MANUAL OSTEOPATH THERAPY
Black Rock Therapies in Red Deer is Central Alberta's premier manual osteopath clinic. Manual Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that treats the body holistically. It is based on the belief that the structure of the body should be in proper balance in order for it to function correctly. Manual Osteopaths at Black Rock Therapies use their hands to manipulate joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue with techniques such as stretching, massage and joint mobilization. The goal of Manual Osteopathy is to reduce pain, restore motion and balance the body's systems.
Soft Tissue/Fascia Manipulation
At Black Rock Therapies in Red Deer, our skilled Manual Osteopath utilizes soft tissue manipulation in various ways. Through this technique, they assess tissue condition and facilitate the smooth flow of essential body fluids like blood, cerebral spinal fluid, and lymphatic fluid.
This promotes fluidity, reduces fluid retention, and enhances the effectiveness of the immune system. Fascia, a connective tissue present throughout the body, connects different structures at both superficial and deep levels. Our practitioners evaluate the fascia for restrictions and employ soft tissue manipulation to achieve proper balance in fascial length and tension. Throughout the treatment, we constantly monitor the state of your body's tissues. If one technique doesn't yield desired results, we readily switch to an alternative approach. With our focus on restoring mobility while avoiding excessive treatment, Black Rock Therapies aims to provide exceptional care.
Osteopathic Articular Technique
Manual Osteopaths use Osteopathic Articular Techniques, which include Lensen Technique, Onsen Technique, Muscle Energy Technique, Orthopedic Manipulation Technique, and others, to reduce muscle spasms near a joint, to ease neurological irritations around a joint, to make joints more mobile and to reduce pain and discomfort. The articular technique involves gently moving two joint surfaces using the client's own isometric muscle contraction ability.
Before doing this, Manual Osteopaths carefully prepare the soft tissues around the treatment area. They also move the client into a position that will minimize or eliminate the energy and force needed to perform the maneuver. Many clients find this gentle technique less forceful than high-velocity joint adjustment techniques. Manual Osteopaths at Black Rock Therapies in Red Deer utilize a range of Osteopathic Articular Techniques to effectively address various conditions. These techniques, including Lensen Technique, Onsen Technique, Muscle Energy Technique, Orthopedic Manipulation Technique, and others, are employed to alleviate muscle spasms, reduce neurological irritations, enhance joint mobility, and alleviate pain and discomfort. The articular techniques involve gently moving two joint surfaces, utilizing the client's own isometric muscle contraction ability.
Prior to performing these techniques, Manual Osteopaths take careful measures to prepare the soft tissues surrounding the treatment area. Additionally, they position the client in a manner that minimizes or eliminates the energy and force required for the technique, resulting in a gentle and less forceful approach compared to high-velocity joint adjustment techniques.
Cranial Osteopathy
Black Rock Therapies in Red Deer utilizes a very gentle Osteopathic technique, which requires highly experienced professionals to effectively administer. Manual Osteopaths undergo intensive training to master this technique and develop exceptional precision in using cranial techniques. Their hands become sensitive to cranial mobility, allowing them to assess and treat the mobility of the skull, connective tissue, spine, sacrum, and other parts of the body.
The primary objective of this technique is to restore balance to the circulation of the blood and other body fluids, thus adjusting the body's physiology. During treatment, Manual Osteopaths use the client's inherent biorhythm, which can be felt in various locations on the body such as the head, spinal cord, and sacrum. By assessing this biorhythm, Manual Osteopaths can effectively identify restrictions throughout the client's body and provide appropriate treatment.
Visceral Manipulation
Manual Osteopaths use visceral manipulation to treat organs and viscera of the body. This includes the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, intestines, bladder and uterus. Clients may experience pain in one or more of these organs, or the viscera may be less pliable than optimal. Our skilled Manual Osteopaths gently manipulate the structures and surrounding fascia (connective tissue) to restore full movement, providing gentle pressure but powerful corrections. This improves organ mobility, enhances blood flow, and promotes more effective organ function.
At Black Rock Therapies, we employ coordinated and rational manual techniques and approaches to gradually correct the client's anatomy and physiology, effectively facilitating their body's natural healing process. Manual Osteopaths gently move the structures themselves and the fascia (or connective tissue) that surrounds them in order to restore full movement. Most clients treated with visceral manipulation only feel a gentle pressure of the Manual Osteopath’s hands but the corrections are powerful enough to improve the mobility of an organ, improve blood flow and help the organ function more effectively.
The above Manual Osteopathic manual techniques and approaches are used in a coordinated and rational fashion to slowly correct the client’s anatomy and physiology towards normal so that the client’s body can heal itself.
Manual Osteopath FAQ
Curious if manual osteopath is right for you? Check out our FAQ.
Manual osteopathy is a holistic form of therapy that focuses on manipulating and stretching muscles, joints, and tissues to promote overall health and well-being. It aims to restore balance and improve the body's natural healing abilities.
What is manual osteopathy?
Manual osteopathy can help with various conditions, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, headaches, sports injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and postural imbalances. It can also be beneficial for improving circulation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall mobility.
What conditions can be treated with manual osteopathy?
During a manual osteopathic treatment session, the practitioner will perform hands-on techniques such as soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilization, stretching, and gentle pressure. The goal is to identify and address areas of tension or dysfunction in the body to facilitate healing and pain relief.
What can I expect during a manual osteopathic treatment session?
Manual osteopathic treatments are generally gentle and non-invasive. While some techniques might cause slight discomfort or temporary soreness, it is usually minimal. The practitioner will always communicate with the patient to ensure their comfort and adjust the treatment accordingly.
Are manual osteopathic treatments painful?
The number of manual osteopathic treatment sessions required varies depending on the individual and the nature of their condition. Some people may experience significant improvement after just a few sessions, while others may require more ongoing care. The osteopath will assess and discuss a personalized treatment plan based on the patient's needs and progress.
How many manual osteopathic treatment sessions are typically required?