An Osteopath: The #1 Ultimate Guide To What They Do and How They Can Help You
Are you curious about what an osteopath does?
If so, you are in the right place.
This article details osteopaths’ work, how they treat various conditions, and how you can benefit from their care.
Key Takeaways
- An osteopath specializes in treating musculoskeletal problems using hands-on techniques. They help relieve pain and improve mobility through gentle techniques that restore muscle function, improve joint movement, maintain flexibility and help enhance nervous system regulation in the human body.
Osteopathy emphasizes the interconnectedness of your body’s systems, focusing on your musculoskeletal and nervous system systems to promote self-healing through noninvasive manual and specialized techniques.
- Osteopaths’ holistic approach considers the entire body and its interconnected systems. They diagnose imbalances and create tailored treatment plans to improve health and prevent future conditions.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) employs hands-on approaches to alleviate pain, improve function, and support recovery from various musculoskeletal conditions.
Regulation and recognition of Osteopathy vary globally. Some countries have formalized it as a health profession, while others, including Ontario and the rest of Canada, continue to define its legal status. Most practitioners in Canada who practice Osteopathy are known as Osteopathic Manual practitioners.
What Is an Osteopath?
Osteopathic medicine focuses on the connection between your body’s structure and function. The structure emphasizes that anatomy, including your musculoskeletal and nervous systems, affects functioning and your body’s healing ability.
Osteopaths evaluate your musculoskeletal and nervous systems using observation, palpation, muscle resistance testing, and joint and spinal mobility analysis.
Osteopaths use the principle that structure affects function to treat you with various osteopathic manual techniques. They focus on helping your body to help itself, using osteopathic manipulative techniques and more specialized techniques, such as Cranial Osteopathy and Trauma-informed Osteopathy, to enhance bodily functions and overall health.
Let us look at the types of osteopathic manuals and specialized techniques the osteopaths use.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
An illustration showing Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a hands-on approach osteopathic manual practitioners use to treat physical and physiological illnesses through physical manipulation. By restoring healthy musculoskeletal and nervous system function, OMT aims to alleviate pain, improve health, and promote self-healing.
OMT techniques include a variety of manual maneuvers, such as high velocity, low amplitude manipulation, joint and spinal mobilization, muscle energy techniques, myofascial release, and other specialized techniques. These treatments are especially effective for musculoskeletal pain disorders and can also help with physiological symptoms such as bloating and constipation.
Research supports the effectiveness of OMT.
A 2014 meta-analysis found moderate-quality evidence that OMT reduces pain and improves functional status. Additionally, the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that manipulation is an effective treatment for chronic low back pain.
Let us look at some of these OMTs and specialized techniques, starting with Muscle energy techniques.
Muscle Energy Techniques
Muscle energy techniques are an osteopathic manipulative treatment involving alternating contraction and relaxation of muscles to enhance joint range of motion and improve joint mobility. This technique involves actively using your muscles at the osteopathic practitioner’s request, alternating between contraction and relaxation.
Muscle energy techniques primarily increase joint range of motion and reduce muscle tension. This method is beneficial for treating musculoskeletal pain and improving overall mobility.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is another osteopathic technique for addressing muscle immobility and pain. This method applies gentle pressure to your myofascial connective tissue, a web of connective tissue that encases muscles. The aim is to stimulate stretch reflexes and increase blood circulation, promoting your body’s self-healing mechanisms, alleviating pain and restoring range of motion
Myofascial release is effective for chronic lower back pain.
High-velocity, Low-Amplitude (HVLA) Manipulation
High-velocity, Low-Amplitude (HVLA) manipulation is a precise technique for treating joint dysfunction. This method applies a rapid force within a joint’s range to restore function and alleviate pain.
HVLA manipulation is especially beneficial for joint stiffness and immobility.
Specialized Techniques in Manual Therapy
Some osteopathic practitioners use specialized techniques such as Cranial Osteopathy and Emotional Release Techniques.
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy is a popular Osteopathy that involves gentle manipulation applied to the head and spine to harmonize the forces at work within our bodies. Highly skilled practitioners use their hands to gently mobilize the neck and skull, releasing stress and tension.
To date, substantial anecdotal but no high-level scientific evidence shows the effectiveness of cranial osteopathy.
Trauma-informed Osteopathy
Trauma-informed Osteopathy is a hands-on technique where osteopathic manual practitioners use resistant testing and acupressure to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal and nervous system dysfunction areas. The reason for dysfunction is often due to unresolved childhood trauma, which can cause symptoms, such as chronic pain, in adults.
Identifying and helping your body process the trauma can help bring proper function to your muscles and nervous system, creating space for healing, easing pain and helping you achieve optimal health.
To date, there is anecdotal but no high-level scientific evidence showing the effectiveness of trauma-informed osteopathy.
These techniques help regulate a person’s nervous system by helping the body process past emotional trauma memory patterns, blocking the body’s innate healing.
Let us explore which conditions osteopathic manual practitioners treat.
Conditions Treated by Osteopaths
An illustration of a woman with chronic shoulder pain.
Osteopaths treat various musculoskeletal and can help physiological and emotional conditions, strongly emphasizing holistic care.
Musculoskeletal symptoms such as chronic and acute pain, particularly in the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, hips, knees, ankles, and feet, are common reasons for seeking osteopathic treatment. Osteopathic manual practitioners also manage conditions like frozen shoulder pain, tennis elbow, and TMJ issues, which are often related to emotional and physical trauma and repetitive strain. Additionally, they address headaches and poor posture, which can significantly impact quality of life.
Osteopaths help manage sports injuries and aid recovery from hip or knee surgeries and road traffic accidents. They also address joint pain and stiffness, which is helpful for osteoarthritic joints and leads to improved joint mobility.
Physiological symptoms that you may visit an osteopathic manual practitioner for include abdominal pain, acid reflux, asthma, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, migraines, seasonal allergies, and sleep problems, to name a few.
Osteopaths focus on regulating the function of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems and, in turn, helping the body help itself; they provide comprehensive care that supports overall health.
Let us now explore the differences between osteopaths and chiropractors.
Osteopath vs. Chiropractor
Knowing the differences between osteopathic manual practitioners and chiropractors can help you make informed healthcare decisions.
Osteopaths complete a four-year program focusing heavily on anatomy and physiology. They generally avoid high-velocity joint manipulations, preferring gentle manual and specialized techniques such as Cranial Osteopathy. Chiropractors often emphasize spinal alignment and joint functionality, frequently using high-velocity adjustments.
While chiropractors focus on improving the function of the spine as an avenue to healing, osteopaths, on the other hand, consider the entire musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Potentially, this provides a more comprehensive path to healing, similar to the root-cause approach of Functional medicine practitioners.
Let us now explore the training and education of osteopaths
Training and Education
Training and education requirements for osteopaths vary globally.
Training programs in manual osteopathy in Ontario, like the rest of Canada, are offered at private colleges with varying standards. For example, the Canadian College of Osteopathy in Toronto requires four years of on-campus training followed by supervised clinical days and a research project. In contrast, the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton requires four years of on-campus training.
Aspiring osteopaths in Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand complete a Bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Osteopathy. Accredited osteopathy programs typically last four to five years and include extensive training in manual therapy and osteopathic techniques.
In Germany, non-physician osteopaths undergo 1200 hours of training, focusing significantly on manual therapy. Finland requires a minimum of four years of education. These programs ensure osteopaths are well-equipped to diagnose and treat various health conditions with specialized skills.
Let us now look at the cost of an osteopathic treatment.
Cost of Osteopathic Treatment
The cost of osteopathic treatments in Ontario varies depending on the practitioner’s experiences and location. Patients should check if their clinic accepts their insurance and understand the available payment options.
Insurance ensures osteopathic care is accessible and affordable.
Let us now look at the benefits of seeing an osteopathic practitioner.
Benefits of Seeing an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner
An illustration showing the benefits of Osteopathy.
Osteopathy offers numerous benefits, including relieving pain, making it a valuable addition to modern healthcare.
One primary goal of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is to reduce the need for pain medications in patients with musculoskeletal injuries.
Osteopathic treatments improve joint mobility, relieve muscle tension, increase blood flow to tissues, and help regulate the nervous system, enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.
Osteopaths treat the body as an interconnected system. This approach is particularly beneficial for headaches and migraines, which may be linked to musculoskeletal issues.
Osteopathy is a non-invasive treatment that promotes better health and well-being by addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction.
Let us now look at the risks and considerations when seeing an osteopathic manual practitioner.
Risks and Considerations
While generally safe, there are some risks and considerations when seeing an osteopathic manual practitioner.
Typical sensations after treatment include stiffness and soreness, which typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. In rare cases, serious complications like strokes or severe pain can occur, especially with spinal manipulation.
Patients should discuss their health conditions with their osteopaths to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Lets now look at the regulation of osteopathy.
Regulation and Legal Status
Osteopathy’s regulation and legal status vary significantly worldwide.
Manual osteopathy (non-medical) is not a recognized regulated health profession in Ontario.
It is a formally regulated profession in the UK, USA, Australia, and New Zealand. The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) oversees it in the UK, ensuring practitioners meet high standards of care. Similarly, it is a government-recognized health profession with title protection in France.
However, recognition and regulation of Osteopathy remain unclear in many other countries. For instance, as of February 2014, the status of Osteopathy in Belgium remains unresolved. Osteopathy gained recognition as a health profession in Finland in 1994. This acknowledgment marked an essential step for the field in Finland.
Legal status and governing bodies are crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of osteopathic care worldwide.
Let us now look at what factors to consider when choosing an osteopath.
How to Choose an Osteopath
An illustration showing someone making a choice.
Choosing the right osteopath involves several considerations. You should find a practitioner who aligns with your health goals and offers various treatment approaches. Reading online reviews can provide insights into a practitioner’s reputation and quality of care. Assessing the clinic’s cleanliness, organization, and convenience for regular visits is also essential.
It is essential to select an osteopath based on verified credentials and relevant experience treating specific conditions. Considering these factors ensures you receive high-quality, effective osteopathic care that meets their needs.
Summary
Osteopathy offers a holistic and noninvasive approach to healthcare, emphasizing the body’s structural ability to heal itself.
Through techniques like OMT, muscle energy techniques, myofascial release, HVLA manipulation, and specialized techniques such as trauma-formed osteopathy, osteopaths can effectively treat various conditions, from chronic pain to sports injuries.
Osteopathy’s benefits include pain relief, improved mobility, and overall health enhancement.
Understanding the differences between osteopaths and chiropractors, the training and education required, and the costs involved can help you make informed decisions about your care.
By choosing a qualified and experienced osteopath, you can experience the full benefits of this integrative approach to health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is osteopathic medicine?
Osteopathic medicine prioritizes the interconnectedness of body structure and function, particularly emphasizing the musculoskeletal and nervous systems to enhance the body’s self-healing abilities. This holistic approach distinguishes it from conventional medical practices.
What conditions can osteopaths treat?
Osteopaths effectively treat conditions such as chronic pain, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, headaches, and sports injuries. This approach can significantly enhance overall well-being and alleviate discomfort.
How does Osteopathy differ from chiropractic care?
Osteopathy takes a holistic approach and avoids high-velocity manipulations, whereas chiropractic care emphasizes spinal alignment and often employs such adjustments. Therefore, their methodologies and treatment focus differ significantly.
What are the benefits of Osteopathy?
Osteopathy provides significant advantages such as pain relief, enhanced joint mobility, improved circulation and nervous system regulation through a holistic approach to health. These benefits contribute to overall well-being and functionality.
What should I consider when choosing an osteopath?
When choosing an osteopath, it is essential to evaluate the practitioner’s treatment philosophy, examine patient reviews, and assess the practitioner’s credentials and relevant experience in addressing your specific condition. These factors will help ensure you receive appropriate and effective care.
Now It’s Time To Hear From You
Do you have any other questions about what an osteopathic manual practitioner does or how they might help you?
Let me know in the comments below.
Do you need help?
If you live in Ottawa and want extra help, I suggest you book a free osteopathy discovery session to discuss whether my Osteopathy approach can help.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Please do not apply this information without first speaking with your doctor.