How osteopathy helps you reduce pain and increase performance

What are the main principles of osteopathy?

Osteopathic medicine, often referred to as osteopathy, is a medical approach that emphasizes the interrelatedness of the body's structure and function and focuses on the body's ability to heal itself.

The basic principles of osteopathic medicine include:

The Body is a Unit: Osteopathic medicine views the body as a unified whole, where all parts and systems are interconnected and work together to maintain health. Changes in one part of the body can affect other areas, so osteopathic physicians consider the entire body when diagnosing and treating patients.

The Body has a Self-Healing Mechanism: Osteopathic medicine believes that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself. The role of an osteopathic physician is to facilitate and support the body's natural healing processes rather than just focusing on treating symptoms.

Structure and Function are Interrelated: Osteopathic physicians believe that the structure of the body influences its function and vice versa. They aim to improve overall health and well-being by addressing structural imbalances or dysfunctions.

Rational Treatment: Osteopathic medicine promotes a patient-centred, individualised approach to treatment. Osteopathic physicians consider the patient's medical history, lifestyle, environmental factors, and symptoms to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Prevention: Osteopathic medicine emphasises preventive care and encourages patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent illnesses and maintain optimal health.

Palpation and Hands-On Diagnosis: Osteopathic physicians are trained in palpation, a method of using their hands to assess the body's tissues and structures. They use this hands-on approach to diagnose and treat various conditions.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): One of the distinctive features of osteopathic medicine is OMT. It involves manual techniques such as stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance to address musculoskeletal issues and promote overall health. OMT improves joint mobility, relieves pain, enhances blood flow, and supports the body's self-healing abilities.

Respect for the Relationship between Physician and Patient: Osteopathic medicine strongly emphasises the physician-patient relationship. Osteopathic physicians often take the time to listen to their patient's concerns and involve them in their treatment decisions.

If you have any questions about how osteopathy can help relieve your pain, and improve mobility or general performance please contact us at Alchemy Cryo.