The approach of osteopathy
Osteopathy refers to the mobility of the body as a whole, as well as to the natural movements of the tissues, individual body parts and organ systems and their interaction. Every part of the body, every organ needs a good degree of freedom for optimal function.
From an osteopathic point of view, if mobility is restricted, tissue tensions first occur and then functional disorders. The organism can no longer compensate for the sum of these dysfunctions from an osteopathic perspective – complaints arise.
In the search for the causes, the structural disorder and the resulting malfunction are in the foreground. This so-called somatic dysfunction must be remedied. Consequently, osteopathy does not treat diseases in the true sense, but movement disorders in the broadest sense.
Our organism consists of innumerable structures, all of which are directly or indirectly related to each other. The connection is made by the fasciae, thin sheaths of connective tissue that surround each structure and together form a large body fascia. In osteopathic terms, movement restrictions and dysfunctions can spread through the fascia and show up in another part of the body through complaints.
How does osteopathic treatment take place?
To detect a dysfunction requires long and intensive training of the sense of touch. Therefore, osteopathic treatment is carried out with specially developed techniques. By improving the mobility of the corresponding structure, the aim is to bring the patient into balance.
Osteopathy is not limited to the treatment of individual symptoms, but always sees the person as a whole. It does not treat diseases, but the whole person. For this reason, it does not make sense to give indications for osteopathy. The elimination of symptoms is basically not the aim of treatment, but a positive result of the therapy for dysfunction.
Before starting an osteopathic treatment, a detailed conventional medical diagnosis may be indicated. Findings from previous medical examinations are also helpful. In many cases osteopathy complements conventional medicine, but does not replace it.