Osteopathic manipulative treatment consists of a wide range of manual therapy techniques that are used to optimise function and reduce pain. Osteopaths typically treat people for musculoskeletal pain, most commonly back and neck pain, and for the promotion of general health and treatment of some health conditions such as sleep and digestive disturbances.
Osteopaths may also offer advice on posture, ergonomics, exercise and lifestyle in conjunction with reassurance and encouragement to be active rapidly and give patient’s autonomy.
The term ‘Osteopathy’ is misleading, implying that the session is only based on the bony system. Rather, it takes into account an array of functionally correct postural balances based on various systems of the body (visceral, ligamentous, nervous, respiratory or endocrinal) but also psychological as well as social, which makes it holistic and integrative.
Osteopaths do not prescribe medication and do not interfere, but rather interact in a complementary manner with the medical profession. Each session lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour and the number of sessions varies accordingly. In most cases the result is ongoing improvement and well-being.