General | September 5, 2023
5 Reasons Why Osteopathic Care Helps Patients Suffering From Chronic Pain
Dr Jarryd Crisp-OSTEOPATH | SENIOR OSTEOPATH-Double Bachelor of Health Science/Applied Science (Osteopathy), Bachelor of Health Sciences
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their quality of life and overall well-being. Traditional medical treatments often focus on managing symptoms with medications, but for many patients, these approaches provide only temporary relief. Osteopathic care, a holistic and patient-centered approach to healthcare, offers an alternative for individuals struggling with chronic pain. In this blog, we’ll explore five reasons why osteopathic care can be a valuable option for managing chronic pain.
- Holistic Approach: Osteopaths view the body as a whole, recognizing that the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and other bodily functions are interconnected. They believe that disturbances in one area can lead to pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. By considering the entire patient and not just their pain, osteopathic care seeks to identify and address the root causes of chronic pain, providing a more comprehensive and effective treatment approach. This holistic perspective can lead to lasting relief and improved overall health.
- Manual Medicine: Osteopathic care emphasizes the use of hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal issues. Osteopathic manipulation, a core component of this approach, involves gentle, targeted manual adjustments to improve the body’s structure and function. These manipulations can alleviate muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and enhance blood flow, ultimately reducing pain and enhancing the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Research has shown that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic back pain, migraines, and fibromyalgia.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Osteopaths take the time to thoroughly assess each patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and unique circumstances. They develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the individual’s specific needs, considering factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management. This patient-centered approach not only addresses the physical aspects of chronic pain but also recognizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being in the healing process.
- Reduced Reliance on Medications: Chronic pain often leads to a heavy reliance on pain medications, which can come with unwanted side effects and the risk of dependency. Osteopathic care aims to minimize the need for pharmaceutical interventions by addressing the underlying causes of pain. This approach can lead to a reduction in medication usage and the associated risks, promoting a safer and more sustainable path to pain management.
- Complementary to Other Therapies: Osteopathic care is not meant to replace traditional medical treatments but can complement them effectively. Many patients find that combining osteopathic care with other treatments, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic care, yields superior results. This integrative approach allows patients to benefit from the strengths of different modalities and optimize their pain management strategies.
Osteopathic care offers a promising solution for patients suffering from chronic pain by adopting a holistic approach, employing hands-on manual techniques, personalizing treatment plans, reducing medication reliance, and complementing other therapies. If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic pain, please feel free to give us a call at either our Melton or Bacchus Marsh clinic.
References:
- Licciardone JC, Brimhall AK, King LN. Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2005.
- Ajimsha MS, Al-Mudahka NR, Al-Madzhar JA, Al-Madzhar JA. Effectiveness of myofascial release: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2015.
- American Osteopathic Association. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) for Migraines.
- Adams J, Lauche R, Peng W, et al. A workforce survey of Australian osteopathy: analysis of a nationally-representative sample of osteopaths from the Osteopathy Research and Innovation Network (ORION) project. BMC Health Services Research, 2017.
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