Benjamin Partouche Osteopath D.O בנימין פרטוש אוסטאופת
What is Osteopathy ?
Osteopathy is a healthcare practice that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and its impact on overall health. An osteopathic treatment involves a comprehensive assessment of the patient's body structure and function, followed by a hands-on approach to manipulate and balance the body's tissues.
During a osteopathic evaluation, the osteopath will collect a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination to assess the patient's posture, range of motion, and areas of pain or discomfort. This evaluation helps identify areas of dysfunction and determine the best approach to treat.
The hands-on part of the treatment typically involves a variety of techniques, including soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques, high velocity and low amplitude techniques, strain counter-strain techniques, still techniques, lymphatic and circulatory techniques, visceral techniques, craniosacral techniques and more...
These techniques are designed to address structural imbalances, reduce tension and pain, and improve the body's overall function.
For example, soft tissue manipulation involves using gentle pressure and stretching techniques to release tension in muscles and connective tissues. Joint mobilization involves using controlled movements to improve the mobility and alignment of joints. Muscle energy techniques involve contracting and relaxing muscles to help improve joint mobility and alignment.
Overall, osteopathic treatment aims to address the underlying causes of pain and dysfunctions in the body, rather than just treating the symptoms. Osteopathy is an approach to healthcare that recognizes the interconnectedness of the body and seeks to promote optimal health and wellbeing.
The Principles of Osteopathy
The structure and the function
The structure governs the function, meaning that the body functions according to how it is structured. If any alteration in the structure is present, the function will be altered. The anatomy governs the physiology, in a way that altered tissue mobility will be related to poor physiological function, and can result in pathological changes. Inversely, an improvement of biomechanical structure to its normal state improves the self healing ability of the body, better function and overall wellbeing.
Self healing ability of the body
Lesions in the body also called somatic dysfunctions, disorient and alter proper function through the whole body. If it is biomechanical, physiological or neurological, the harmony between those systems is the Key for proper homeostatic balance. The osteopath by treating those lesions will give the body the opportunity to reorient itself toward recovery, better functioning, and overall health.
The body as a unit
The Osteopath looks at the body as a unit, this way proper examination and treatment will be planned according to each patient individually. The goal is to bring balance between the different systems in the body.
The rule of the Artery
Proper circulatory functions are essential for sufficient supply of nutrients to the tissues all over the body. Dr Andrew Taylor Still’s Rule of the artery refers not only to the blood supply coming from the arteries but also the drainage from the veins. The tissues need adequate circulatory system functions in order to function and recover properly.
The patient and not the disease
Each patient and case is unique, the Osteopath will listen and reach to understand the state of the patient and the effects that the complaints have on their life. The Osteopath sets goals with the patient in an effort to bring back daily functioning and quality of life.
