Osteopathy can be an effective way to find relief from many aches, pains, and pinches. It’s a non-invasive way to support living the pain-free (or pain-less) life you deserve. This therapy empowers you back to health through collaborative, integrated medicine. Osteopathic treatments are in addition to many other therapies and medicines you may already have for pain management.
Are you curious how Osteopathy can help you get rid of aches, pinches, and pains? Keep reading to learn how Osteopathic treatments can benefit you.
How are Osteopathic treatments non-invasive?
Osteopathy is whole-body, holistic healthcare. Through manual, hands-on techniques (stretching, pressure, and resistance), your Osteopath supports healthy joints, muscles, and spine. These techniques target the location of your pain and help balance all body systems equally. Your practitioner will look at your whole body’s health and wellness goals to develop a therapy routine that meets your needs.
Other forms of therapy for pain often rely on expensive pharmaceutical medicine or surgery, which can introduce other side effects or have long healing and rehabilitation periods. While some conditions may require these methods, Osteopathy focuses first on the natural, holistic approach that includes manual manipulation techniques, nutrition, and healthy living to promote health from within.
Osteopathy has been shown helpful for those with pains and diseases, including:
- Sports-related injuries
- Work-related injuries
- Boosting your fertility
- Supporting healthy pregnancy and postpartum recovery
More specific conditions and pains Osteopathy can help you heal from include:
- Headaches and migraines
- Pelvic floor recovery
- Lower back, shoulder, and neck pain
- Rib pain
- Wrist and elbow pain
- Pain from overly sedentary jobs (such as desk jobs)
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
Helping you reduce or eliminate pain
Osteopathy is a common practice to help eliminate many forms of pain in your body’s muscles, joints, and spine.
If there is pain in your joints, Osteopathy can be used to loosen or lubricate tight joints to increase your range of motion and avoid pain from non-movement of the joint. When your joints are free from swelling or obstructions, your circulation also increases, as does the flow of essential fluids in your body. This increase in circulation can bring essential nutrients and healing power to other areas of your body that require healing.
If there is pain in your muscles, Osteopathy can be used to loosen tight or stretched muscles. Your pain often decreases when your muscles are relaxed. Your osteopath can provide in-clinic treatments, and healthy living and movement recommendations you can carry through at home.
Helping you sleep better
Your pain can often have a greater effect on you if you’re fatigued because poor sleep can cause inflammation, exacerbating existing pain. That’s why Osteopathic techniques can calm your body and mind, helping you get a better night’s sleep.
Your Osteopath can recommend other lifestyle changes to help you sleep better, including:
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting enough exercise
- Avoiding stimulation from electronic devices close to bedtime
- Establishing a regular sleep routine and schedule.
If you’re not sleeping well or have chronic insomnia, it may be related to a misalignment of your vertebrae. Through osteopathic manual manipulation, you can realign your spine and entire musculoskeletal system to help improve your sleep quality.
Helping you eat better
You can prevent avoidable injury and pain when your body is healthy. An easy way to support your whole-body health is to nourish it with the right foods. This means eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated. An Osteopath can help detect if you have any nutritional deficiencies through a physical exam and lab testing.
They can help you correct these nutritional deficiencies through a diet tailored to your unique needs, including the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain physical and mental strength. Your Osteopath can make recommendations or receommend a naturopath or nutritionist for more nutritional advice.
Helping reduce stress and anxiety for pain management
Living with chronic pain can contribute to stress. Not being able to carry on your everyday tasks without pain can make existing anxiety or stress worse.
Through Osteopathic manual techniques, your Osteopath can relax tense muscles that are tight because of your stress or that contribute to your stress and anxiety. Loosening of these muscles is one step to calming your mind.
Your Osteopath can also provide calming therapies as preventative or curative healthcare, including:
- Cranial Osteopathy – These massage techniques support your nervous system to ease symptoms of stress
- Breathing: With proper breathing, you can control your heart rate and promote relaxation and calm
- Postural corrections – Improper posture can contribute to physical and psychological tension in your body.
- Gentle manipulation – Non-invasively manipulating your musculoskeletal system can help reduce the physical discomfort caused by stress and anxiety.
Osteopathy for pain management and prevention
A significant tenet of osteopathy is the prevention of injury and pain. This means seeing an Osteopath isn’t limited to after you experience an injury. They can perform medical check-ups and exams, order tests, and send you for additional health screenings when needed. Can also provide vaccines.
You can take help from osteopathy to ensure that your musculoskeletal system is aligned and functioning optimally to help you prevent future injury or disease.
Where to find a Vancouver Osteopath for pain management
If you’re in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver, visit me at Thuja Wellness. My tranquil office is conveniently located in the Regent Medical Building and has appointment openings for you.
I believe in embracing holistic healthcare for your optimal health and wellness. Ask me about specific programs for those dealing with chronic pain and sports injury, natural fertility support, birth care, and postpartum recovery.
Check out my online appointment availability and book your next Osteopathic appointment today.
