One of the parts I love so much about holistic healing therapies is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Patients are not limited to choosing just one therapy or discipline. In fact, many of my patients see better results when we combine multiple approaches to their care.
A holistic approach to your health and wellness lets you choose the best options for you. I often find that combining osteopathic approaches with lymphatic massage has far-reaching benefits.
Let’s discuss lymphatic massage and osteopathy and how these two approaches complement each other to support your overall health and wellness.
The importance of collaborative care
I’ve seen the benefits of collaborative care in my patients. It involves one or more practitioners or an interdisciplinary team working together to achieve better patient outcomes. In other words, they work together to help you achieve optimal healing and health.
Collaborative care is patient-centred and has been shown to improve health outcomes. One clinical study found that teams of 4-5 components were more effective at reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
For patients, collaborative care means you don’t have to manage your health and wellness alone. You have various practitioners to rely on, no matter what symptom, new pain, or complication may arise. It puts you at the centre of your health, working together to achieve something stronger.
What is lymphatic massage?
Lymphatic massage (also called lymphatic drainage massage) is a gentle technique that stimulates the flow of lymph fluid throughout your body. This fluid is part of your immune system and helps flush out toxins, waste and excess fluid from your tissues. When this fluid builds up or becomes blocked, it can cause swelling and pain and affect your immune system.
The light pressure and rhythmic movements of lymphatic massage help to unblock and encourage greater circulation of lymph fluid again. It’s often recommended for those:
- recovering from surgery
- with lymphedema
- experiencing chronic fatigue
- who want natural ways to boost immunity
Lymphatic massage and osteopathy complement each other well to treat many acute and chronic conditions.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic manual practice that supports your musculoskeletal (bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues) health and holistic alignment. When your body is in better alignment, you experience:
- Better posture
- Less stress on your joints
- Reduced pain and tension
- Better circulation
- Optimized immune system function
- Greater energy
- Better overall mental and emotional regulation.
These benefits come from various Osteopathic techniques, including massage, stretching, joint mobilisation, soft-tissue mobilization, and other non-invasive methods. Osteopathy can be helpful for those with chronic pain, stress, tension, posture issues, sports injuries, and those looking to boost their overall health and wellness.
How they work together
Both osteopathy and lymphatic massages are holistic healing therapies, making them ideal to use collaboratively to promote wellness and healing.
- Lymphatic massage prepares the body. As this massage opens lymphatic flow, it’s easier for other osteopathy techniques to restore structural alignment.
- Osteopathy helps lymphatic flow. Osteopathic techniques can be used to better align the body, making it easier for Lymphatic fluids to flow freely.
- Reduces tension and pain. Together, both techniques support tension reduction and pain relief. Lymphatic massage helps flush fluid retention and tightness in your soft tissues. Then osteopathy can help correct underlying musculoskeletal imbalances.
- Restores energy. Lymphatic massage helps boost your immunity and natural detoxification. Osteopathy optimizes your nervous system. Together, these techniques can help your body feel lighter, more balanced, and energized.
- Supports long-term resilience. Both techniques boost your body’s resilience, strength, and mobility. This can help prevent injury and support more efficient recovery.
What to expect in a session at Thuja Wellness
Osteopathy isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to your health and wellness. Its approach is tailored to your needs. That said, there are some things you can expect in your first (or a typical) appointment:
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early. When you’re physically and mentally relaxed, your treatments are often more effective. Take this extra time to relax in the waiting room. Bring headphones and listen to your favourite music, or take a few moments to calm your mind and body from the busy outside world.
- We’ll start with a chat. If this is your first visit with me, we’ll have a longer chat about your health and wellness concerns and goals. I’ll ask about your health history. If this is a subsequent visit, we’ll do a quick catch-up. I’ll ask how you’re feeling, how your health or recovery is progressing, and whether anything has changed since our last appointment.
- Next, we’ll begin your treatments. We’ll start your osteopathic treatments and discuss your treatment plan. We can also discuss ways you can further support your health and wellness at home between appointments.
- Rest for the rest of the day. Depending on your treatments, you may feel slightly tired (and hopefully) more relaxed for the next 24 hours. Listen to your body as it needs this time for healing and recovery.
Begin your healing journey with osteopathy
Whether you’re starting a healing journey or looking for holistic, preventive health and wellness, osteopathy can support you. In combination with the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage or other complementary therapies, you can enhance your health and wellness.
Is this powerful combination right for you? The best place to start is with a health consultation with an Osteopath. Together, we’ll discuss your health challenges and goals to determine which therapies and techniques will provide the relief and healing you deserve.
To get started, book a consultation at Thuja Wellness today.
