Osteopathy, or Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment (OMT), is a physical practice used to treat a wide range of health conditions through the manipulation of the body.
What is Osteopathic Medicine?
Or, more specifically, what is osteopathic manipulation? It’s a practice that focuses on carefully manipulating the body’s underlying tissues to boost the natural function and circulation of the body’s systems. This helps ease pain in the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues and can be used to diagnose and help with many medical conditions.
The techniques of Osteopathy are founded on the idea that all body systems depend on each other to maintain good health. The underlying ideas of the practice were developed by the physician Andrew Taylor Still in 1874, who emphasized the importance of the musculoskeletal system in providing an avenue toward better internal healing.
The general principles of OMT differ slightly from program to program, but are as follows:
- The body can be thought of as a whole. A person is made up of a unified body, mind, and spirit.
- The body is capable of self-regulation and self-healing. Our bodies can treat many common illnesses on their own.
- The structure and function of different systems in the body are interrelated.
- The principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelation of structure and function make up Osteopathy.
These principles guide osteopathic practitioners in their approach to patient care. They emphasize treating each person as a whole rather than just their symptoms.
In Canada, the term "osteopath" refers specifically to practitioners of osteopathic manual therapy. Osteopaths in Canada complete a 4-5 year program in osteopathic manual practice and pursue clinical work before starting their own practice. They are trained to use their hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury through osteopathic manipulation treatment (OMT).
Canadian Osteopathic programs also typically include clinical training. During this training, practitioners do extensive hands-on clinical work under the tutelage of other trained Osteopaths.
Understanding Osteopathic Manipulation
In osteopathic manipulative treatment, techniques such as stretching, gentle pressure, and checking for resistance are used to diagnose and treat various blockages within the body's systems. Treatment typically involves stimulating blood flow and circulation of the body’s various systems like lymphatic fluid to promote internal healing.
With osteopathic manipulative medicine, diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination, before moving on to a hands-on approach in search of specific issues. Osteopaths can detect subtle changes in tissue texture, asymmetry, restriction of motion, and tenderness in completing their diagnoses. After completing their assessment, these findings, known as somatic dysfunctions, will then guide their approach to your treatment.
It helps directly relieve the following bodily systems:
- Blood flow and lymphatic drainage
- Nerve function
- Joint mobility
- Respiratory mechanics
- Immune system function
Common Manipulation Techniques
Osteopathic manipulative therapy uses the following:
- Soft Tissue Technique: The foundational technique of osteopathy, this technique involves applying pressure to muscles and connective tissues to relieve tension and improve the body’s circulation. Sometimes, the technique can also include the kneading and stretching of muscles and rhythmic pressing and releasing, depending on the practitioner.
- Myofascial Release: A gentle, sustained pressure applied to loosen and lengthen the fascia (connective tissues) around your muscles and organs. Another foundational technique, myofascial release, can help improve flexibility and reduce pain.
- Counterstrain: This technique involves positioning the body to relax specific muscles using tension and release. The practitioner will provide a position for you to hold, then allows the body to tense and hold briefly before slowly returning you to a neutral position.
- Cranial Sacral Therapy: This gentle technique involves manipulating the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis to help the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the body. Although it sounds strange to some, it’s relaxing and unobtrusive.
- Lymphatic Techniques: These involve gentle, rhythmic pressure to promote the flow of your lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps to clean up and redistribute fluids in the body, keeping the body’s circulation clean and healthy.
Any combination of these may be used to address your specific needs and conditions. The ultimate choice of techniques depends on a variety of factors, such as your age, overall health, and the nature of your ailments.
Your First Session of Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy
Before you begin your first treatment osteopathic manipulative treatment, you can expect a thorough evaluation by your osteopath to assess your health and physical condition.
- In this initial consultation, your osteopath will look at your medical history and perform a physical examination, paying special attention to your musculoskeletal system.
a.This initial assessment will help them to diagnose areas of particular concern in your body which helps them to construct a tailored treatment plan that works specifically for your body and concerns. - Next, in your first session of treatment, you will be asked either to sit or lie down as the practitioner begins to work with your body. They will use their hands to gently apply pressure and manipulate different areas of the body, testing the motion of your muscles, joints, and other tissues. These techniques can range from a light touch to firm pressure and stretching.
- A typical OMT session lasts from 30 - 60 minutes.
a. The range depends on the complexity of your condition and what can be accomplished in one session.
b. The frequency of treatments you get also depends on individual preferences and conditions: some people benefit from weekly sessions, while others may only need to come in on an as-needed basis.
After a treatment session, you may feel some immediate relief, but the full effect won’t occur until a few days later. Some patients also experience mild soreness a day or two after treatment, similar to the feeling of a good workout.
Benefits and Applications of Osteopathic Manipulation
Osteopathic manipulation is used to treat a wide range of conditions, from musculoskeletal issues to systemic disorders. Common applications include but are not limited to:
- Back pain and neck pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Joint pain and arthritis
- Asthma and respiratory issues
- Digestive problems
- Menstrual pain
- Sinus disorders
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Research has shown promising results for the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative therapy. A 2016 review of 307 studies published by the American Osteopathic Association found that OMT significantly reduced low back pain in various patient groups. On a more general level, a 2022 study found evidence that the treatment helped alleviate a wide range of health conditions and provided an overall increase in health.
Osteopathic Manipulation in Healthcare
Osteopathic manipulation offers a unique approach to healthcare that combines modern medical knowledge with hands-on diagnostic and treatment techniques. More studies and information are coming out annually that reveal new levels of its effectiveness.
We hope that a better understanding of osteopathic manipulative therapy can open up new perspectives on health and healing for patients and practitioners alike. As with any medical treatment, it's essential to consult with qualified healthcare professionals to determine if this treatment is right for you.