OSTEOPATHY

• Helps reduce pain naturally, including chronic pain
• Can improve sleep quality
• Helps break up scar tissue, lower muscle tension, and heal injuries
• Can normalize breathing and respiratory functions
• May complement or replace certain medications

The initial examination will be 1 hour and 30 minutes long and will include assessment and treatment. This is done with the patient wearing loose-fitted clothing. The assessment consists of visual examination, gait examination, range of motion testing, muscle palpation for pain and texture, and pain/motion palpation of the joints. The assessment allows the practitioner to determine any dysfunctions and to construct an appropriate treatment plan. For treatment, the patient may choose to wear loose-fitted clothing or to undress. If the patient chooses to undress, the therapist will leave the room and knock on the door to be sure you are ready before re-entering.The treatment involves the patient in a seated, side-lying, face-down, and face-up position depending on the patient’s needs, and is structured to encourage relaxation. The therapist will use their hands to apply pressure and encourage motion where needed. The process in which this is done is categorized as either joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques, or soft-tissue therapy. Joint mobilization involves applying gentle pressure on the joints to encourage movement, improve the supply of nutrients and increase range of motion. Muscle energy techniques are applied by asking the patient to contract a muscle while providing resistance, relaxing the muscle, and then stretching the muscle. This process is done multiple times to ease muscle hypertension and muscle spasms. Soft-tissue therapy is more commonly referred to as massage and works to release myofascial restrictions. The therapist will aim to incorporate all of the above styles to ensure deep and superficial concerns are addressed.