Osteopathic Bone Adjustment

The frequency of osteopathic visits at a TCM clinic depends on individual needs and conditions. Patients aiming for regular symptom management often find that appointments every 3 to 4 weeks are adequate. This helps with keeping chronic conditions in check, mitigating potential flare-ups, and potentially maintaining overall musculoskeletal health. For those with milder or less frequent symptoms, scheduling appointments every 5 to 6 weeks may be sufficient.

While osteopathy does not get rid of sciatica per se, it helps in managing symptoms associated with the condition. TCM practitioners that also specialise in osteopathy can employ a variety of gentle and calming techniques to address the underlying causes of sciatica. This often involves manual manipulation to open up sections of the spine and minimise the pressure on the sciatic nerve. By adjusting misaligned vertebrae and releasing tension in stiff joints and muscles, practitioners can address the referred pain that radiates down the leg.

It is not uncommon to experience some discomfort following TCM osteopathy sessions. After osteopathic bone adjustments, patients might feel sore or exhausted. This is a normal response as the body adjusts to the changes made during the session. In some cases, symptoms may intensify before they start to improve, usually within the first 24-48 hours.

While the results may vary from person to person, there have been studies that have shown that TCM osteopathy provides promising results.

In a study published in the National Library of Medicine, researchers found that osteopathy could help with managing chronic back pain symptoms, as much as regular medical care of physiotherapy could. Furthermore, patients undergoing osteopathy were less likely to need pain medication compared to those who underwent standard care.

While physiotherapy and osteopathy both aim to help patients with mobility, both differ significantly in their approaches.

Physiotherapists focus on the repair and rehabilitation of body parts that have been damaged by injury, illness, or disability. Their approaches often involve active techniques, including exercises designed to help strengthen muscle, as well as promote flexibility and range of motion. Physiotherapy may also include the use of modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat therapy to aid recovery and pain management.

On the other hand, TCM practitioners that study osteopathy, also known as osteopaths, base their methods on the principle that the body’s structure and function are interrelated. They use hands-on techniques to manipulate the musculoskeletal system, aiming to realign the body and restore balance. This holistic approach not only addresses specific injuries but also considers the body as a whole, aiming to improve overall health and mitigate future issues. Osteopathic techniques often include gentle manipulation and myofascial release for stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.

While physiotherapy is more exercise-oriented, osteopathy focuses on manual adjustments and overall body alignment, making both therapies complementary in nature but distinct in practice.

TCM osteopathy can manage the symptoms of a wide range of ailments by focusing on the body’s musculoskeletal system. Here are some common conditions that osteopaths can help with:

• Neck and Back Pain: These issues often result from poor posture, stress, or injury. Osteopathic manipulation can aid with alignment and pain management.
• Sciatica: This condition involves pain radiating from the lower back down the legs due to nerve compression. To address this, osteopaths use gentle techniques to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, addressing pain symptoms and promoting mobility.
• Colic: Particularly in infants, gentle manipulative techniques can help with digestive discomfort and overall well-being.
• Migraines and Headaches: Osteopathic adjustments can help with addressing the tension and misalignment in the neck and upper spine that is often associated with migraines and headaches. It aids in promoting blood flow in the targeted area and managing muscle tension.
• Fibromyalgia: Characterised by widespread pain and fatigue, this condition can be managed with osteopathy by helping with muscle tension and promoting relaxation.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Osteopathic techniques could potentially help with stress management and gut motility, helping to address IBS symptoms.
• Chronic Fatigue: Often linked to stress and poor posture, osteopathy can promote overall body function and potentially minimise muscle tension to combat chronic fatigue.
• Plantar Fasciitis: TCM osteopathy can help in addressing pain symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis and promoting improved foot mechanics.

Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to various ailments by addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction and promoting natural healing.

Results may vary on a case to case basis. However, many individuals have experienced significant benefits from this approach, particularly in managing chronic pain conditions. Additionally, TCM osteopathy can promote relaxation and potentially minimise stress, which further contributes to why some individuals may consider this approach. As such, many find this comprehensive approach beneficial for long-term pain management and overall well-being.

While chiropractors and osteopaths are not regulated in Singapore and are categorised under complementary and alternative medicine, they are still trained to provide quality care to patients. All TCM physicians and therapists who practise in osteopathy at our clinic are fully licensed and certified under relevant government bodies, such as the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Chiropractic and osteopathic approaches share similarities but have distinct focuses. Chiropractors primarily address issues related to the spine, joints, and muscles, often using spinal adjustments to manage pain. Their approach is centred on the belief that proper spinal alignment can enhance overall health by impacting the nervous system.

TCM practitioners who practise osteopathy, however, take a more holistic view. They consider the entire body, including bones, muscles, joints, nerves, and even internal organs. Osteopathic approaches involve a broader range of techniques, such as manual manipulation and myofascial release, aiming to restore balance and support the body’s natural healing processes.

During osteopathic sessions, some patients may experience slight discomfort, especially during specific techniques that involve manual manipulation of muscles and joints. This mild pain is generally temporary and indicates that the procedure is targeting areas of tension or misalignment.

Therefore, it’s important for patients to communicate with their therapist throughout the session. If the pain becomes too intense, the osteopath can adjust their approach to ensure comfort and effectiveness. Open dialogue helps tailor the approach to the patient’s tolerance levels, making the process more manageable.

The number of osteopathic sessions required varies based on several factors, including the severity and type of condition, the patient’s overall health, and how their body responds to the procedure. Acute issues could respond to procedure within a few sessions, while chronic or complex conditions may necessitate more.