Taking a deeper look into Osteopathic Manual Therapy
Osteopathic Manual Therapy is a hands-on therapy that has been around since the 1870’s. Practitioners look at the relationship between the imbalances in the human structure that contribute to the development of disease or dysfunction. Poor posture, injuries, or age can change the positioning of the body’s boney framework. When this happens, we can see physiological effects as it can restrict the pathway of the nerves and other vessels in that area.
The body is a dynamic unit of function; which means that everything is interconnected and works together. When one area of your body is not working correctly, it can cause a chain reaction that affects other areas. For example, if the neck is side bent to one side then the nerves, arteries, veins, and lymph vessels will be compressed, affecting the fluid flow and nerve function of that area. If the nerves and vessels are restricted in the neck, then other areas that are supplied by the same vessels will be affected as well; such as the head, arm, and upper thoracic region. The same way building a dam slows down the flow of water in a river. This is why Osteopathic Manual Therapy looks beyond your symptoms to identify the source of the problem.
Osteopathic treatment is based off the objective findings of the human body. Through palpitation and movement analysis, along with an in-depth understanding of anatomy and physiology, the practitioner can assess where restrictions in the body are present. Limited joint range of motion, muscle tension, asymmetry, tissue temperature, and inflammation are all findings that the practitioner can use to help identify the source. Through gentle techniques, the practitioner will work through the fascia, soft tissue, and ligamentous restrictions in order to rebalance the bodies framework so that it can function as it was designed too. The human body is self-regulating and self-healing- and will strive for health if given the chance. Our role as practitioners is to encourage the self-healing capacity through manual treatment.
Many insurance companies will cover Osteopathic Manual Therapy. However, not all osteopathic training is the same. It is important to do your research before seeking a treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set the standards for osteopathic education for decades. The private insurance industry has aligned with these WHO benchmarks and only recognizes osteopathic practitioners who have graduated from reputable schools that meet these standards. The Type 1 standards require Osteopathic Manual Practitioners to have a minimum of 4 years of osteopathic education. The education must total a minimum of 4200 hours, and include a minimum of 1000 hours of supervises clinical practice and training.
Benefits of Osteopathic Manual Therapy include:
Reduced pain and inflammation
Improved joint health and mobility
Better digestion
Reduced headaches and migraines
Injury prevention
Improved posture
Osteopathic treatment is highly individualized, with practitioners assessing and treating based on the unique needs and conditions of each patient. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or just looking to improve your overall health; Osteopathic Manual Therapy can help you take control of your health and wellness.
