Oesteopath
An Osteopath is a registered health professional qualified to treat medical disorders through the manipulation and massage of the bones, joints, and muscles. Osteopathy is a therapeutic system originally based upon the premise that manipulation of the muscles and bones to promote structural integrity could restore or preserve health. It is believed that diseases are due chiefly to a loss of structural integrity in the tissues of the body, and that this integrity can be restored by manipulation of the parts supported by the use of medicines, surgery, proper diet, and other therapy.
As a distinct form of medical practice that is relatively new in South Africa, Osteopathy emphasizes helping each person achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. A central view of osteopathic medicine is the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Key to this is the concept that ‘the structure influences function’. This aspect of Osteopathy’s holistic approach says that if there is a problem in one part of the body’s structure, function in that area, and possible in other areas, may be affected. Because of this, osteopaths like to work in partnership with their patients, taking into consideration the impact that lifestyle and community have on the health of each individual. It is a partnership approach that seeks to break down barriers to good health that might exist unconsciously in patients, or that manifest in their lifestyle. The person is viewed as more than just a collection of organ systems and body parts that may become injured or diseased.
Many of osteopathic medicine’s manipulative techniques are intended to reduce or eliminate the obstruction to proper structure and function. This allows the body’s self-healing ability to assume its role in restoring a person to health.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT, is hands-on care. It involves using the hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Using OMT, an osteopathic physician will move a person’s muscles and joints using techniques including stretching, gentle pressure and resistance. The patient may then be given further specific exercises to help the healing process.
Osteopathy, and osteopathic manipulative treatment, can help people of all ages and backgrounds. The treatment can be used to ease pain, promote healing and increase overall mobility. It is often used to treat muscle pain, but can also help patients with a number of other health problems such as: asthma; sinus disorders; carpal tunnel syndrome; and migraines – to name but a few.
Osteopaths are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Find the contact details, profile information and practice location of the specific Osteopath of your choice via our easy search. Contact them directly for session rates and details of the specific treatment offered.
