Osteopathic Manual Therapy
Osteopathy, a manual therapy focused on enhancing the body's natural healing abilities, has been proven effective in treating a range of physical ailments including joint pain, low back pain, sciatica, some types of neck pain and headache, minor injuries, cramp, digestive problems, circulatory issues, osteoarthritic and rheumatic pain, nerve pain, and fibromyalgia. Additionally, research suggests that osteopathic treatment can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation, which is increasingly relevant in today's fast-paced world.
Developed in the 19th century by American physician, farmer, and abolitionist Andrew Taylor Still, osteopathy emerged as a drug-free medical approach following Still's personal tragedy of losing three children to spinal meningitis. After dedicating a decade to the meticulous study of human anatomy, Still developed precise anatomical manipulations aimed at counteracting disease processes. He publicly introduced osteopathy as a medical philosophy in 1874 and founded the American School of Osteopathy in Kirsville, Missouri in 1892, which now is A.T. Still University. In the following decades, graduates of Still's school disseminated osteopathy throughout the U.S., Canada, Britain, and other countries.
If you are looking for a qualified osteopath in Kelowna, consider exploring the benefits of osteopathy for your physical and mental well-being. With its proven track record of treating a range of physical conditions and promoting relaxation, osteopathy can be a valuable addition to your healthcare regimen.
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According to Still's observation, the foundation of osteopathy is the correlation between the form and function of anatomical structures. Any changes in the structure, whether caused by trauma, poor posture, or other factors, can significantly affect its function. One of the most critical elements in this relationship is movement, as any restrictions in the body's ability to move can reduce its ability to function effectively. This reduction in function can lead to compensations in other areas, eventually leading to tissue damage, pain, and other symptoms. Therefore, osteopathic philosophy regards reduced mobility as the root cause of many diseases, rather than a consequence of symptoms.
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This perspective on the body is grounded in the belief that movement restrictions, including stiffness and soft tissue changes such as "knots" in muscles, hinder circulation to and from the affected area. This lack of circulation leads to a reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients necessary for cellular activity, and the lymph vessels are limited in their ability to flush waste products and inflammatory chemicals from the space between cells. This deficiency and stagnation negatively impact tissue function and maintenance while reducing the immune system's ability to ward off disease. As a result, the affected tissues become susceptible to disease agents and infections.
If you are in Kelowna and seeking an osteopath, you may benefit from exploring the principles of osteopathy, which aim to address the root cause of physical dysfunction through manual therapy. By improving mobility and function, osteopathic treatment can alleviate pain and other symptoms while promoting overall health and well-being.
What Does Osteopathy Feel Like?
In accordance with the principles of Osteopathic philosophy, the goal of treatment is to identify and eliminate movement dysfunctions and their associated compensations, while improving circulation and allowing the body's natural healing process to function optimally. Manual osteopaths utilize gentle, hands-on techniques to restore mobility to tissues and structures that are restricted. Depending on the techniques employed, each session may have a distinct feel and appearance. For instance, "articulations" involve large, rhythmic circular movements that gently stretch the body and promote relaxation, while also balancing the nervous system. "Muscle energy" techniques utilize resisted muscular contractions, followed by relaxation and progressive stretching, to address tissue restrictions. "Functional" techniques apply sustained, gentle pressure to soft tissues or either side of the joint, holding them in place until they release. In "cranial" techniques, which inspired craniosacral therapy, the focus is on listening to the strains, tensions, and restrictions held in the tissues and facilitating their resolution through subtle manipulations. While some patients may immediately feel their tissues releasing during treatment, others may not notice a significant change until after the session.
What Can I Expect from my First Visit?
During a typical first session with an osteopath in Kelowna, the patient's reasons for seeking treatment, medical history, lifestyle, diet, sleep, and general health are discussed in-depth. This is followed by a physical examination to determine the cause of the complaint, during which the patient may choose to undress to their underwear. Active and passive movement of the affected areas, as well as palpation of the involved tissues, are typically used to identify the specific areas of restriction responsible for the patient's complaint. Based on the patient's needs and preferences, treatment plans are devised for each specific case, usually involving a blend of different techniques. However, patients with definite preferences are welcome to request whatever approach suits them best.