BEYOND THE BONES

UNDERSTANDING OSTEOPATHY'S FULL-BODY APPROACH

Have you ever heard the word “Osteopathy” and wondered what that meant? At first glance, you might guess by the “osteo-” prefix that it has something to do with bones. But what do Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (OMTs) actually do? How does their approach to healthcare stand out?

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is about restoring alignment and balance throughout the whole body1,2,3. Instead of simply treating the area where the pain is felt, OMTs consider the bigger picture and address the interconnected systems that may be contributing to the problem1,3. OMTs gently guide tight or strained tissues back to a healthy position to support the body’s ability to heal itself1,2,3. This approach can help to relieve pain as well as improve function1,2,3. 

Core Principles of Osteopathy

Osteopathy Canada (OSTCAN) describes the three things that guide osteopathic practice1,3:

1. The body is a dynamic unit 

        All parts of the body are interconnected and affect each other 

1. The body is self-healing

The body has an amazing ability to recover and heal itself, but sometimes requires support to get back on track. 

1. Structure and function are interrelated: 

The form of the body’s structures (bones, muscles, ligaments) affect how well they function. For example, your arm’s movement depends on its components as well as connected structures like the shoulder, spine, ribs, clavicle, and pelvis. An OMT will assess these interconnected areas to address the root of the problem, even if it’s not where the pain is experienced.

What to Expect from an Osteopathy Appointment

The first appointment typically reviews detailed health history to ensure osteopathic treatment is safe1. Follow-up appointments are usually 20-30 minutes long and focus on reassessment and treatment to continue to realign your body1. The more regularly you visit, the more effectively the practitioner can help maintain your alignment and promote your body’s natural healing abilities.

Conditions Osteopathy Can Help With 

Osteopathy can help with a number of conditions, including1: 

1. Back pain
2. Leg and foot pain
3. Neck pain
4. Headaches
5. Shoulder and arm pain
6. Injuries
7. Discomfort during pregnancy
8. Childhood strains and recovery from injuries
   
   

Ready to Try Osteopathy?

If you’re seeking a new approach to managing pain or improving your overall health, osteopathy could be for you! Visit our OMT Ruth’s website for more information and discover how osteopathy can help you feel better, move better, and live better!

P.S. If you’re interested in trying osteopathic treatment click here or call (905) 689-2552 to book with our osteopath and see if osteopathic manual treatment is for you!

References 

1.Jarvis, Ruth. “Ruth Jarvis Osteopathy.” Ruth Jarvis Osteopathy. Accessed October 22, 2024. https://osteopathyruthjarvis.ca/. 

2.Roberts, Ashley, Kaylee Harris, Bethany Outen, Amar Bukvic, Ben Smith, Adam Schultz, Stephen Bergman, and Debasis Mondal. “Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: A Brief Review of the Hands-on Treatment Approaches and Their Therapeutic Uses.” Medicines 9, no. 5 (April 27, 2022): 33. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines9050033. 

3.“What Is Osteopathy? - Osteopathy Canada.” OstCan. Accessed October 22, 2024. https://ostcan.ca/page/osteopathy.