Patients are well within their rights to request that a technique is not performed. If a patient does not feel comfortable with the technique or does not understand why the technique is being performed, they are strongly encouraged to raise these concerns with their osteopathic practitioner. Ideally this would occur before the technique is performed so that the practitioner is aware of these concerns and is able to choose another method in order to achieve a similar result.

Soft tissue Massage/manipulation-

Soft tissue techniques can often be described as stroking, kneading and percussive motions used to address the fascia within the body.

Fascia is found in all areas of the body and connects structures on a superficial and deep level.

These techniques may be used to evaluate the condition of the tissues and assist in circulatory and lymphatic flow.

The movement of fluid around the body is important in reducing harmful fluid retention and allows the immune system to work more effectively. Osteopathic practitioners are trained to identify restriction within these fascial structures and often use soft tissue techniques to address these restrictive barriers via lengthening the fascia and balancing tension overall. These techniques reduce the muscles need to recoil to its original state over time.

Articulation-

Articulation involves gently mobilizing two joint surfaces to reduce muscle spasm, ease neurological irritations, reduce pain and discomfort, and mobilise joints. This technique is performed using minimal force, and energy, and is usually achieved with the patient in a position where by they are comfortable and under minimal strain.

At times articulation will produce a “clicking” or “popping” sound, however this is nothing more than the movement of fluid through the corrected joint.

Cranial Osteopathy-

Cranial osteopathy is one of the most gentle techniques that an osteopath has in their tool kit, though it requires intensive training and significant experience to be able to use this technique to its full advantage. This technique requires the practitioner to become sensitive to the mobility of the cranium and adjust the body’s physiology, by restoring balance to the circulation of bodily fluids. This is achieved by assessing the rhythm within the patients head, spinal cord and sacrum, as well as how it moves throughout the body.

High Velocity Low Amplitude-

This is a short, quick thrust technique used to mobilise a joint into its restricted range of motion, also known as a pathological barrier. Here the joint is being moved through its normal range of motion, and does not exceed any anatomical barriers. Osteopathic practitioners are trained to be specific in their adjustments, and often the targeted spinal segment/segments can be moved with very little force or discomfort. The mobilization may be accompanied by a “click” or “pop”, however this is believed to be just the movement of synovial fluid through the corrected joint. High Velocity Low Amplitude techniques aim to restore motion to affected areas of the musculoskeletal system, allowing for balance, increased fluid drainage, increased healing capacity, and the drainage of toxic byproducts. The procedure often instantly reduces or nullifies any physical sign of somatic dysfunction and asymmetry, changes the surrounding soft tissue, and reduces restrictions in range of motion and any related tenderness. These techniques are most commonly performed on the neck and back, and are often useful in the treatment of several conditions including migraine, neck related headaches, upper and lower extremity joint conditions, and whiplash associated disorders.

Counterstrain-

Counterstrain is a technique whereby the practitioner identifies a musculoskeletal tender point, which is a small, discrete and edematous area, which tends to illicit pain on palpation. Here the practitioner finds the most suitable position to minimize pain and tenderness. Once this point is identified, the practitioner holds the patient in this position for approximately 90 seconds, before slowly returning the patient to a neutral position. On reassessing the patient, the area should exhibit increased range of motion, and a decrease in pain over the noted trigger point. This method is believed to be effective due to the decompression of pain and movement receptors that exist in the fascia. As the area is slackened, the receptors shut off which tends to alleviate pain, relax tissue, and reduce toxins.

Muscle Energy Technique-

Muscle Energy Technique uses the clients gentle muscle contractions to relax and lengthen muscles which allows for further joint motion, via post isometric Relaxation.

Balanced Ligamentous Tension-

Every joint in the body is a balanced ligamentous articular mechanism. These ligaments provide proprioceptive information, guiding the muscle to respond to the positioning of a joint. The ligaments themselves guide the motion of the articular components. Though the technique can be performed in a number of ways due to the variability in joints, generally the practitioner will work indirectly, disengaging/exaggerating a dysfunction. Here the practitioner will wait for a change in palpatory quality in the region, which may be a change in temperature, or a softening, which is followed by a balancing where by the practitioner slowly brings the joint further into its diagnosed dysfunction. This technique is very gentle and relaxing.

Myofascial Release-

Myofascial Release is a soft tissue technique used in the treatment of skeletal muscle pain and immobility. It is a safe and effective technique involving gentle sustained pressure into myofascial connective tissue restrictions, reducing pain and restoring motion. This technique aims to relax contracted muscles, increase blood and lymphatic circulation, and works to stimulate the stretch reflex within muscles.

Trigger point release-

Trigger points are small area’s of contracted muscle fibres which can lead to pain, aching and stiffness within the body. Trigger point release works in the same way as myofascial release in that the practitioner aims to apply sustained pressure to the musculoskeletal region until there is a noted change in the tissues. This is said to produce a neurological release, reducing pain by resetting the neuromuscular system to operate in its ideal capacity.

Visceral manipulation-

Visceral manipulation is one of the most gentle osteopathic techniques in existence. The technique is used to effect organs and viscera of the body. This includes organs such as the heart, lungs, stomach, bladder, uterus, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and the intestines. At times, patients begin to feel pain in and around these structures due to the fact that the viscera has become less pliable. Osteopathic practitioners use techniques that aim to gently mobilise these structures as well as the fascia that surrounds them in order to restore movement. Often the only pressure the patient will experience with this technique will be the light touch of the practitioners hands, though these techniques are incredibly effective when used correctly, and often improve mobility to the organs, improve blood flow to the area and allow the organ to function more effectively overall. Techniques such as these push the body in the right direction to effectively begin healing itself.

Biodynamic-

A gentle hands-on method, working with an inherent force of the human body, and its natural ability to release stress and tension. Aiming to affect and calm the central nervous system, this allows the body to create its own shifts, and increases the patient’s awareness of their body.