Many of you reading this will have a good idea of what Osteopathy is. I just wanted to reinforce the reasons why Osteopathy is different, and why you may consider Osteopathy first as a form of treatment.
Osteopaths treat problems in the musculoskeletal system. So that is problems arising from bones, joints, tendons, ligament, muscles and fascia. By working through these structures you can also have an effect on nerves and the circulatory system.
Osteopaths can treat problems body-wide. You would tend to find that if you went to an Osteopath with an area of pain. The Osteopath would assess your whole position. To try and ascertain other factors that may have created the problem, and other areas that may be taking undue strain in relation to the problem. In this way Osteopathy is holistic.
Osteopathy is also holistic in the way it will consider the musculoskeletal relationships to internal structures of the body. Often helping problems relating to digestion and respiration, and effecting blood vessels and nerves. It can improve the mechanics relating to these areas, with the goal being to improve general health and well-being.
Here is an exercise you may like to try to assess flexibility of the back of your body, and possibly improve it.
This exercise shouldn’t cause pain, if you experience a problem, stop the exercise and consult your Osteopath or other medical practitioner. If you have an existing complaint, it would be wise to consult your practitioner to check these exercises are appropriate for you.
There is a line of a structure called fascia (the body’s packing tissue) running down the back of your body. Its called the Superficial Back Line. It runs from the undersurface of your feet, up the back of your body, back of the neck and over the head to the brow bone. A dysfunction in any part of this line, may have a knock-on effect and cause a problem in another part of the line.
Being careful with your back, this shouldn’t cause pain, but may highlight tightness. Bend forwards, think about where you feel the stiffness – head, neck, back, legs? Come out of this position, and with a golf ball/tennis ball. Spend two minutes rolling the undersurface of your foot over the ball. Make sure you cover the area between the balls of the toes and heel well. Try the bending forward test again. Does that side feel freer? Repeat on the other side for balance.
This is one great way to picture the connectivity of our body structures. It’s a common part of the body to get very tight, and so this exercise may be an easy way to access this line and try to keep it freer.
