Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a way of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging a person's muscles and joints. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the wellbeing of an individual depends on their bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning smoothly together.

Osteopaths aim to:

• Increase the mobility of joints
• Relieve muscle tension
• Reduce pain
• Enhance the blood supply to tissues
• Help the body to heal

They use a range of techniques, but not medicines or surgery. Common terms used to describe the indications for spinal manipulation include hypomobility, motion restriction, joint fixation, acute joint locking, somatic dysfunction, pain modulation and reflex relaxation of muscles.

Assessment History

A proper history notes the mode of onset (sprain, postural, or spontaneous), progress over time, alleviating and aggravating factors, and red flags which may suggest nerve root involvement or other sinister causes. Past medical history and current medications are reviewed to exclude conditions which would make manipulation inadvisable. A general assessment of mental state is also advisable, noting abnormal pain behaviour, anxiety and depression — often called yellow flags.

Examination

Examination should be thorough to help eliminate serious red flag conditions. Neurological examination (reflexes and muscle power) should always be performed to exclude nerve root compression.

Patient story