What is osteopathy and who exactly is an osteopath?

An osteopath uses a wide range of manual techniques whose goal is to improve physical functioning and support homeostasis that has been disrupted by somatic dysfunction. This is what the definition says (WHO 2010).

What an osteopath can help with and what osteopathy is, explains our specialist Piotr Kazek, M.D.

- Moving away from strict definitions, osteopathy can be described as a science that incorporates anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, which holistically analyzes the human being in an effort to maintain health and the ability to heal oneself by removing the barriers found.  

It is based on four fundamentals, which are the constitution, so to speak, and they define the image of man from the osteopaths' point of view and thus their understanding of medicine.

FIRST PR INCIPLE - Man is a unity comprising body, mind and soul - The organism, consisting of bones, muscles and other organs, is connected by circuits (nervous, circulatory, fascial, endocrine systems) that transmit messages and reactions of the body. In this way, correlations are formed, for example, between the musculoskeletal apparatus and internal organs. As a result of these correlations, for example, shoulder pain can be triggered by a problem with the liver or stomach. So it should come as no surprise when an osteopath examines the entire body, even when it seems obvious what ails the patient. 

SECOND PRINCIPLE - The body is able to regulate itself, heal itself and keep itself healthy - this is done unconsciously, e.g. we compensate for tension and stress by unloading and relieving ourselves in our leisure time ( sports, hobbies). Our body copes very well on its own - small wounds heal within a few days, numerous bacteria and viruses are neutralized by the immune system, and during illness there are a number of adaptive reactions of the body.

THIRD PRINCIPLE - Structure and function interact - a healthy structure (e.g. muscles, nerves organs, body fluids) performs all the functions that belong to it. Functions (e.g., blood flow, digestion, movement, menstruation)performed by the body are good only when the structures are in good condition.

FOURTH PRINCIPLE - blood supply as the most important factor - the unity of the body is organized around blood, a substance that is common to all tissues. The goal of osteopathic diagnosis is to find the site of blockage. Restoring proper blood flow improves tissue nutrition, removal of metabolites, and prevents blockages and fibrosis.

What does a visit to an osteopath look like?

- First, in the standard manner, the patient tells about his ailments and problem. The osteopath then proceeds to anamnesis including key questions about comorbidities, medications taken, past surgeries and injuries, accidents, as well as daily habits and working conditions. It's also useful to have the results of previous imaging studies with you. The most important means of making an osteopathic diagnosis is a physical examination of the patient. Body symmetry, tissue tenderness, skin condition, quantitative and qualitative evaluation of movement are assessed, and functional clinical tests are performed.

What does osteopathic treatment consist of?

- There are many techniques and concepts of osteopathic treatment. A distinction should be made between indirect and direct techniques, the common denominator of which should be the absence of pain during their execution. Therapy should focus on finding the patient's somatic dysfunctions and categorizing them into primary and secondary dysfunctions. Treatment should be as minimally invasive as possible, targeting the patient's primary problem, which in turn has caused a cascade of further changes in the body.

Most often, the osteopath suggests therapy once a week or on a biweekly basis. In an acute condition, the frequency of therapy may increase to two per week. After each therapy, it is necessary to take a break for a few days to allow the body to adapt to the tension changes that have occurred in the patient's body during the therapy. 

Does treatment with an osteopath hurt?

- The common denominator of the various osteopathic techniques should be the absence of pain when they are performed. 

What does an osteopathic specialist treat?

- Because of the very broad spectrum of osteopathy's view of the body, its direct and indirect connections, the scope of osteopathy's support for the body is very large indeed. Some of the most common problems that osteopaths work with include:

• back pain,
• Discopathies and radiculopathies,
• postural defects,
• joint overload,
• Headaches and dizziness,
• squeaks and tinnitus,
• Temporomandibular joint complaints,
• perinatal ailments,
• Pregnancy pain syndromes,
• painful periods,
• digestive disorders,
• gastroesophageal reflux,
• irritable bowel syndrome,
• Injuries and conditions after fractures,
• Colic and reflux in infants.

Is a referral from a doctor required for treatments with an osteopath?

- An osteopath is a person who has graduated with a medical degree (doctor, physiotherapist) and has completed 4-5 years of osteopathic postgraduate training, culminating in an examination and defense of a scientific paper in osteopathy. Hence, a visit to an osteopath does not require a medical referral.

How to sign up for an appointment ?

- Registration for the visit can be done online or by phone 81 532 37 11. The visit takes place at the CM Luxmed clinic in Lublin, Zwycięska 6a Street. Duration: 30 - 45 min.