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OsteopathyPublished by Bupa's health information team, July 2007. This factsheet is for people who would like information about osteopathy. Osteopathy is a manual complementary therapy used for treating problems associated with bones, joints and the back.
What is complementary medicine?In the UK, complementary medicines are generally viewed as treatments which are given alongside conventional treatments. What is osteopathy?Osteopathy is a treatment that focuses on the joints and surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments. How does osteopathy work?Osteopaths share conventional medicine's view that the human body is like a machine and that any disease is due to a breakdown of part of the machine. However, they also believe that many health problems can be caused by poor posture and misalignment of muscles and joints. They suggest that if the structure of the body is improved, the function of the body will improve, problems will be alleviated and good health will be restored. "Active rehabilitation" may also be used which focuses on fitness and endurance to help symptoms. When is osteopathy used?Osteopathy is used for several health complaints including:
Alternatives to osteopathyThere are a number of conventional treatments available. Ask your doctor for advice. Where can I find an osteopath?All osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council (see Further information). What will happen during a treatment session?In your first consultation your osteopath will ask detailed questions about your general health, lifestyle, emotional state, and medical/family history. He or she will also perform a physical examination, and may ask you to sit, stand, walk and possibly carry out other movements. Some osteopaths also use X-rays and other conventional medical tests, such as blood tests, to help them make a diagnosis. A consultation with an osteopath generally takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Osteopaths may carry out short, rapid forceful movements, called high-velocity thrusts, on the spine. They also use a wide range of other techniques from stretching your soft tissues and massage to rhythmic joint movements and manipulation on the body. Some osteopaths also do cranial manipulation (see Related therapies). The number of treatments you need and how often you need them depends on the problem. At the first treatment session, your osteopath should give you an idea of the length of treatment required. Related therapiesCranial manipulationSome osteopaths do cranial manipulation, also called cranial osteopathy. This is a gentle manipulative technique on the cranium (skull). The belief underpinning cranial osteopathy is that childbirth, an accident or long-term muscle tension may cause compression of the cranium. This, in turn, may affect how fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) flows in the spine and around the brain, causing health problems. Osteopaths believe that the flow of cerebrospinal fluid affects each cell in the body. Practitioners claim that by gently manipulating the cranium, the shape of the cranium can be restored and so the flow of cerebrospinal fluid can be corrected. Craniosacral therapyCraniosacral therapy is similar to cranial osteopathy. The practitioner will use their hands to detect restriction and congestion in the body and will manipulate areas of the cranium to restore healthy function. Is osteopathy effective?While osteopathy is accepted by many conventional medical practitioners, there is little scientific evidence showing its effectiveness. There have been several studies of spinal manipulation and mobilisation techniques (by osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists and doctors) for lower back pain. They suggest that the techniques, do provide short-term relief from pain, and improvement in mobility. There have been fewer studies of manipulation and mobilisation techniques for neck pain but this may also provide some short-term benefits. There is little scientific evidence to suggest that cranial osteopathy or craniosacral therapy are effective. Deciding on treatmentSide-effects are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects of successful treatment. This can include discomfort or mild pain at the point of manipulation or tiredness, which should disappear within 24 hours of treatment. Complications are unexpected problems that can occur during or after treatment. They are particularly associated with upper spine manipulation. Most people are not affected. The most serious risk of osteopathy is stroke after manipulation of the neck. This is rare, though there have been calls for research to establish how significant the risk is. For certain people, forceful manipulation can be dangerous and should never be done. Osteopaths are trained to check the suitability of treatment and for other risk factors. Further information
Related topicsSources
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Professor Edzard Ernst MD, PhD, FRCP, FRCP (Edin.), Laing Chair in Complementary Medicine at Peninsula Medical School and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and doesn't replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: July 2007
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