Osteopathy Techniques

The different techniques used in osteopathy are based on the principle that the structure and function of the body depend on each other.

By acting on the structure, the osteopath tends to restore a correct function of the different systems of the body.

OSTEOPATHY AND THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

Vertebral pain represents the most frequent reason for consultation in osteopathy: neck pain, lumbago, torticollis, cervicobrachial neuralgia, sciatica, herniated discs are disorders that respond well to osteopathy

Osteopathy is also indicated in case of any musculoskeletal problem of the limbs, such as tendinitis, muscle contracture, arthritis, etc…

Osteopathic treatment is of special interest in sports injuries and also in chronic osteoarthritic-type pain.

Osteopathy can also be used to prevent recurrences or appearance of new symptoms.

OSTEOPATHY AND THE VISCERAL SYSTEM

Some functional imbalances of the visceral system can be helped with osteopathy, particularly in the gastro-intestinal system and in the gynecological sphere.

This is the case of disorders such as gastritis, hiatus hernia, intestinal discomfort, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, menstrual disorders (dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome and some other pathologies of the genital sphere). It can as well be helpful in asthma, urinary incontinence, coccyx pain.

Visceral treatment may very often be necessary to alleviate certain pains in the musculoskeletal system: in fact, the organs are linked to their musculoskeletal container by ligaments and fasciae, and receive their nervous information from the spinal column (viscero-somatic reflexes).

OSTEOPATHY AND CRANIUM

The bones of the skull are not fully fused, but have a degree of mobility and are animated by a smooth involuntary rhythmic movement.
It is suggested that this movement is influenced by the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Gentle and subtle techniques consisting of light pressure can help to release compressions and blockages in the skull.

Cranial osteopathy can help with many health problems such as tension headaches, migraines, back pain, stress, digestive disorders, sinusitis, sleep disorders, dizziness, etc.

soft tissue techniques

They consist of massage, stretching, pumping, deep pressure, traction. The aim is to relax hypertonic muscles and improve blood flow.

High velocity techniques

With these manipulations, the therapist seeks to recover the total movement of a blocked joint and normalize the neurological reflexes. They are especially used in the spinal column and are those that produce an audible sound. These are the typical techniques where you can hear a "click" of the joint.

Isometric muscle techniques

Stretches in which the collaboration of the patient will be requested with voluntary muscle contractions that will make the stretch very effective.

Functional techniques

Very soft techniques that accompany the tissues towards their maximum comfort. The aim is to relax the tissues in such a way that it will cancel the nervous reflexes that feed and maintain tensions and blockages.

Visceral techniques

Applied directly on the organ, and/or on its ligament system, with the aim of reducing adhesions, restoring mobility and thus allowing optimal function.

Cranial techniques

Through gentle pressure on the skull, they seek to restore mobility in the sutures between the different bones, and balance the tensions in the intracranial membranes (surrounding the brain and spinal cord)

Myofascial release techniques

Fascias are tissues that surround all the structures of the body (muscles, viscera, nerves, etc.) and that also connect them to each other. With specific stretching and pressure, restrictions on the mobility of the fasciae are released, achieving optimal movement and blood flow to the surrounding elements, and a more balanced relationship between structures (myofascial chains)

Techniques