If you’re like most people living with joint pain, you’re probably taking some form of medication to reduce the pain, inflammation and stiffness that are limiting your ability to do everyday activities. You’re probably also concerned about the long-term effects of taking these medications, but you just don’t know what else to do. If this sounds like you, then it’s time to give serious consideration to alternative treatments that can replace or complement your current medications. If you’re looking for a non-invasive treatment with a low risk of side effects provided by individuals as highly trained (or more) than your own doctor, then you should consider Osteopathic Medicine.
What is Osteopathic Medicine?
Osteopathic medicine is considered integrative or holistic medicine. Rather than targeting specific symptoms or diseases, an osteopath takes into account the connections between the body’s different symptoms in order to develop the right treatment plan.
In some countries, osteopathic treatment is provided by a fully licensed practitioner with additional training and specialization in osteopathic medicine. The practice of Osteopathic Medicine is often literally hands-on. An osteopath may provide osteopathic manipulation treatment in which his hands move your muscles and joints through stretching, mild pressure and resistance.
What Are the Benefits of Osteopathic Treatment?
Evidence shows the gentle manipulative techniques often used in osteopathic treatment can improve your mobility, and reduce pain and inflammation. In 2013, scientists from the US, Germany and Australia collaborated on a systematic review of high quality randomized clinical trials of patients with acute and chronic low back pain, and found that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) was effective at reducing pain symptoms and restoring function.
In addition to OMT, osteopaths can also recommend additional helpful therapies, including:
- Stretching Exercises
- Physical Therapy
- Dietary and other lifestyle changes
Osteopathic treatment can also improve the functioning of the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems.
People living with chronic pain frequently suffer from sleep problems. Another possible benefit of osteopathic treatment is better quality sleep, which is important for good physical and mental health.
What Are The Risks?
Complications from osteopathic treatment are rare. Some patients may feel some pain or fatigue after osteopathic manipulative treatment, but these often disappear within 24 hours. Patients with osteoporosis, who have had recent joint surgery, or who have rheumatoid arthritis in the neck are not good candidates for osteopathic manipulation.
Scientific References:
Seffinger, Michael A, DO. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. July 2013; Vol. 113, Pages 568-569.
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