Osteopathy

Osteopathy, also known as osteopathic medicine, takes a holistic approach to health and stresses the importance of the musculoskeletal system to a person’s health and wellbeing. The aim of treatment is to support the body’s own capacity to heal.

In many places osteopathy is a regulated health profession, and osteopaths are required to be registered and to complete recognised training before they can practise. Where registration applies, patients can usually check that their osteopath is registered.

What osteopathy can help with#

Osteopaths can manage a range of conditions, including:

• neck and back pain
• arthritis
• sciatica
• headaches
• vertigo
• repetitive strain and overuse injuries
• pregnancy-related discomfort
• tendonitis
• sports injuries

Because osteopaths believe that many conditions may have a musculoskeletal link, osteopathy may also help with a wider range of problems.

Biomechanics and osteopathy#

The study of biomechanics, how each part of the musculoskeletal system interacts with and influences every other part, is central to osteopathy. Any joint or muscle injury is treated as part of the whole body, because other parts of the musculoskeletal system are also affected.

For example, an ankle injury may cause a person to limp and favour the other foot. Over time, this imbalance can lead to other problems, such as soreness in the other ankle, knee or hip, or back pain. An osteopath can devise a treatment plan that takes your whole musculoskeletal system into account.

Attention is also given to other systems of the body, such as the circulatory, nervous and lymphatic systems, because these all play significant roles in the healing process.

Hands-on osteopathic treatment#

An osteopath focuses on your whole body, including the soft tissues (such as muscles, ligaments and tendons), the spine and the nervous system. They may use a variety of hands-on methods, including:

• spinal manipulation
• soft tissue massage techniques
• articulation – gentle, rhythmic joint movements
• stretching of muscles and joint capsules
• muscle energy techniques – encouraging muscles to work against resistance
• visceral manipulation – gentle movement of the abdominal and pelvic areas

Because osteopathic techniques include gentle approaches, they can be suitable for many people, from newborns to older adults, and for those with complex medical problems.

Although osteopathy is best known as a hands-on therapy, osteopaths may also refer you to other healthcare providers and can offer advice on injury prevention, pain management and rehabilitation.

Lifestyle and environmental factors#

Osteopathy encourages you to take responsibility for your own long-term health and wellbeing, and can help you identify which lifestyle and environmental factors may be contributing to your condition. These may include poor posture, stress or the need for more suitable, ergonomic furniture.

An osteopath may suggest a range of treatments, including individual exercise routines, relaxation techniques or body awareness sessions that show you how to move your body in gentler ways.

Special considerations#

In some conditions, such as prolapsed discs, joint infections or bone disease, manipulation may not be appropriate. Your osteopath will ask about your medical history so they can treat you in the context of your overall health.

Where to get help#