Osteopathy Treatment in Kenmore

Osteopaths assess, analyse, diagnose, treat, and implement rehabilitation and prevention strategies to manage musculoskeletal disorders. Osteopathy considers and uses advanced medical testing procedures to understand the root cause of the disorder and treat patients with manual techniques. Osteopathy believes that every individual is unique even though they come to a practitioner with the same problem. Osteopaths not only look at the symptomatic area but also consider psychological and social factors contributing to the disorders. After identifying the root cause of the situation, osteopaths can treat it using different modalities. For example, soft tissue mobilisation, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, joint articulation, harmonic articulation, High-velocity low amplitude (HVLA) manipulation, joint manipulation, muscle energy techniques (MET), and many more. It can help relieve muscle tension and enhance the circulation and nerve supply to tissue. As no two persons are alike, no two osteopaths also employ the same techniques. Our team uses the techniques mentioned above along with yoga, meditation, and hypnotherapy, to achieve quick outcomes and restore health status to improve the quality of life.

Cranial Osteopathy: Cranial Osteopathy is a distinctive facet of osteopathy in Kenmore that focuses on the cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI). Practitioners trained in cranial techniques utilise gentle touch to detect and address restrictions in the cranial bones’ movement and their effects on the entire body. This subtle approach has been known to alleviate headaches, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being.

Visceral Osteopathy: Visceral Osteopathy is concerned with the organs and their surrounding connective tissues. Osteopaths specialising in visceral techniques employ gentle manual manipulation to optimise organ mobility, blood flow, and function. By releasing restrictions in these areas, this approach can improve digestion, reduce discomfort, and have many more benefits that enhance overall organ health.

Cranial Nerve Manipulation: This specialised technique focuses on the manipulation of cranial nerves to address various neurological and sensory issues, potentially offering relief for conditions like migraines and chronic pain.

Peripheral Nerve Manipulation: Peripheral Nerve Manipulation involves techniques to release tension and promote optimal function in peripheral nerves, offering potential benefits for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.

Vascular Manipulation: Vascular Manipulation techniques aim to optimise blood flow and circulation throughout the body, potentially benefiting cardiovascular health and aiding in the resolution of vascular-related issues.

Urogenital Manipulation: This branch of osteopathy in Kenmore addresses the musculoskeletal and connective tissue aspects of the urogenital system, potentially aiding in the management of urinary and reproductive health issues.

Vestibular Rehabilitation: Osteopaths play a crucial role in Vestibular Rehabilitation by addressing musculoskeletal imbalances and promoting proper blood flow to the inner ear. This can significantly reduce symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance, greatly improving the patient’s quality of life.

Other treatment modalities involve :-

Cupping

Dry needling

Taping

The Osteopathic Approach: Assessment and Diagnosis

Osteopathic assessment methods are thorough and comprehensive, ensuring a complete understanding of the patient’s health and well-being:

• Patient History: A comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and current concerns provides essential insights into the root causes of their condition.
• Physical Examination: Osteopaths perform hands-on assessments to evaluate the musculoskeletal system’s alignment, range of motion, areas of tension or dysfunction, and orthopedic testing.
• Palpation: Osteopaths employ palpation to identify restrictions, areas of tenderness, and abnormalities in tissues and structures.
• Specialised Tests: Depending on the patient’s condition, osteopaths may conduct specific tests to gain deeper insights into underlying issues, facilitating accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Diagnostic Imaging: Osteopaths may utilise X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT (Computed Tomography) scans, or ultrasound to visualise the internal structures of the body, such as bones, joints, muscles, and organs. These images can help confirm or rule out specific conditions and guide treatment planning.
• Electromyography (EMG): EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. It can help identify muscle imbalances, nerve compression, or other neuromuscular issues that may contribute to a patient’s symptoms.
• Computerised Gait Analysis: This technology assesses a patient’s walking and running patterns using specialised sensors and software. It can reveal abnormalities in gait mechanics that might be contributing to musculoskeletal problems.
• Thermography: Infrared thermography can detect variations in skin temperature, which can be indicative of inflammation, nerve dysfunction, or circulatory issues. It can provide additional information to aid in diagnosis.
• Pressure Mapping: Pressure sensors embedded in a mat or chair can assess the distribution of pressure on a patient’s body when sitting or standing. This can be valuable for identifying postural issues and pressure-related problems.
• DEXA Scan: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measures bone density and can help diagnose conditions like osteoporosis or assess the risk of fractures.
• Laboratory Tests: Although osteopaths do not typically order laboratory tests themselves, they may refer patients for blood tests, urinalysis, or other diagnostic tests to rule out systemic issues or monitor specific health markers.
• Vestibular testing goggles: These are specialised eyewear used in vestibular testing. They feature lenses that block external visual input, allowing a tester to observe and record a patient’s eye movements during tasks like the caloric test or evaluation of nystagmus. These goggles help diagnose balance and inner ear disorders.

Osteopathic Treatment Methods

Osteopathic treatment encompasses a wide range of techniques designed to restore balance and function:

• Soft Tissue Manipulation: A variety of soft tissue mobilisation techniques are unique to osteopathy. Osteopaths employ hands-on techniques to manipulate and mobilise muscles, fascia, and connective tissues. Our team of osteopaths uses those methods in combination with other techniques such as acupressure, trigger-point therapy, and many more. These techniques can help to manage sports-related injuries, back pain, chronic overuse injuries, loss of range due to postural compensation, and many other musculoskeletal conditions and alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve range of motion.
• Joint Mobilisation: Osteopaths use gentle and controlled movements to restore proper joint function. This is particularly beneficial for conditions such as arthritis or joint stiffness.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (METs): METs involve the patient actively contracting specific muscles while the osteopath provides resistance. This technique can improve joint mobility and muscle balance.
• Manipulation: These are quick joint release techniques. During the application of these techniques, the patient may hear a “popping sound.” These are effectively used to improve the range of motion and reduce pain. Our practitioners are well-trained and have long experience using these techniques, and they can work with you so the application will make painless and bring about positive changes.
• Myofascial Release: It is a gentle massage mainly to release tense or tight areas of joints, muscles, or ligaments. It is helpful for the acute type of pains and also for chronic or long-standing pains associated with tight muscles or joints.Osteopaths apply sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions, promoting improved blood flow and tissue health.
• High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) Thrust Techniques: HVLA techniques involve quick and precise movements to realign joints and alleviate pain, commonly associated with chiropractic adjustments.
• Counterstrain Technique: This is also known as “positional release.” In this technique, joints, ligaments, muscles, or tendons are brought into the position of comfort by manipulating passively and then held in that position for a due period of time to release spasms and pain.This technique involves identifying tender points and positioning the patient in a way that relieves tension, promoting relaxation and pain relief.
• Osteopathy in the cranial field: During severe jerk to the head (whiplash injury), either during an accident or a fall, the movement can cause certain injuries and lead to headaches, jaw problems, tinnitus, and neuralgias or nerve pain. Restoring normalcy is done by certain gentle techniques applied to the structures around the sacrum, head, face, and jaw which has a profound effect on the body. 
• Functional technique: It involves re-educating the central nervous system. As a result, muscles and ligaments are reset to a normal level of functioning. It involves gentle techniques useful in both acute and chronic conditions. It is a hands-on approach that involves precise movements and stretches to improve joint mobility and alleviate musculoskeletal issues, promoting the body’s natural healing and function.These techniques have very promising results in reducing stiffness around the spine and joints, thus being very effective in acute and chronic pains. These techniques, in some way, can provide complete and permanent solution to recurring pain conditions.
• Exercise Prescription: Osteopaths design personalised exercise programs to enhance strength, flexibility, and posture. These exercises complement the overall treatment plan, supporting the patient’s long-term well-being.
• Articulation: This technique is helpful for mobilising stiff joints and chronic areas of stiffness and improves blood circulation. These are specific repetitive gentle techniques. Various articulation techniques can be used to enhance the range of motion of joints.
• Lifestyle and Nutritional Guidance: Osteopaths often provide recommendations related to diet, exercise, and stress management, empowering patients to make positive lifestyle changes that promote health and healing.
• Muscle energy techniques: This is so named because this technique uses the coupling of our gentle techniques and the patient’s muscle strength. The patient will control the amount of force used. These are techniques aimed at realigning and restoring the balance of the body. These techniques are also helpful in mobilising joints, restoring a range of motion, reducing muscle tightness, and strengthening the muscles.
• And many more…

1. Sharp Pain: Often described as a sudden, intense, stabbing, or cutting sensation. It can be associated with injuries, such as cuts or punctures.
2. Dull Pain: Characterized by a persistent, throbbing ache that is not sharp or intense. It can be associated with conditions like muscle strains or tension headaches.
3. Burning Pain: Feels like a burning or scalding sensation, often associated with nerve injuries or conditions like sunburn.
4. Achy Pain: A continuous, mild to moderate discomfort, similar to the feeling of a persistent ache. Common in conditions like arthritis.
5. Stinging Pain: Described as a sharp, pricking, or tingling sensation, often associated with insect bites or nerve issues.
6. Cramping Pain: Feels like tight, squeezing, or cramping muscles, common in conditions like menstrual cramps or muscle spasms.
7. Throbbing Pain: Pain that comes and goes in waves, often associated with vascular issues or migraines.
8. Shooting Pain: Occurs suddenly and travels along a nerve pathway, often described as electric shock-like or shooting. Common in neuropathic pain conditions.
9. Pressure Pain: Feels like a heavy, pressing sensation, often associated with sinus congestion or tension headaches.
10. Tingling Pain: A sensation of pins and needles, often associated with nerve compression or poor circulation.
11. Itching Pain: A combination of discomfort and an irresistible urge to scratch, often seen in skin conditions or allergies.
12. Thermal Pain: Sensitivity to temperature changes, leading to pain sensations in response to hot or cold stimuli, common in dental or sinus issues.
13. Deep Pain: Described as pain that originates deep within the body, often associated with visceral pain from internal organs.
14. Numbness with Pain: A feeling of numbness or loss of sensation accompanied by aching or discomfort, common in nerve-related conditions.
15. Tightness or Constricting Pain: A sensation of being squeezed or trapped, often seen in conditions like angina or constrictive pericarditis.
16. Tender Pain: Tenderness or soreness upon touch, often found in areas of inflammation or injury.
17. Radiating Pain: Pain that spreads from its origin to nearby areas, often associated with conditions like radiculopathy or sciatica.
18. Gnawing Pain: Described as a persistent, bothersome sensation, often associated with stomach ulcers or gastritis.
19. Migraine Pain: Intense, pulsating pain typically on one side of the head, often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
20. Painful Pins and Needles: A sensation of sharp, painful pins and needles, often associated with nerve compression or injury.
21. Chest Pain: Can vary widely, from a dull, heavy ache to a sharp, stabbing pain, depending on its cause, such as angina or heartburn.
22. Bone Pain: Often described as deep and aching, can be associated with fractures, bone infections, or conditions like osteoarthritis.

Common types of pain and their management:

Nociceptive Pain:

• Origins: Arises from the activation of pain receptors (nociceptors) in response to tissue damage or injury.
  • Subtypes:
    • Somatic Pain: Originates from skin, muscles, or joints. Examples include cuts, fractures, or sprains.
    • Visceral Pain: Originates from internal organs. Conditions like appendicitis or gastrointestinal disorders can cause visceral pain.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Clinical assessment and medical history.
    • Physical examination to identify the source of pain.
    • Imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to visualize structural issues.
    • Blood tests to check for inflammatory markers or other underlying causes.
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve).
    • Prescription-strength NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain.
    • Physical therapy to improve function and reduce pain.
    • Surgical interventions to address the underlying cause (e.g., joint replacement for osteoarthritis).
  • Osteopathic Assessment: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopathic assessments which help identify musculoskeletal issues contributing to nociceptive pain. Osteopaths use techniques like palpation, range of motion testing, and postural evaluation to locate somatic dysfunctions that may lead to pain
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): OMT (Osteopathic manipulation techniques) for nociceptive pain may include soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and joint mobilization. These methods aim to reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and alleviate pain associated with tissue damage or injury.

Neuropathic Pain:

o   Origins: Results from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, leading to abnormal pain sensations.

o   Examples: Diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and nerve compression syndromes.

o   Diagnostic Methods:

§  Detailed medical history and description of pain characteristics.

§  Neurological examination to assess sensory and motor functions.

§  Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) to evaluate nerve function.

§  Imaging (e.g., MRI) to identify nerve compression or structural abnormalities.

§  Skin biopsies to diagnose conditions like small fiber neuropathy.

o   Conventional Treatment:

§  Anticonvulsant medications (e.g., gabapentin) to stabilize nerve activity.

§  Antidepressant medications (e.g., amitriptyline) to modulate pain signals.

§  Opioid analgesics for severe cases.

§  Topical treatments like lidocaine patches.

§  Physical therapy and nerve blocks for certain conditions.

o   Osteopathic Assessment: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopaths assess the spine, nervous system, and soft tissues for restrictions or misalignments that could contribute to neuropathic pain. Manual techniques may be used to address musculoskeletal factors affecting nerve function.

o   OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): For neuropathic pain, OMT can involve gentle techniques to release restrictions along the spine and peripheral nerves. OMT can encompass cranial osteopathy and peripheral nerve manipulation to address nerve-related issues causing neuropathic pain. These techniques aim to improve nerve function and alleviate pain.

Psychogenic Pain:

• Origins: Related to psychological factors, and the pain may not have a clear physical cause. It is real and distressing to the individual.
  • Examples: Pain exacerbated by emotional stress or trauma.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Comprehensive psychological assessment to identify emotional factors contributing to pain.
    • Ruling out physical causes through medical evaluations and tests.
    • Observing the patient’s response to psychological interventions.
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address underlying psychological factors.
    • Medications for co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
    • Stress management techniques and relaxation therapies.
  • Osteopathic Assessment: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopaths perform structural assessments to rule out musculoskeletal causes of pain and assess for somatic dysfunctions. While they can’t diagnose psychogenic pain, they can help identify any co-existing musculoskeletal issues.
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): Osteopaths may use relaxation techniques, gentle manipulations, and cranial osteopathy to help patients with psychogenic pain. These methods can promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension associated with stress and anxiety.

Referred Pain:

• Origins: Pain is felt in a different area from the actual source of pain, often due to shared nerve pathways.
  • Example: Pain from a heart attack being felt in the left arm or jaw.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Clinical evaluation to trace the location of referred pain.
    • Identifying the source of pain through medical history and physical examination.
    • Diagnostic tests if necessary to confirm the source of referred pain.
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Treating the underlying cause of pain.
    • Pain relief medications based on the source of referred pain.
  • Osteopathic Assessment: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopaths use hands-on assessments, including palpation and motion testing, to identify musculoskeletal issues contributing to referred pain. They can evaluate for tender or restricted areas.
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): OMT for referred pain may involve soft tissue techniques and joint mobilization to address musculoskeletal issues contributing to the pain referral. These methods aim to improve tissue function and alleviate referred pain.

Phantom Pain:

• Origins: Occurs in a part of the body that has been amputated or lost sensation. The exact cause is not fully understood but is believed to result from misfiring nerve signals.
  • Example: Phantom limb pain in amputees.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Clinical history and examination to confirm the presence of phantom pain.
    • No specific diagnostic tests, as phantom pain is based on patient-reported symptoms.
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Medications like anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or opioids.
    • Mirror therapy or sensory discrimination training.
    • Stump care and prosthetic adjustments.
  • Osteopathic Assessment: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopaths may focus on musculoskeletal issues related to phantom pain in amputees. They can provide advice on stump care, prosthetic adjustments, and may use manual techniques to address muscle imbalances.
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): Osteopathic management for phantom pain can include stump care education and prosthetic adjustments. OMT may be used to address muscle imbalances and tension in the residual limb to improve comfort.

Inflammatory Pain:

• Origins: Arises due to inflammation in the body, which can stimulate pain receptors.
  • Example: Pain associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Medical history and physical examination.
    • Blood tests to measure inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
    • Imaging studies to visualize areas of inflammation (e.g., joint X-rays for arthritis).
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain.
    • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Biologics for severe inflammatory conditions.
    • Physical therapy and joint protection techniques.
  • Osteopathic Assessments: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopathic assessments for inflammatory pain involve a comprehensive evaluation of the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths look for areas of pain, muscle tension, and restricted joint mobility. They use techniques like palpation, range of motion testing, and postural assessment to identify somatic dysfunctions contributing to inflammatory pain.
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): OMT techniques for inflammatory pain may involve gentle stretching and soft tissue mobilization to improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation-related muscle tension.

Ischemic Pain:

• Origins: Caused by reduced blood flow or lack of oxygen to tissues.
  • Example: Angina pectoris, characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
  • Diagnostic Methods:
    • Clinical assessment, including medical history and symptoms.
    • Non-invasive tests like Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow.
    • Imaging studies (e.g., angiography) for more detailed evaluation.
  • Conventional Treatment:
    • Addressing the underlying vascular issues (e.g., surgery or angioplasty).
    • Medications like antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants to prevent clot formation.
  • Osteopathic Assessments: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopathic assessments for ischemic pain involve evaluating the circulatory system and soft tissues. Osteopaths assess for restrictions or impaired blood flow, often using manual techniques to improve circulation and alleviate muscle tension.
  • OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): Osteopathic management of ischemic pain may include techniques to enhance blood flow and reduce muscle tension. OMT can improve circulation and alleviate pain associated with reduced blood supply to tissues.

Cancer Pain:

• Origins: Resulting from the presence of cancer or its treatment, cancer pain can vary in type and location.
• Example: Pain due to tumour pressure on nerves or post-surgical pain after cancer-related procedures.
• Diagnostic Methods:
  • Clinical assessment and cancer history.
  • Imaging (e.g., CT scans, PET scans) to locate tumours or metastases.
  • Biopsies to confirm cancer presence and identify its type.
• Conventional Treatment:
  • Opioids, adjuvant medications, or nerve blocks for pain relief.
  • Radiation therapy or chemotherapy to shrink tumours.
  • Palliative care for comprehensive pain and symptom management.
• Osteopathic Assessments: Osteopaths can use all the diagnostic methods mentioned above and Osteopathic assessments for cancer pain can involve a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s musculoskeletal system to identify any pain or dysfunction related to cancer, its treatment, or associated complications.
• OMP (Osteopathic Management Plan): Osteopaths use OMT to address musculoskeletal issues related to cancer pain, such as muscle tension and restricted joint motion. These methods can complement medical treatments and enhance overall comfort.