Osteopathy aims to relieve pain and promote the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It involves hands-on manipulation techniques of the body’s musculoskeletal framework, including the spine, joints and soft tissue. This approach has a number of health benefits and can help with various issues, from musculoskeletal problems to digestive and emotional complaints.
There are several different osteopathic treatment techniques, which include visceral manipulation (massaging of the abdominal organs), myofascial release (releasing tension in the damaged fascia), and cranial osteopathy (addressing the nervous system and the skeletal structure). Your therapist will choose which treatment methods to apply during your session. They will also take into account the state of your general wellbeing and whether the treatment is right for you.
One of the most commonly used osteopathic treatments is called rib raising, which involves moving your body’s ribcage into its correct position. During the technique, your osteopathic practitioner holds the hands in a position that allows them to gain proximity to the thoracic chain ganglia and encourages them to move into their correct position. The osteopathic physician gently manipulates the ribcage, and then moves their hands to subsequent ribs until soft tissue releases.
Another popular osteopathic treatment is muscle energy technique, which involves a gentle yet firm contraction and release of specific muscles. This can improve the function of the primary respiratory mechanism, balance cerebrospinal fluid flow and support parasympathetic regulation. It has been shown to reduce sleeplessness and insomnia resulting from chronic pain.