What does a manual practioner in Osteopathy actually do?

"An osteopath might be likened to an engineer, a watchsmith of the organism, who not only evaluates and treats the causes of dysfunction, but also verifies preventively all the necessary mechanisms and systems of our physiology, which rule the balance and health of a

Human Being."

Philippe Druelle, D.O.

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When a patient comes for a consultation, the osteopath will listen to the complaint, the reason for consulting him and take a complete case history.

After the traditional Osteopath examines the complementary findings (X-Rays, Scan, lab reports etc.) they will inquire about any other treatment already in progress or previously undergone.

In this way referrals can be made to the appropriated medical practitioner if required.

During the consultation, the manual practitioner in osteopathy will do:

-A complete evaluation of the patient's vertical posture, weight bearing, typology, tensions, contractures, spasms, the quality of the tissues and skin, etc.

-Global, regional and local functional testing, passive, active and specific tests depending on the objectives of the evaluation.

-Palpation of the different tissues and physiological rhythms in order to ascertain the severity and origin of osteo-articular blocks and myofascial tensions as well as the importance of the restriction it creates and imposes on the organism, locally and at a distance by compensation.

1. -The identification of the causes and a synthesis of all his findings. The osteopath then weighs and prioritises the symptoms, taking into consideration the patient's state of health, age and vitality, he will build a specific osteopathic treatment plan most appropriate for each person.
   

An osteopathic treatment follows precise objectives:

1. -Treat the person according to his or her complaints and wishes (pain, functional restrictions, somatic disorders, etc.)
   

2. -Treat the causes of these dysfunction
   

3. -Restore movement to the different mechanisms and systems of the organism which preserve, maintain equilibrium and health, sometimes at a distance from the troublesome site, by liberating them from their constraints (tensions, pressures, lockings, etc.) which affect general circulation at the arterial, venous, nervous and lymphatic levels.
   

4. 
   

This approach ensures a more effective integration of the local treatment, significantly reduces the chances of the condition becoming chronic, and improves the functioning of each system, one in relation to the other.

An explanation to the patient of what was done and why, followed by advice concerning their particular case. It is important that the patient becomes self-sufficient and responsible of his or her well -being.

Most patients will feel considerable relief after 2 or 3 appointments, although 5 to 8 treatments or more are required in the majority of typical cases to completely resolve the origin of the dysfunction or pain. This, of course, is depending upon the pathology present.