Physical Therapy for Persistent Pain: Osteopathy Melbourne

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders by manipulating and strengthening the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, and joints. Osteopathic physicians use a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where structure and function are closely related.

Osteopathy emphasises the body’s ability to heal itself and often involves hands-on techniques called osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). This includes stretching, massaging, and moving muscles and joints to improve circulation, alleviate pain, and promote health. 

What do Osteopaths Treat?

Osteopathy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, especially those related to the musculoskeletal system, though it can also help with various other health issues. 

Musculoskeletal Issues

Sciatica and other types of back pain are some of the most common reasons people seek osteopathic treatment. Manipulation techniques can help reduce pain and improve mobility plus help alleviate the pressure on the sciatic nerve, reducing pain in the lower back and legs. Osteopathic techniques can also relieve tension and improve function in the neck muscles and spine.

Joint pain or pain in areas like the hips, knees, and shoulders from arthritis or sports injuries can be improved with osteopathic treatment. In addition, osteopathic manipulative treatment can help athletes recover from injuries such as sprains, strains, and tendonitis, as well as improve mobility and prevent future injuries.

Tension headaches and migraines are often linked to tension in the neck and upper back, and osteopathy can help relieve these by reducing muscle tightness.

Postural Problems

Osteopathy is often used to address postural issues, which can lead to chronic pain or discomfort. This includes problems caused by sitting for long periods, improper lifting techniques, or other repetitive actions.

Arthritis

Osteopathy can help manage pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, improving joint mobility and function.

Digestive Disorders

While osteopathy is primarily associated with musculoskeletal issues, some practitioners use OMT to help alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and bloating by addressing the mechanics of the diaphragm and abdomen.

Respiratory Conditions

Osteopathy can assist in improving breathing function, especially in conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis, by manipulating the ribs, diaphragm, and thoracic spine.

Stress and Anxiety

Osteopathic treatment can reduce muscle tension and improve overall well-being, which may help alleviate the physical symptoms associated with stress and anxiety.

How does Osteopathy Alleviate Chronic Pain?

Osteopathy alleviates chronic pain by focusing on improving the body’s overall function and mobility through manual therapies, often addressing the root cause of the pain rather than just the symptoms. The approach is holistic, treating the body as an interconnected system. 

Restoring Alignment and Balance

Chronic pain can often be the result of poor posture or misalignment in the spine, joints, or muscles. Osteopathic manipulative treatment can correct misalignments and improve posture, thereby reducing strain on muscles and joints that may be causing the pain.

Restrictions in joint mobility can lead to compensation patterns and overuse of other areas, causing pain. By restoring normal movement in the joints, osteopaths help reduce chronic pain caused by stiffness or immobility.

Relieving Muscle Tension

Osteopaths use soft tissue manipulation techniques such as massage, stretching, and pressure to relax tight muscles and release built-up tension. Chronic muscle tension is often a major contributor to pain, especially in conditions like tension headaches, neck pain, or lower back pain.

They may also use trigger point release techniques to target specific tight points in muscles that cause pain in other parts of the body (referred pain). By addressing these trigger points, osteopathy can reduce chronic pain in associated areas.

Improving Circulation and Lymphatic Flow

By working on the soft tissues and joints, osteopathy can improve circulation, ensuring that more oxygen and nutrients reach the tissues while waste products are removed more effectively. This promotes healing and reduces inflammation, a key factor in chronic pain.

Techniques that stimulate lymphatic flow help remove toxins and reduce swelling and inflammation, both of which can exacerbate chronic pain.

Reducing Nerve Irritation

Chronic pain is sometimes caused by nerve compression or irritation, as seen in conditions like sciatica or carpal tunnel syndrome. Osteopathy can relieve this pressure by manipulating the spine, joints, or soft tissues to improve the space around nerves, allowing them to function more normally.

For issues like back pain, osteopathic adjustments can reduce pressure on spinal discs, reducing nerve irritation and inflammation that contribute to pain.

Encouraging the Body’s Self-healing Mechanisms

Osteopathy encourages the body’s own ability to heal itself. By improving structural function, osteopathy enhances the body’s natural processes for repairing damaged tissues, reducing chronic inflammation, and preventing further injury.

Enhancing Overall Body Function

Osteopaths don’t just focus on the site of pain; rather, they assess how the entire body is functioning. Sometimes, pain in one area is caused by an issue elsewhere, such as a hip misalignment causing knee or back pain. By addressing these imbalances and compensations, osteopathy can reduce pain in the long term.

By addressing the underlying causes of dysfunction, osteopathy can prevent the recurrence of chronic pain. Regular treatment can help maintain proper alignment, muscle balance, and joint function, reducing the likelihood of pain becoming chronic.

Managing Stress and Promoting Relaxation

Chronic pain is often linked to stress, which can exacerbate muscle tension and pain perception. Osteopathic treatments, which relax muscles and improve circulation, can promote a sense of relaxation and well-being, helping to break the cycle of stress-induced pain.

The holistic approach of osteopathy also focuses on improving overall health, which includes mental well-being. Chronic pain can be emotionally exhausting, and reducing physical discomfort can positively impact mood and stress levels, making it easier to manage long-term pain.

Why Would You See an Osteopath for Chronic Pain?

Getting osteopathy for chronic pain can be a beneficial choice for several reasons. IBy focusing on restoring balance and function within the body, osteopathy offers a comprehensive approach to alleviating chronic pain, often improving the quality of life for those who suffer from long-term conditions.

Holistic Approach: Treating the Whole Body

Osteopathy looks at the body as an interconnected system, rather than just focusing on the area of pain. Often, chronic pain may originate from imbalances or dysfunctions in other parts of the body. Osteopaths assess the whole body and treat the root cause of the pain, not just the symptoms.

For example, lower back pain could be linked to issues in the hips, legs, or posture, and osteopathic treatment would address all contributing factors.

Non-Invasive and Drug-Free

Many people seek osteopathy because it provides a non-invasive and drug-free alternative for managing pain. Osteopathic manipulative treatment uses hands-on techniques such as stretching, massage, and joint manipulation to alleviate discomfort and improve function without the need for surgery or medication.

This can be particularly beneficial for those who want to avoid the side effects of long-term medication use, or for individuals who aren’t candidates for invasive procedures.

Chronic Pain Conditions Benefit from Manual Therapy

Chronic pain conditions like back pain, neck pain, joint pain, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and migraines often respond well to manual therapy techniques used in osteopathy. These techniques can relieve tension, increase circulation, and improve joint mobility, which helps reduce pain.

Osteopathy can also help with the musculoskeletal effects of conditions like arthritis, improving joint function and reducing stiffness, which leads to pain relief over time.

Focus on Prevention and Long-Term Relief

Osteopathy doesn’t just focus on relieving pain in the short term. It emphasises the importance of long-term health and prevention of future pain. An osteopath will often suggest exercises, lifestyle changes, and ergonomic improvements that help prevent the recurrence of chronic pain.

By improving the body’s alignment and mobility, osteopathy can reduce the likelihood of further injury or pain flare-ups.

Complementary to Other Treatments

Osteopathy can be used alongside medical treatments or other therapies, making it a versatile option for those already undergoing other types of care. For instance, patients receiving medication or physical therapy for chronic pain can benefit from osteopathic manipulations that complement and enhance their overall treatment plan. In cases where pain persists despite medication, osteopathy can provide an additional layer of relief.

Treatment for Postural Problems

Poor posture is a common cause of chronic pain, especially in areas like the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Osteopathy addresses postural imbalances, often caused by long hours of sitting or improper ergonomics, helping to restore balance and reduce pain related to posture.

For people with sedentary jobs or habits that contribute to postural issues, osteopathy offers long-term relief by correcting the underlying problem.

Stress Reduction and Improved Well-Being

Chronic pain can cause emotional and psychological stress, contributing to a cycle of tension and discomfort. Osteopathy helps reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance relaxation, which can alleviate some of the emotional and psychological strain caused by long-term pain.

By promoting better overall health and well-being, osteopathy can make it easier for individuals to cope with and manage their chronic pain.

Risks of Osteopathy

Osteopathy is generally considered safe, especially when performed by a trained and licensed osteopathic physician or practitioner. However, like any medical treatment, there are some risks and potential side effects, though they are usually rare or mild. 

Mild Side Effects

After osteopathic manipulative treatment, it is common to experience some mild soreness, stiffness, or discomfort in the treated areas. This usually lasts for a day or two as the body adjusts to the manipulation and should resolve on its own.

Some people feel tired or fatigued after treatment, likely due to the body’s response to the realignment and release of muscle tension. In some cases, patients may experience headaches or dizziness after treatment, particularly if the neck or spine was manipulated.

Temporary Exacerbation of Symptoms

In some cases, symptoms may temporarily worsen after treatment before they improve. This could be due to the body’s response to the manipulation or inflammation. However, this is typically short-lived and subsides as the body heals.

Risk of Injury

Although rare, there is a risk of injury to the joints or bones, especially if forceful manipulation is applied inappropriately or if the patient has an underlying condition such as osteoporosis, which weakens the bones.

Contraindications for Certain Conditions

People with weak or brittle bones, such as those with osteoporosis, are at greater risk of injury from certain types of manipulation, particularly high-velocity techniques.

Patients recovering from recent surgeries or fractures should also avoid manipulation of those areas, as it could interfere with healing or cause further injury.

Osteopathy is generally not recommended for areas where cancer is present or has metastasized, as manipulating these areas could worsen the condition.

In summary, osteopathy is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions, but as with any medical procedure, there are risks. These risks can be minimised by choosing a qualified practitioner as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, communicating your medical history, and ensuring that osteopathic treatment is appropriate for your specific condition.

Osteopathy’s Role in Chronic Pain Management

Osteopathy can help in restoring physical function, reducing pain, and empowering patients, while working alongside other therapies in a multidisciplinary approach to address the mental, emotional, and social aspects of chronic pain. Both short-term and long-term patient outcomes are improved by multiple therapies and treatments.

Finding a Persistent Pain Doctor That Works With Osteopathy Specialists Near You 

If you are suffering from chronic pain, then a multidisciplinary approach that involves osteopathic therapy may be right for you.

To find a doctor near you who treats persistent or chronic pain and works in conjunction with osteopaths or healthcare professionals who practise osteopathic medicine, ask your general practitioner for a referral.

You can also research pain management clinics with osteopathy online or speak to family members, friends, or support groups (both online and in real life) for recommendations; those who have dealt with similar chronic pain issues or other problems may have valuable advice to offer. 

Osteopathy as part of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management can help to improve quality of life for patients dealing with chronic pain conditions.