Why Osteopathy can save your winter holidays?

Of course you know how efficient is a good massage after a long day on the slopes…but did your really hear about osteoapthy and what it can do for you ?
So here we go for a clear explanation that might save your next sking trip…

What is osteopathy ?

This manual medecine is a unique holistic (whole body) approach to health care. Osteopaths do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use manual technics to balance all the systems of the body to provide overall good health and wellbeing.
The various technics of this therapeutic focus on the total body by treating the tensions of the musles, joints, spine but also aim to positively affect the nervous, circulatory, visceral and lymphatic sytems…

Doctor Andrew Taylor Still established the practice of osteopathy in the late 1800s in the United States of America, with the aim of using manual «  hands on » techniques to improve circulation and correct altered biomechanics, without the use of drugs .

A different approach to health…

The philosophy of osteopathy is what sets it appart from other medical disciplines. The key principals are based on all parts of the body functionning together in an integrated maner : if one part of the body is restricted, then the rest of the body must adapt and compensate for this, eventually leading to inflamation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions.
Osteopathy wants to free the restrictions of mouvement and minimise the pain reducing stress, providing greated mobility and blood flow in all the body tisssus.
The body has then a better chance to heal itself.

How does it work ?

Osteopath use a broad range of hands on techniques with a positive effect on the body soft tissues such as the fascias (conjonctive and connective tissus).
Osteopaths are hihly trained to manually locate points of restrictions or execssive strain in all parts of the body. Using finely tuned sense of touch of palpation and manipulations, the osteopath will assess all the diferents systems of your body from the spine to all articulation, joints, tendons, musles, nervous systems…etc

What can it treats ?

From chronic pain due to hold injuries or surgery to recent trauma playing sports or working, osteopaths treats complaints of aches in the all body.
Head, back pain, migraines, sciatica tenis elbow, pre and post natal pain, digestive problem, whiplash, postural problems…the list is long an non exhaustive.

What does osteopathic treatment involve ?

The first visit to an osteopath will run along the same lines as an initial visit to GP.
A complete medical history is taken and questions asked about lifestyle, diet and emotional status.The osteopath will want to hear about all symptoms, as well details of any past accidents or traumas, even if they may seem unralated to the patient’s current problem.
The patient may be asked to remove outer clothing and perform some simple mouvements. This is so the osteoapth can observe how the patient is using his body, identifying any obvious mobility dysfonctions. Neurological and orthopedic tests help the osteopath to eliminate possible underlying pathologies and differentiate the basis of the patient’s complaint.

The initial consultation will take around 45 minutes to complete, during wich you will be offer a diagnosis and a treatment.
If the diagnosis is one that requires futher investiagtion or specialist intervention, the osteopath will suggest a referal to an appropriate practicionner.
Osteopaths often treat in conjunction with a GP, dentist, podiatrist or other health care professional.

Because osteopathy emphasis self-healing, an osteopath may also advice dietary changes, home exercises programs and lifestyle adjustments.

All treatments are highly individualised and depend on the patient’s current condition, past hystory and ability to adapt to change.

So don’t wait to see one if needed, now that you are more aware of all his skills !

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