What do you do when you have pain or health problems? We’re lucky in Canada to have so many healthcare professionals and specialists to support our health. In this article, I will focus on Osteopathy and why it might be the best non-invasive therapy to help you find relief from pain and discomfort.
Before I get into the benefits, I’ll give you a quick overview of what Osteopaths do. Then I’ll share the top 5 benefits of seeing an Osteopath that you didn’t know about…until now!
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a non-invasive manual therapy that manipulates and strengthens your musculoskeletal system without drugs. It focuses on your joints, muscles, and spine, as well as your nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems.
Osteopathy can be effective on its own or used alongside other therapies like Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naturopathic medicine, and massage. It’s an internationally accredited profession where your practitioner has a master’s degree in osteopathic medicine and is highly skilled and experienced in treating various health issues.
Here are the top 5 benefits of seeking Osteopathic treatments:
1. Relieves pain (especially back pain)
Many don’t see their healthcare provider until they have discomfort or pain. Osteopathic medicine can act as preventative and reactive therapy to pain, including sports-related injuries and work-related tension and pain.
For sports injuries, Osteopathic treatments can help keep your body in alignment and optimally functioning, decreasing your chances of avoidable injuries during your sport. If you do sustain an injury, Osteopathy can help you heal faster from:
- Injuries from falls
- Repetitive strain
- Sprains
- Joint pain
- Ligament tears
- Muscular imbalance
- Shin splints
- Muscle spasm
- Plantar fasciitis
- Golfer’s elbow, etc.
Other non-sports-related pain can be due to past or current injuries or working conditions (such as having an extremely physical or extremely sedentary job). Osteopathy can support these types of pain from ailments and injuries, including:
- Carpal tunnel
- Stiff muscles
- Numbness of extremities
- Postural imbalances
- Decrease motion in joints
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip pain
- Joint swelling
2. Improves sleep quality
Do you need more or a good quality sleep? In addition to lifestyle and diet changes, Osteopathy can help you get better sleep. One way it supports better sleep is by improving your body functions, so your body isn’t focusing on pain and can support more restorative sleep.
Osteopathy can help calm your mind, too, so it’s easier to fall and stay asleep. It works to balance your central nervous system by reducing tension and inefficiencies. A balanced nervous system acts like “giving permission” for your body to rest, and you can have a more effective sleep quality as a result.
When you are stressed, your nervous system is overworked, causing fatigue, problems focusing, irritability, and anxiety. Through Cranial Osteopathy, your Osteopath can help you balance your parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems to reduce the physical effects of stress, including helping you sleep better.
3. Optimizes body systems
Osteopathy can help support an overall healthy body and lifestyle by optimizing your body’s functions. It keeps your body’s essential core systems (nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic) working to the best of their ability. When your body is functioning normally, it can help you avoid injury, reduce symptoms of illness, and in some cases, can help speed up healing time.
4. Supports healthy conception and pregnancy
Many couples experiencing trouble conceiving find an easier time when they can optimize their overall health and essential body functions. This applies to both mom and dad.
For moms specifically, fertility struggles can result from pelvic misalignment, lymphatic congestion, scar tissue in the reproductive system, a history of premenstrual syndrome, and broad ligament restrictions. Osteopathy can help you optimize these systems to make getting pregnant easier.
When you conceive, your body is under additional stress that it’s not used to. Osteopathy can help you maintain a safe growing environment for your baby and help you find relief from discomfort and pain. Common conditions and pain that can be minimized or managed through regular Osteopathy treatments throughout pregnancy include:
- sciatica
- lower back pain
- shortness of breath
- indigestion
- rib pain
- diastasis recti (separation of your abdominal muscles due to your growing belly)
- pubic symphysis pain & misalignment
- muscle spasms/ strains
- uterus & ovary alignment
- headaches/migraines
After the birth, it takes time for your body to heal and recover. Osteopathy can help you rebuild your pelvic floor muscles, realign your pelvis, and reduce pain in your back, ribs, wrists/elbows, and neck.
5. Supports all ages (from newborn to seniors)
Due to the gentle, non-invasive nature of Osteopathy, it is generally suitable for people of all ages, from newborn babies to seniors.
Babies often find relief from common conditions like colic, constipation, and earaches after Osteopathic treatments. They can also help heal physical or emotional trauma from the delivery process and get support for respiratory conditions, frequent colds, and excess fluids in the body. Older children who regularly play sports, play instruments, or are regularly active can find relief from injuries or muscle or tendon strains from repetitive actions (like playing an instrument).
For seniors, Osteopathy can help relax the nervous system and increase blood and lymphatic circulation to find relief from pain and discomfort. It’s safe for seniors at a higher risk of complications due to other invasive or drug-based treatments due to their age or health history. It helps seniors improve their quality of life by:
- Increasing motion in joints
- Finding relief from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Finding relief from hip pain
- Minimizing symptoms of Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
Are osteopathic treatments customized?
Yes. Every patient receives a consultation and customized treatment plan when they visit Thuja Wellness. I can support you through any stage of your life, including:
- Unexplained infertility
- Miscarriage prevention
- Postpartum recovery
- Pain management
- Sports- or work-related injury or strain
Book a consultation today, and I’ll provide the holistic healthcare you need for optimal health and wellness. I’m accepting new patients today.
