What exactly is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a manual therapy method used to examine and treat the musculoskeletal system, organs, and tissues. It is based on the premise that discomfort can be caused by restricted movement or blockages. Osteopathy assumes that the body, provided there are no blockages, can heal itself. This form of therapy is used today as a complementary therapy to conventional medicine and aims to find and treat the causes and triggers of the symptoms.
The importance of fascia in osteopathy
The method of osteopathy was founded over 130 years ago by the American physician Andrew Still. It is based on the holistic approach that the body consists of numerous structures that are directly or indirectly interconnected. Fasciae play a central role, permeating the entire body as a connecting network of tension. A distinction is made between:
- Superficial fascia : These consist of loose connective tissue and fatty tissue.
- Deep fascia : These surround muscles and bones and consist of fibrous connective tissue layers.
- Visceral fascia : These serve to suspend and embed the internal organs.
What does an osteopath do?
Based on the aforementioned complaints, an osteopath uses their hands to examine the range of motion and/or restrictions of movement of the skeleton or individual bones, organs, and tissues. Once they understand the causes of the complaints (the blockages and restrictions of movement), they will treat the patient through manipulation, muscle techniques, and mobilization. This means that during osteopathic treatment, they use their hands to follow the directions and movements of the fascia, releasing any tension they find.
Osteopathy is divided into three main areas:
- Visceral osteopathy : Deals with the organs, their blood supply and fixation.
- Parietal osteopathy : Therapy of muscles, bones and joints
- Cranial osteopathy : Treatment of the head
A patient must understand that an osteopath does not heal. Rather, he releases blockages and restrictions in movement, thereby stimulating the body to heal itself.
For whom is osteopathy recommended?
Osteopathy is gaining increasing popularity, particularly among patients with chronic conditions such as migraines, asthma, or back pain . It's essential to discuss with your doctor whether osteopathic treatment is appropriate, as some conditions can actually worsen with this approach. Those suffering from back pain can supplement their treatment by ensuring they maintain proper posture and movement, at least during the day – for example, by using an active chair from Aeris.
How much does an osteopathic treatment cost – and who pays?
A treatment session can cost up to €120 per hour. Whether and to what extent a health insurance company will cover the costs should be clarified beforehand. However, more and more insurance companies and statutory health insurance funds have recognized the benefits of the treatment, which is why many now cover at least part of the costs.
Who can become an osteopath?
The minimum four-year training program typically takes place at private osteopathic schools and can be completed part-time by physicians (orthopedists), alternative practitioners, or physiotherapists; a high school diploma is the minimum requirement. For several years now, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences has also offered both a full-time Bachelor's and a Master's degree program. Further information is available from the VOD e.V. (German Association of Osteopaths).
Anyone who wants to know more about this topic can find a lot of valuable information on the VOD homepage at www.osteopathie.de .
