Osteopathy is a form of alternative medicine that has recently increased in popularity for its overall approach to treating various musculoskeletal issues. While many people have identified many benefits of using osteopathy treatment, some concerns and risks are starting to be raised.
In this blog, we will look into the safety aspects of osteopathy, exploring the potential risks and the necessary safety precautions to follow.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders and other health issues by manipulating and massaging a patient’s muscles and bones. Osteopathic practitioners believe that the body can heal itself and they aim to restore optimal function in the body’s systems to improve your overall health and well-being.
Osteopathic medicine typically involves hands-on techniques such as stretching, gentle pressure, and manipulation of the muscles, joints, and bones. Practitioners may also provide alternative massage exercises and lifestyle advice to help address your specific needs.
The treatment is highly versatile and can treat various conditions. Here are some of the common conditions below:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Sports injuries
- Postural problems
- Arthritis
Potential Risks of Osteopathy
While osteopathy is considered a safe treatment method, there are still potential risks associated with certain techniques used in the treatment. Here are some of the key potential risks to look out for:
Potential Injury
One of the key concerns with osteopathic treatments is the risk of injury. Osteopathic manipulation involves applying force to the musculoskeletal system, and if done improperly or too forcefully this can result in injury. This might include:
- Muscle strains
- Ligament sprains
- Fractures
This is especially the case in those with underlying weaknesses or vulnerabilities in their musculoskeletal structure.
Provoking Existing Conditions
Even though osteopathy treatment aims to relieve any musculoskeletal issues, there is a potential risk that certain techniques used can provoke previous or existing conditions that you have experienced.
Be sure to inform your practitioner of previous and existing health conditions, so they can fully assess your condition and tailor treatment plans that best suit your needs.
Potential Serious Complications
Even though these complications are rare, complications such as nerve damage or vascular injury can occur, particularly when forceful manipulation is applied. However, it is unlikely that these serious complications will occur and with the skills and knowledge of your practitioner, the chances of these risks are reduced.
Safety Precautions to Consider
To reduce the risks associated with osteopathy treatment, there are specific precautions for both patients and practitioners to take. Here are some of the key safety precautions below:
Communication
Open and clear communication between you and your practitioner is a must when receiving osteopathic treatment. Providing your medical histories and any current or previous injuries will help your practitioner tailor a treatment plan that is suited to your specific needs. This will also ensure your overall safety and health, ensuring that the treatment doesn’t provoke any current injuries.
Qualified Practitioners
As a patient, it is highly advised to seek osteopathic treatment from a licensed and highly experienced practitioner who has undergone strict training and education in osteopathic treatment. This ensures that when you are seeking treatment, the practitioner possesses the essential skills needed to perform the treatment safely.
Gentle Techniques
To ensure the safety of all patients, osteopathic treatment should be provided using gentle techniques to help minimise the risk of injury and provoking existing conditions. As a precaution, practitioners need to assess their patient’s musculoskeletal status thoroughly to adjust the treatment to their needs.
Osteopathic Treatment at Concordia Clinic
Overall, osteopathy can be considered to be a safe and beneficial treatment option when managing musculoskeletal issues if performed by highly skilled practitioners with the appropriate precautions in place.
At Concordia Clinic, we have a team of highly trained practitioners who are dedicated to providing you with reliable and effective treatments as we are passionate about the overall health and well-being of our patients.
If you are looking to book an appointment to receive osteopathic treatment, look no further than Concordia Clinic as we provide the essential information and expertise to ensure your safety and overall well-being when receiving treatment.
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