Osteopathy - Elements of Therapy

Osteopathy is a manipulative therapy that works onThere 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 completethe 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 inter­related(touch) and movement, and joint testing, but
and mutually inter­dependent. Because of this,sometimes it may be necessary for further tests or
problems that affect one part of the structural bodyX-rays at a hospital.
upset the balance of the body generally, and also theTreatment There is a wide range of techniques used.
emotions. Similarly, internal problems can revealHowever, some osteopaths favor one or more
them­selves in the body's structure as it adaptsparticular forms of treatment. The techniques and
to accommodate pain, discomfort, or disease.the amount of pressure used will be adapted by the
Elements of Therapypractitioner to suit particular conditions.
Diagnosis Diagnosis is made by the practitioner askingManipulative 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 andtherefore, include long-lever and short-lever actions.
posture, evaluating the way the body functionsOsteopaths use many techniques depending on the
before checking parts such as the spine, hips, andstate and also the position of the muscles being
legs. Joints will be tested to establish how well andtreated, and each one is carefully calculated and
with what ease they move, and the osteopath willexecuted with engineering precision.
palpate the tissue as it moves. This is known asRead out for Strength ball training.
active movement testing.