| Osteopathy is a manipulative therapy that works on | | | | There will also be passive movement testing, which |
| the body's structure (the skeleton, muscles, | | | | means feeling the body's response to the |
| ligaments, and connective tissue) to relieve pain, | | | | movements of sitting, standing, walking, and so on. |
| improve mobility, and restore all-round health. | | | | The way in which movement is restricted can reveal |
| Osteopaths believe that we function as a complete | | | | the cause of a problem. The main physical |
| working system - our body structure, organs, | | | | examination is carried out by means of palpation |
| systems, mind, and emotions are all interÂrelated | | | | (touch) and movement, and joint testing, but |
| and mutually interÂdependent. Because of this, | | | | sometimes it may be necessary for further tests or |
| problems that affect one part of the structural body | | | | X-rays at a hospital. |
| upset the balance of the body generally, and also the | | | | Treatment There is a wide range of techniques used. |
| emotions. Similarly, internal problems can reveal | | | | However, some osteopaths favor one or more |
| themÂselves in the body's structure as it adapts | | | | particular forms of treatment. The techniques and |
| to accommodate pain, discomfort, or disease. | | | | the amount of pressure used will be adapted by the |
| Elements of Therapy | | | | practitioner to suit particular conditions. |
| Diagnosis Diagnosis is made by the practitioner asking | | | | Manipulative techniques used by the osteopath |
| numerous questions and listening to the responses. | | | | involve both direct contact and indirect contact and, |
| He or she will then assess body framework and | | | | therefore, include long-lever and short-lever actions. |
| posture, evaluating the way the body functions | | | | Osteopaths use many techniques depending on the |
| before checking parts such as the spine, hips, and | | | | state and also the position of the muscles being |
| legs. Joints will be tested to establish how well and | | | | treated, and each one is carefully calculated and |
| with what ease they move, and the osteopath will | | | | executed with engineering precision. |
| palpate the tissue as it moves. This is known as | | | | Read out for Strength ball training. |
| active movement testing. | | | | |