Osteopaths mostly use a combination of 3 to 5 different techniques noted below to individually tailor a treatment plan best for your health care. You may discuss with the osteopath which types of techniques suite yourself and which techniques you do not feel comfortable with.
Massage – rubbing and kneading of the soft tissues
Inhibition - apply constant pressure hypertonic tissue that results in a release
Articulation – moving and wobbling joints taking them through their range of motion to improve circulation and increase mobility
M.E.T. (muscle energy technique) – actively stretching joints and muscles against resistance to help realign normal biomechanical function
H.V.L.A. (high velocity and low amplitude) – manipulation or ‘cracking’ of joint. As the name suggest it’s a quick movement in a short distance. It is used when safe to do so and with minimal force to maximise safety and reduce patient discomfort.
Visceral Techniques have a pumping affect on the organs that improves function and blood flow and promotes drainage from the area.
Lymphatic Drainage – the lymphatic systems drains 1% of your venous return in your body. The veins do the other 99%. Lymphatic drainage promotes venous return and helps with swelling, inflammation and therefore improves healing.
Counter Strain – involves shortening the dysfunctional tissues by position the joint so they are no longer under stress/load and this enables the tissues to relax and reset themselves.
Functional Technique – positions the joint to a point of balance and using the patient respiration allows the practitioner to release the restricted tissues
Cranial Technique – works with the patient’s fluctuation and expansion of the cranial bones, central nervous system, the supporting membranes and cerebral spinal fluid. This is a very gentle and affective technique.
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