Osteopathy can act in 3 main pathological areas:
1. Problems of the locomotor system
This is the most well-known aspect of osteopathy. Is it also one of the fundamental pillars of this discipline, since it can treat almost any disease of the musculoskeletal system in practically any phase of its evolution.
The osteopathic techniques aimed at solving musculoskeletal dysfunctions are called structural techniques and are presented in different forms: joint mobilizations, stretching, neuromuscular inhibition techniques or joint adjustments (HVT hight velocity tecnique) aimed at restoring the mobility of those joints affected by dysfunctions and improving the overall balance of the body thanks to the biomechanical and neurological connections of the locomotor system with the other systems of the organism.
Indications
Back pain, lower back pain, neck pain, whiplash, herniated disc, sciatica, postural imbalance,
tendinitis, subacromial syndrome, bursitis, ankle sprain, plantar fasciitis, etc.
2. Visceral Problems
This is the most unknown part of osteopathy. However, it is a powerful tool for the treatment of problems of visceral origin.
All the visceral elements are fixed either between them or fixed to fixed structures that give them stability. However, for the proper functioning of these visceral structures, it is necessary that they are able to move, becasuse good part of their function (physiology) depends on this mobility and motility.
Many digestive and visceral problems, are generally due to a lack of mobility of the viscera for different reasons: inflammation (hepatitis, gastritis), ptosis, congestion, infection, etc. And these are compromising the suspensory system of the viscera and alter all relationships between organs, viscera, vessels and adjacent nerves.
Indications
Constipation, poor digestion, hiatus hernia, certain gynecological disorders, post surgical adhesions, ptosis, etc.
3. Cranial problems
This is the third main area of pathologies than can be treated with osteopathy. The osteopathic treatment of the skull originates from the experiences of William G. Sutherland, disciple of the founder of osteopathy, A.T Still. It is based on the concept of what we call the Primary Respiratory Mechanism (MRP). Four phenomena occur around this event:
- Mobility of the iliacs around the sacrum
- Fluctuation of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid)
- Mobility of the skull bones
- Mobility of the MTR (reciprocal tension membranes)
Indications
Migraines, headaches, tinnitus, bruxism and temporomandibular disorders, dizziness, sinusitis, etc.