What is osteopathy and who exactly is an osteopath?

Osteopaths utilize a wide range of manual techniques aimed at improving physical functioning and supporting homeostasis disrupted by somatic dysfunction. This is the definition (WHO 2010).

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

– Moving away from strict definitions, osteopathy can be described as a science encompassing anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, which analyzes a person in a holistic way, trying to maintain health and the ability to heal themselves by removing the barriers found.  

It is based on four foundations, which are, as it were, a constitution and which define the image of a human being from the point of view of osteopaths and thus their understanding of medicine.

PRINCIPLE ONE – The human being is a unity encompassing body, mind, and soul . The body, composed of bones, muscles, and other organs, is connected by circuits (the nervous system, circulatory system, fascia, and hormonal system) that transmit messages and reactions. This creates interdependencies, for example, between the musculoskeletal system and internal organs. As a result of these interdependencies, shoulder pain, for example, can be triggered by liver or stomach problems. It should therefore come as no surprise that an osteopath examines the entire body, even when the patient's ailment seems obvious.

PRINCIPLE TWO – The body can regulate itself, heal itself, and maintain health – this happens unconsciously. For example, we compensate for tension and stress by venting and decompressing during free time (sports, hobbies). Our body copes very well on its own – minor wounds heal within a few days, numerous bacteria and viruses are neutralized by the immune system, and during illness, a series of adaptive responses occur.

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

PRINCIPLE FOUR – Blood supply as the most important factor – the body's unity is organized around blood, a substance common to all tissues. The goal of osteopathic diagnosis is to identify the site of blockage. Restoring proper blood flow improves tissue nourishment, removes metabolites, and prevents blockages and fibrosis.

What is a visit to an osteopath like?

"First, in a standard manner, the patient discusses their ailments and problem. The osteopath then moves on to a medical history, including key questions about comorbidities, medications, previous surgeries and injuries, accidents, as well as daily habits and work conditions. It's also helpful to have the results of any previous imaging studies with you. The most important tool for making an osteopathic diagnosis is a physical examination of the patient. Body symmetry, tissue tenderness, skin condition, quantitative and qualitative movement assessments are assessed, and functional clinical tests are performed.".

What is osteopathic treatment?

"There are many techniques and concepts in osteopathic treatment. A distinction should be made between direct and indirect techniques, the common denominator of which should be the absence of pain during their implementation. Therapy should focus on identifying 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 triggered a cascade of further changes in the body.".

Most often, an osteopath suggests therapy once a week or biweekly. In acute cases, the frequency of treatments may increase to twice a week. After each treatment, a few days' break should be taken to allow the body to adapt to the stress changes that occurred during the treatment. 

Is treatment with an osteopath painful?

– The common denominator of various osteopathic techniques should be the absence of pain during their performance. 

What does an osteopathic specialist treat?

– Due to the very broad spectrum of osteopathy's perception of the body, its direct and indirect connections, the scope of osteopathy's support for the body is truly vast. The most common problems osteopaths work with include:

• back pain,
• discopathies and radiculopathies,
• posture defects,
• joint overload,
• headaches and dizziness,
• squeaking and tinnitus,
• temporomandibular joint ailments,
• perinatal ailments,
• pain syndromes in pregnancy,
• painful periods,
• digestive disorders,
• gastroesophageal reflux,
• irritable bowel syndrome,
• injuries and post-fracture conditions,
• colic and reflux in babies.

Is a referral from a doctor required for osteopathic treatments?

– An osteopath is a person who has completed a medical degree (physician, physiotherapist) and completed four to five years of postgraduate osteopathic training, culminating in an examination and the defense of a scientific thesis in the field of osteopathy. Therefore, a visit to an osteopath does not require a medical referral.

How to book an appointment?

– You can register for an appointment online or by phone at 81 532 37 11. The appointment takes place at the CM Luxmed clinic in Lublin, at 6a Zwycięska Street. Duration: 30 – 45 min.