Osteo-Articular Approach addresses the joints of the body, which are critical points of interconnectivity between all other structures within the body. This method includes Osteoarticular Adjustments like Joint Mobilization or Muscle Energy Techniques. The application of these gentle techniques improves the body’s ability to heal and restore itself to optimal health. Underneath the pain is a compensatory pattern created in the body with the initial source of the dysfunction often being far from where the pain is felt. A skilled manual osteopath searches for this pattern and its source, evaluating the whole body and not just the problematic joint, and treats the related tissues. This treatment is comprised of precise gentle engagement and soft tissue mobilization of the associated bones. As the source of a problem is released, symptoms will start to decrease. It is important to understand that the symptoms are not necessarily viewed initially as the most important element. The cause of a problem may actually be located somewhere other than where the symptoms appear to be present. Particularly with joint, pain can be referred from another part of the body like viscera (internal organs).
Optimal health relies on a balanced relationship between the different systems of the body – such as the nerves of the central and peripheral system, organs of the visceral system and their support tissues, muscles and bones of the musculoskeletal system , and other structures. A manual osteopath identifies the source of disharmony in the body, and through application of the gentle and specific techniques, the patient’s body becomes less bound by dysfunctional patterns leading to the state of optimal health.