Osteopathy - Resolving blockages with hands
Osteopathy - Resolving Blockages with Hands
Osteopathy is an independent form of medicine where diagnosis and treatment are performed with the hands. It was founded over 140 years ago by the American physician Andrew Taylor Still and has been continuously developed since then. Particularly significant are the fasciae, thin connective tissue sheaths. Through them, causes are found, whose complaints often occur elsewhere. According to Osteopathy, fasciae can transmit changes and thereby resolve blockages and promote health.
What does an Osteopath do?
The Osteopath begins his work with a preliminary discussion, in which a medical history is taken. After the diagnosis, treatment follows with the hands. He palpates the human tissue layer by layer. Thus, the Osteopath senses deeper structures such as muscles, fasciae, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and the internal organs. Depending on the treatment, he has a variety of manual techniques available, which are divided into three main groups:
- Structural Techniques
- Visceral Techniques
- Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy
In structural techniques, Osteopaths try to recognize a differentiated diagnosis of functional and structural disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Through manual techniques, such as manipulations, that is, the "realigning" of blocked spinal segments or soft tissue techniques, the body's own regulatory mechanisms are activated in Osteopathy. This restores the self-organization of the body. Visceral techniques are used in Osteopathy to restore the inherent mobility and interaction of the individual organs. In Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy, the therapist assumes that rhythmic movements can be felt between the individual connected parts of the skull. He tries to perceive this rhythm through his hands and thus capture areas of movement restrictions. The Osteopath follows the movement until a noticeable relaxation occurs and a "normal" rhythm is established.
Which therapy table is suitable for the Osteopath?
The Therapy Table SPLIT by Coinfycare is perfectly suited for osteopathic applications. For a comfortable prone position for the patient and to relieve the neck muscles, the therapy table features an adjustable headrest including a nose slot and cushion, as well as lowerable armrests. The leg section can be angled up to 85°, thus the SPLIT can quickly be transformed into a chair. Additionally, a Trendelenburg position can be adjusted continuously to enable osteopathic manipulations. The high-quality padding is firm, and the table is height-adjustable thanks to an all-around operable control bar. Thus, Coinfycare offers a durable therapy table that makes the Osteopath's work easier.
What is the difference between Osteopathy and Chiropractic?
Both Osteopathy and Chiropractic are manual therapies that do not exclude each other and are often combined. However, they differ in therapeutic technique and specialization in different systems of the body. An Osteopath primarily resolves tensions in the area of the organs with slow movements of the hands. In Chiropractic, however, the focus is on the functionality of the spine, nervous system, and joints. The chiropractor primarily applies targeted quick impulses, while the Osteopath predominantly uses deep and continuous movements. In osteopathic treatment, there are no priorities. The functionalities of the skeletal system, skull bones, and organs are treated equally.