Osteopaths rely on their hands to identify tensions and imbalances throughout the body. The approach, which is both curative AND preventive, is based on (1) a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology and (2) a holistic view of the human body.
WHEN SHOULD I CONSULT AN OSTEOPATH ?
This is a list of some of the many reasons to consult an osteopath, but don’t hesitate to consult for any discomfort, whether or not there is a readily identifiable physical cause.
- Orthopedic and musculoskeletal systems:
- The neurological system:
- The cardiovascular system:
- The digestive system:
- The genitourinary system:
- The ENT (ears, nose, throat) and pulmonary system:
- The autonomic nervous system:
- After a trauma:
OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT
1. An osteopathic evaluation begins with careful questioning (type of pain, medical history, other current treatments). 2. The evaluation proceeds with a clinical examination to identify the problem and ensure that osteopathic treatment is appropriate. 3. The treatment itself can take from 45 to 60 minutes, during which time the osteopath provides explanations and answers any questions. 4. After the treatment, the osteopath makes specific recommendations, e.g., concerning diet or exercise.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Craniosacral therapy is an osteopathic speciality involving the back of the skull and the base of the spine: it’s sometimes called ‘cranial osteopathy.’ It’s commonly applied to infants, including newborns, but anyone can benefit from the treatment. The osteopath uses touch to sense rhythmic movements in the skull, palpating to determine quality and range. These alternating movements are called the Primary Respiratory Mechanism.
WHO SHOULD SEE AN OSTEOPATH ?
· Babies and children:frequent spitting up, diarrhea or constipation, difficulty sleeping through the night, chronic bronchitis or ear infections, asymmetry of the head or body, congenital torticollis (wryneck)…
· Pregnant women:Prevention: Treatment of the muscles and ligaments of the pelvis and the pelvic floor to allow optimum movement during childbirth…Healing: treatment of back pain caused by postural changes, respiratory and digestive problems (abdominal flexibility), sciatica…
· After pregnancy:“baby blues”, digestive disorders, pain (in the pelvis, in the tailbone, after an episiotomy, during intercourse)…
· Teenagers:malpositioned teeth and apparatus, posture, scoliosis…
· Sports:Prevention: “check up” and counselling before an event…Healing: precise rebalancing after a shock or a fall, joint pain, tennis elbow, groin pain, failure to heal…
· Road Accidents:the repercussions of whiplash, headaches, balance problems… (after medical imaging)
· After surgery:localized pain, keloid scars, impaired overall functioning…
· Senior citizens:fight the negative effects of osteoarthritis, improve the spinal curve by working on the “soft tissues” (muscles, ligaments, fascia)