Osteopathy is a type of manual therapy that doesn’t include any drugs and is non-invasive and strives to improve all body systems’ health and function. The osteopathic practitioner will concentrate on manipulating the joints, muscles, and spine of the patient to remove any existing somatic dysfunction, creating issues for them.
This type of therapy aims to remove the underlying causes of many health issues that a person may have. It is a complementary therapy, and osteopathic practitioners are medical doctors who will employ it alongside conventional symptomatic treatment.
Osteopathic practitioners will employ several techniques in threatening various health issues.
MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE
This technique is used for treating underlying somatic dysfunctions through stretching and contraction of the muscles. It is best employed in cases where there are existing limitations of some joints’ range of motion. It is performed by alternating stretching the muscles at the end of the range of motion and static resistance inside the range of motion.
COUNTERSTRAIN
The counterstain techniques consider somatic dysfunctions, which are caused by straining reflexes. Once a practitioner identifies the point which counterstrained and sensitive to mild pressure, they will try to move the patient in a position where that point is no longer sensitive to pressure. The patient will remain in such a position for 90 seconds and provide relief by shortening the muscle strained by reflex.
HVLA
HVLA or “high velocity, low amplitude” technique employs rapid and brief force that forces the afflicted joint to move short distances well within the natural range of motion. This technique is in a similar way used by chiropractic practitioners, which often leads to confusion between osteopathic and chiropractic therapies among patients.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Using their hands, the osteopathic practitioner will identify muscles contracted and, by the pressure, force them to relax, thus improving both the blood flow and lymphatic drainage. The main focus of this technique is the fascia and the appropriate muscle. This is a soft component of connective tissue that provides mechanical support to most systems in our bodies, including the muscles.
LPT
Lymphatic pump treatment or LPT is the manual technique that attempts to improve the lymphatic system’s lymph drainage and overall function.
Osteopathic techniques can provide significant relief for many painful conditions and dysfunctions of the muscle-skeletal system. In this way, it can also improve your general well-being and improve the mental state that can be impacted by discomfort.