1. The body is a functioning unit
Osteopathy represents an holistic view of the human body. Each structure and function is inextricably linked together, the body is one unit.
In addition to the musculoskeletal system and internal organs, osteopathy also incorporates the psyche into this unit. This comes from the knowledge that the origins of an acute illness can come from a completely different part of the body.
Shoulder pains can also have a psychological cause and can be triggered for example by stress.
2. Structure and function are mutually and jointly dependent on each other
Osteopathy differentiates between bodily structures (e.g. bones, muscles, organs, nerves, bodily fluids) and bodily functions (circulation, digestion, etc).
Structure and function mutually influence each other and must therefore be regarded together. In this way, a random change in function (e.g. through incorrect load/strain) can change a structure (e.g. calcification); whilst a change in bodily structures (e.g. caused by an accident) can impair function.
„The function creates the structure – the structure governs the function.“ (Andrew T. Still)
3. The body has its own self-regulating mechanisms
The body has a natural ability to adjust and heal itself and stay healthy. Usually, a human being is able to neutralise adverse influences, like stress, injury or germs, without help.
The body has very effective self-healing powers: small wounds usually heal on their own, and the body can even fend off foreign bodies, such as bacteria and viruses.
The three pillars of osteopathy
Osteopathy can be split into three systems:
The Craniosacral System
The Parietal System
The Visceral System
These are linked to each other on all kinds of levels and interact with each other. An osteopath must therefore master the examination and treatment of all three systems in order to be able to find and treat the causes of his patient’s complaints.
The Craniosacral System
Craniosacral therapy (translated: “cranial-cruciate therapy”) was developed by osteopath William Garner Sutherland (1873-1954).
Craniosacral therapy is based, among other things, on the assumption that the rhythmic pulsations of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be transferred to the external tissues and bones and thus be felt. In this context, one speaks of a craniosacral rhythm.
In craniosacral therapy, barely perceptible hand movements are performed in the area of the skull and sacrum, with the patient usually lying supine on the treatment table. The therapist works with his palms or fingers mainly with minimal traction or pressure forces.
Indications for craniosacral treatment:
Kids:
- after difficult births
- Bedwetter
- Growth disorders
- Tooth misalignments and malocclusions
- Polyps
Adults:
- Tinnitus
- Headache / migraine
- Condition after head injuries
- Condition after operations in the head and jaw area
- Unfulfilled desire to have children
- Vegetative dysregulation
- Menopausal symptoms
- chronic back pain
The Parietal System
In the area of parietal osteopathy, the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia are examined and treated for movement restrictions. Disturbances in the parietal system can not only affect the statics and mechanics of the entire body, but also restrict the function of internal organs via vascular and nervous connections. Treatment is done using a variety of techniques such as mobilization techniques, muscle energy techniques, myofascial techniques and impulse techniques.
Chiropractic is a branch of parietal osteopathy.
Indications for parietal treatment:
- Back pain
- Blockages of the spine
- Tension of the musculature
- Tension headache
- Movement restrictions
- Condition after surgery
- Scar treatment
The Visceral System
In the area of visceral osteopathy, the internal organs as well as their surrounding structures are examined and treated for movement restrictions. Movement restrictions in the visceral system have a negative influence not only on the functioning of the internal organs, but also, through mechanical, nervous and vascular connections, on the craniosacral and on the parietal system. Just as in the parietal system, the internal organs are connected to each other by ligaments or suspended from our musculoskeletal system.
The movement of the internal organs is based on the breathing movement of the diaphragm. The goal of visceral treatment is to restore harmonious movement of the organs.
Indications for visceral treatment:
- chronic back pain
- Headache
- Digestive complaints
- Incontinence / frequent bladder infections
- Condition after operations / scar treatment
- Condition after cancer
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