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