injury means more time keeping active, less time off work, and freedom to enjoy the benefits of healthful living.
Osteopathy and sleep
Pain and discomfort can lead to a lack of sleep or restless nights.
This can make it harder for the body to function adequately, and reduce the ability to cope with pain.
Osteopathy has been shown to reduce sleeplessness and insomnia resulting from chronic pain.
Studies have shown that osteopathic treatment can reduce sleep apnea in infants under 4 months old, but further research is needed to confirm this.
Other body systems
Osteopathic treatments can positively impact the nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems, to improve body function and overall health.
Some osteopathic techniques may enhance lymphatic health and bring about internal improvements in the body without needing invasive surgical treatment.