Osteopathy is non-invasive manual therapy targeting the joints, muscles, and spine. It is a form of physical therapy that seeks to improve negative symptoms and the functioning of the body's nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems.
Carried out by the hands, it is similar to other manual therapy methods, such as massage or chiropractic work, but based on its philosophies and techniques.
Here are the advantages of osteopathy and disadvantages to know.
Osteopathy Is Non-Invasive
No surgery. No invasive procedures. There is no preparation, and no drug is involved. Also, osteopathy is not painful. Most find visiting an osteopath very relaxing. The hands are applied to the body to diagnose and treat. Some other changes, such as dietary, may be recommended to improve the effectiveness of treatment, but every patient is different.
Any patient should be eligible for osteopathy treatment to treat musculoskeletal problems, and rest assured that you will never have to worry about any pain or discomfort.
Osteopathy Treats Multiple Illnesses
As osteopathy is a full-body treatment, it can simultaneously treat multiple systems or symptoms and relieve various ailments, illnesses, or conditions. Some of the most common reasons people seek osteopathy are to treat back pain, neck pain, physical stress, menstrual pain, COPD, anxiety, tennis elbow, and more.
While not a cure, osteopathy may provide substantial relief for these conditions. This is an all-natural treatment that improves overall well-being.
Osteopathy Cures Some Symptoms
Osteopathy is not a magical treatment that can address all serious ailments. More serious problems, such as those recommended for surgery, may not be impacted by osteopathy. Major muscle disorders, major bone disorders, nerve disorders, more complex ailments, and extreme injuries won't be helped by osteopathy.
For many, the symptoms and pain of these more advanced conditions aren't the best fit for osteopathy, as the relief, if any, will be limited. In some instances, pursuing osteopathy for outright inappropriate conditions can be dangerous. Any trained osteopath can advise on whether the treatment is right for you.
Osteopathy Is A Preventative Measure
Many people use osteopathy not to cure an illness but to maintain certain symptoms or help them live their best lives anticipating possible illnesses. Osteopathy provides relief and is sometimes used to replace massages or spa treatments.
Add agility and improve overall health. In this respect, it can be used preventatively as a maintenance therapy. Osteopathy strengthens the musculoskeletal system and, over time, will help fine-tune the body to prevent injuries.
Osteopathy Can Complement Other Treatments
Some patients try osteopathy and decide it's not right for them. For certain ailments, osteopathy is not recommended and is likely to only provide moderate results, if any. For example, individuals with unexplained inflammation, bone cancer, or joint/bone infections should not receive osteopathy.
Alternatively, if you feel overly sore or tired in the affected area after treatment, this isn't a sign you should not continue. Soreness is common and only temporary. If the discomfort lasts longer than you're comfortable with or is worsening other symptoms, however, osteopathy may not be the right therapy for them.
Osteopathy Uses No Medication
Pharmaceutical medicines carry with them risks and potential health complications short-term and long-term. Osteopathy is a natural way to heal the body, and never recommends chemical medications.
There are no major side effects to be aware of, which is important for those highly sensitive to medicines and medications. This is why osteopathy is often sought out by those not interested in the risks of taking a pill or who are unable to.
Osteopathy Takes Time to Achieve Results
As a form of manual therapy, it takes time for the body to trigger the type of response osteopathy can initiate. The time for osteopathy to work will vary according to several variables. However, what is known is that it usually takes a few treatments before symptom improvement starts.
In those first few weeks, fatigue and soreness are common. After a month or so of osteopathy, if the results are not promising, consult with a practitioner to see if there are further steps to try. For the majority of patients, after a few treatments, they will begin to notice a difference in their physical condition and functioning.
Osteopathy Is Accepted By Insurance
Almost all major insurance companies support osteopathy as a treatment. This is great news for someone who may not be able to afford osteopathy alone, and it further legitimizes the treatment for individuals who may be doubting.
If you need osteopathy but are concerned about the long-term costs of such a treatment, insurance may allow you to cover it at a much more affordable cost. You do not need to even concern your family physician for a referral. You can make your appointment and decide how effective osteopathy is for you.
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