Osteopathy is derived from the Greek words “osteon” (bone) and “pathos” (suffering). However, osteopathy is not just about bones, it is a treatment method that targets the well-being of the entire body. Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), this method offers a holistic approach to the body. Osteopathy was developed approximately 140 years ago by American Doctor Andrew Taylor Still and is widely used in America and Europe today.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a method of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging the patient’s muscles and joints.
Osteopathy is based on the principle that an individual’s well-being depends on the proper functioning of the bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues. This idea forms the basis of today’s holistic treatments. For example, a problem with the ligament that connects the small intestine to the body can cause a stiff back when wearing socks, or wearing high heels can shorten the leg muscles and cause headaches that are resistant to treatment through fascial connections. In such cases, headaches can be treated with exercises that lengthen the leg muscles.
Osteopathy is based on anatomy and physiology and has been widely practiced in Europe for many years. This treatment method is applied by physiotherapists and doctors who have received 5 years of osteopathy training.
How does osteopathy work?
Osteopaths aim to activate the body’s self-healing potential by ensuring that movement, circulation, the nervous system and organs in the body work properly. Every system in the body works in harmony with each other and any malfunction in any system can cause dysfunction. Osteopathy does not only focus on the area where there is pain. It tries to solve the problem at its root by identifying the source of the pain.
Three Basic Approaches of Osteopathy in Physical Therapy Applications
- Parietal Osteopathy: It is used in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. It covers the treatment of joints, bones, muscles, ligaments and fascia groups.
- Visceral Osteopathy: Treats problems in the digestive, respiratory, circulatory and reproductive systems. These problems can cause reflected pain in areas such as the waist, back, shoulders, and neck.
- Cranial Osteopathy: It aims to eliminate tensions and joint dysfunctions caused by trauma or stress through delicate touches to the skull. Birth traumas, head impacts, traffic accidents, or tensions after surgery can be treated with this method.
What are the diseases treated with osteopathy?
Osteopathy can be used in the treatment of many diseases and disorders. These include:
- Foot disorders
- Back, neck and spine pain
- Headaches
- Neurological diseases
- Walking or balance disorders
- Posture disorders
- Sleep problems
- Kyphosis and scoliosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Aches and pains during pregnancy
- Digestive and excretory system problems (constipation, incontinence, gas pain)
- Respiratory problems
- Neuralgia
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Hand, wrist, shoulder and elbow disorders
- Swallowing, vomiting and head shape disorders in babies disorders
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic
- WebMD
- Cleveland Clinic
- American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
- Healthline
- Medical News Today
- Physiopedia
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Harvard Health Publishing