OSTEOPATHY
The four key principles of osteopathic philosophy are:
The body is a unit; the person is a unity of body, mind and spirit.
The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing and health preservation.
Structure and function are in mutual relation.
A rational therapy based on the understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation and structure and function inter-relationship.
Osteopathy or osteopathic medicine is a philosophy, a science and an art. The philosophy includes the concept of unity between function and structure of the body, in sickness and in health. Its science includes chemical, physical and biological sciences in relation to the preservation of health and the prevention, treatment and alleviation of disease. Its art is the application of philosophy and science in the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery in all its branches and specialties. Health is based on the human body's natural ability to resist and fight the harmful effects of the environment and compensate for the effects; to cope with adequate backups, with the usual stresses of everyday life and the occasional severe stress imposed by the excesses of the environment and activity.
Disease begins when this natural ability is reduced or when it is exceeded or overwhelmed by harmful influences. Osteopathic medicine recognizes that many factors weaken this ability and the natural tendency to recover, and that among the most important factors are local disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Osteopathic medicine takes care to free and develop all the resources that underpin the strength and resilience, thus recognizing the validity of the ancient account that the doctor has to do with a patient as well as with a disease.
Definition taken from : Fondation for Osteopathic Medicine , 1 / E , by Robert C. Ward , 1997 Williams & Wilkins
Indications
Osteopathic treatment is intended for babies, children, young and old people engaged in all kinds of activities or occupations.
The osteopathic treatments reduce pain, improve the ability of the person to perform the usual activities and help to restore the health. Conditions in which it is particularly suitable: back pain, neck pain, spinal pain, postural problems resulting from incorrect work positions or pregnancy, sports injuries, headaches and migraines, ear infections, dizziness, sinusitis, constipation, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, menstrual pain etc...
Osteopathy and Sport
The osteopath takes care of injuries prevention and of athlete’s performance optimization (amateur and professional).
The osteopath considers the sportsman according to the discipline and its postural development.
Sports can create stress and overload in athletes that can build up and increase the risk of accidents. The structures, if not brought back to the right balance, can lead to a degeneration of tissue, predisposing to inflammation, injury (muscle, tendon, joint, etc.).
The osteopath works out imbalances through manipulative techniques, preventing injuries.