Have you ever had a treatment from an Osteopath? Wait…what?
No? Well, if you’re a writer like me who spends a good portion of the day
sitting at a desk, body parts can get a little stiff, and over time can
actually get ‘programmed’ into being ‘stuck’. Neck stiffness, back and shoulder
aches, and even hips hurt after putting in a good day of writing. Yes, I get up
to move and stretch after a set amount of time (around 20-30 minutes), but the
stiffness and pain lingers long after the book is finished. So what can you do
to ‘deprogram’ those muscles and get balance back your body? An Osteopath can
help you with that!
In essence, Osteopathy is a holistic form of healing which
emphasizes the interrelationship between structure and function of the human
body. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners believe that human illnesses are rooted
in problems with the musculoskeletal system, and that hands-on manipulation can
solve these problems and effect a cure by harnessing the body’s own healing
potential. No drugs. No excruciating exercises. No sweat.
Sign. Me. Up.
So how does osteopathy work? The following techniques are
used to get to the ‘root’ of the patient’s problem, and to help the patient
enjoy a pain-free (or almost pain-free) life:
Myofascial
Release is a manipulative treatment that attempts to release tension
in the fascia (connective tissues surrounding the muscles, bones, nerves, and
organs) due to trauma, posture, or inflammation. Trust me, some of us writers
need TLC when it comes to our posture!
Muscle
Energy Technique is based on the principle of reciprocal inhibition, a theory
that explains that muscles on one side of a joint will always relax to
accommodate the contraction of muscles on the other side of that joint when
indirect pressure is applied. This technique is usually utilized in order to
lengthen shortened or spastic muscles, to improve weakened ligament and muscle strength,
and to improve range of motion.
Oscillatory
Osteoarticular Release involves gently moving two joint
surfaces to reduce muscle spasms, ease neurological irritations, assist in
joint mobility, and help reduce pain and discomfort. This technique allows the
body to relax and prevents it from activating protective mechanisms like muscle
spasms.
Counterstrain
is a manual therapy technique, meaning the osteopath uses only his or her hands
to treat muscle and joint pain and dysfunction. This is an effective but
extremely gentle technique because its action for treatment moves the patient’s
body away from the painful, restricted directions of motion.
Cranial
Sacral Therapy originates from a concept explored in the 1900s by Osteopath
Doctor William Sutherland that the bones of the cranium move amongst each other
and can create pressure on the brain. In this technique, the role of an Osteopath
is not to forcibly correct the body, but rather to encourage the body to
correct itself, which leads to a more fundamental change and often disappearance
of chronic symptoms.
Ligamentous
Articular Release is a manipulative technique in which the goal of treatment
is to balance the tension in opposing ligaments where there is abnormal tension
present. This treatment modality aims to reset the balance point of the joint
complex and relieve any abnormal tension causing a variety of symptoms
including pain and abnormalities in balance.
 |
Jeff Parker getting ready to manipulate me.
In a GOOD way! |
I’ve been treated for almost a year now, using a few of these
awesome techniques by my Manuel Practitioner, Jeff Parker, and have no doubt
in my body and mind that this healing avenue works wonders. Since visiting
Jeff, my knee pain has subsided 90% (I’ve got severe osteoarthritis in my left
knee due to a sports injury), and he’s taken care of some nasty back spasms due to a soft tissue injury.
Though my body fights me on some issues (neck stiffness and shoulder pain from
my writing career) it’s starting to ‘deprogram’ itself and looks for the
balance I need. Nature, after all, always seeks balance.
Have you ever had a session with an Osteopath? If so, what was your
experience like? If not, then, if you’re suffering with body pain, I urge you
to check an Osteopath out in your area. It may be just what the doctor ordered.
Would love to read your input and comments. Cheers, and thank you for spending
time with me by reading my blog!
