Our body operates like a finely tuned machine. Each component needs to work seamlessly for overall health. If one part fails, it can throw the whole system off-balance. Osteopathy offers a remedy to such issues. The word osteopathy itself comes from the Greek “osteon” for bone and “pathos” for suffering.
In the 19th century, Dr. Andrew Taylor founded the practice of osteopathy on the fundamental idea that our bodies function as an integrated whole. Osteopathic philosophy suggests that problems in one part of the body can have ripple effects elsewhere.
Did you know that our bones, soft tissues, and ligaments are crucial for our well-being? Osteopathy places emphasis on the health of the entire body, not just specific problematic areas. Osteopaths are highly trained experts who have a thorough understanding of the body’s musculature, joints, and the intricate details of each tissue and ligament, working to enhance our overall health.
In this article, we’ll explore the nature of osteopathy and the conditions it addresses.
The Difference Between Osteopathy and Chiropractic Care
It’s common for people to mix up osteopathy with chiropractic services. Though chiropractors can also address back pain, they often do so with a focus on adjusting the spine and joints. In contrast, osteopathic physicians take a more comprehensive approach, assessing the patient’s total physical well-being. Increasingly, osteopathic services are available globally through various providers, such as Osteopath Croydon.
Osteopathic Manipulation
As stated by the American Osteopathic Association, osteopathic manipulation is a technique where practitioners use movement, resistance, and stretching among other methods to treat their patients. For instance, just as a visit to the doctor for severe chest pain might reveal heart problems, osteopathy seeks to identify and treat underlying issues that can manifest as muscular pain, headaches, or back discomfort.
Interesting Facts about Osteopathy:
Osteopathy takes a holistic and drug-free approach to healthcare, concentrating on the body as a whole rather than isolating treatment to pain-affected areas alone.
The Procedure
Osteopathic treatment involves a series of steps that may include non-invasive techniques, employing the osteopath’s hands to restore balance and promote healing in the body. A cornerstone of their approach is OMM, short for osteopathic manipulative medicine. Osteopaths have the capacity to diagnose and treat various conditions, and if necessary, they may prescribe medication or recommend surgery.
During your initial session with an osteopath, ensure they are licensed by a respected national organization like the American Osteopathic Association in the United States. After reviewing your health concerns and history during your first visit, an osteopath may conduct a physical examination. This might require partial disrobing with a provided towel to ensure modesty.
The physical exam can take from half an hour to two hours, depending on your specific needs, and will conclude with a proposed treatment plan. Post-treatment, some patients might experience minor discomfort for a couple of days.
Considerations on Cost
Osteopathic treatment costs can vary based on factors such as insurance coverage, patient conditions, and the required number of sessions. Many insurance plans cover common osteopathic treatments such as those for back pain, which is increasingly prevalent due to factors like long hours at computers and insufficient exercise.
Sleep and Osteopathy
Inadequate sleep can disrupt the body’s numerous functions, and osteopathy may provide relief for sleep disturbances without reliance on medication or harmful chemicals.
Final Thoughts
Osteopathy is a health care approach that addresses the entire well-being of a person, providing relief for various issues from back pain to sleep disturbances. Some treatments might even be included in your health insurance coverage. We hope you’ve found this overview informative. For more health-related content, please browse other articles on our website.
