The osteopathic approach of treatment is to focus on your body’s natural tendency towards health and self-healing.
Your osteopathic consultation contains assessment of the region of pain or concern as well as the surrounding regions to ensure a more accurate diagnosis and treatment. This follows the osteopathic principle that the body functions as a unit; not one area or system works in isolation.
After assessment is performed and if safe to proceed, treatment can commence. Treatment will be different for each patient depending on what your osteopath feels will benefit your presentation.
Some of the techniques that may be utilised but are not limited to treatment include:
- Articulation
- Counterstrain
- Craniosacral therapy
- Dry needling
- High velocity, low amplitude (HVLA)- also known as manipulations
- Muscle energy technique (MET)
- Myofascial release
- Soft tissue technique
Before any treatments are performed, your osteopath will discuss their proposed treatment plan and you have the opportunity to voice any worries. If there are certain techniques that you are uncomfortable with, you are able to voice these concerns with your treating practitioner any time during the consultation.
Alternatively, if your osteopath professionally feels that certain techniques should not be adopted as they may compromise your safety, an alternative treatment may be discussed to ensure safe practices.
Along with the treatment, your osteopath may also identify any factors that could be contributing to your complaint (i.e work and lifestyle habits) and provide appropriate advice and rehabilitation.
