Instead of looking at each symptom of an illness separately, osteopathic medicine is a kind of medicine that looks at your entire body to figure out the best method of treatment. Osteopathic medicine has become quite popular, especially for people who have problems with muscle and joint pain. A lot of people insist that when you suffer from neck pain, an osteopath is one of your best resources. It is understandable, however, that if you haven't ever visited an osteopath, that doing so might feel scary. Don't worry-you have nothing to be scared of. Here is what you can expect to experience when you visit an osteopath for neck pain treatment:
The first part of your visit will be an exam that feels more like a visit to a "traditional" doctor. You'll most likely give your complete medical history and also receive a physical examination. In many cases, your osteopath might order extra tests to help narrow down exactly why your neck is in pain. You might have an X-Ray taken to see if there is any physical damage to the vertebrae in your neck, but don't be surprised if your osteopath pays attention to other parts of your body as well!
It is important to know that your appointment will involve a lot of physical contact between you and your osteopath. Osteopathic treatment is very "hands on."
The osteopath you visit can use any or all of the following methods to treat your neck pain:
Counterstrain technique: this technique involves moving you into a position that will help your body restore motion to any of your muscles that might have been strained or restrained.
Muscle Energy technique: your osteopath will give you specific exercises in which you will use your muscles from a specific position and move them in specific directions.
Soft Tissue technique: Pressure is applied to the muscles around your spine by your osteopath. This technique might involve deep pressure, traction or rhythmic stretching.
Thrust technique: your osteopath will use high velocity force to reintroduce movement to your joints or to get rid of any signs of muscle asymmetry, restricted movement, muscle tenderness or tissue changes.
Your osteopath might also use a low level laser or acupuncture techniques to help treat your neck pain.
This might sound very scary but don't worry-most people don't experience any pain when they visit their osteopath for neck pain treatment. In fact, most people who visit osteopaths find their treatments to be relaxing and pleasant!
A number of people often confuse osteopaths with chiropractors, but it is important to understand that the two professionals, while seemingly similar, are actually quite different! A chiropractor is a professional who wants to treat your spine and joints. Osteopaths want to work with you and help treat your entire body.
The first part of your visit will be an exam that feels more like a visit to a "traditional" doctor. You'll most likely give your complete medical history and also receive a physical examination. In many cases, your osteopath might order extra tests to help narrow down exactly why your neck is in pain. You might have an X-Ray taken to see if there is any physical damage to the vertebrae in your neck, but don't be surprised if your osteopath pays attention to other parts of your body as well!
It is important to know that your appointment will involve a lot of physical contact between you and your osteopath. Osteopathic treatment is very "hands on."
The osteopath you visit can use any or all of the following methods to treat your neck pain:
Counterstrain technique: this technique involves moving you into a position that will help your body restore motion to any of your muscles that might have been strained or restrained.
Muscle Energy technique: your osteopath will give you specific exercises in which you will use your muscles from a specific position and move them in specific directions.
Soft Tissue technique: Pressure is applied to the muscles around your spine by your osteopath. This technique might involve deep pressure, traction or rhythmic stretching.
Thrust technique: your osteopath will use high velocity force to reintroduce movement to your joints or to get rid of any signs of muscle asymmetry, restricted movement, muscle tenderness or tissue changes.
Your osteopath might also use a low level laser or acupuncture techniques to help treat your neck pain.
This might sound very scary but don't worry-most people don't experience any pain when they visit their osteopath for neck pain treatment. In fact, most people who visit osteopaths find their treatments to be relaxing and pleasant!
A number of people often confuse osteopaths with chiropractors, but it is important to understand that the two professionals, while seemingly similar, are actually quite different! A chiropractor is a professional who wants to treat your spine and joints. Osteopaths want to work with you and help treat your entire body.
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, editor of Osteopath Network, writes articles about osteopathy, back pain, neck pain and soft tissue injuries. If you are looking for a London osteopath or for an osteopath in the UK please visit his website.
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