October 25, 2024, 1:45 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Osteopathy is a holistic healing method that manually detects and treats disorders in the body. But how is an osteopathic examination carried out, and what needs to be considered? FITBOOK answers these questions.

What is osteopathy?

“Osteopathy […] gets to the bottom of the causes of complaints and treats people as a whole,” explains the German Osteopathic Association. This means that this holistic form of medicine is based on the assumption that body structures and functions influence each other and that illnesses and disorders can also affect other parts of the body. This healing method is, therefore, seen as a complementary therapy that can alleviate complaints such as restricted movement, stiffness, and tension. This is achieved through special stretching, massage, and grip techniques, which are not only intended to release blockages and tension but also to activate the body’s self-healing powers.

Who is osteopathic treatment suitable for?

Many people think that osteopathic treatment is only suitable for people suffering from acute pain, such as headaches or neck pain.¹ But this is not the case: Thanks to its holistic approach, the therapy can also help people who are struggling with chronic conditions such as asthma or digestive problems.

Different types of osteopathy

Osteopathy is divided into three different areas.²

1. Structural and parietal osteopathy: This type focuses on the musculoskeletal system, which consists of muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and joints. The specialist osteopath recognizes excessive strain and incorrect loading and corrects the imbalance with the appropriate therapy. With the help of the right technique, the body can find its way back to the correct, pain-free posture.
2. Visceral osteopathy: The focus here is on treating the internal organs. If the organs are diseased, organ movement can be the cause, which can also affect the skeleton.
3. Craniosacral osteopathy: This focuses on the functional unit of the skull, spinal canal, and sacrum. The brain and spinal cord are viewed as a hydraulic system that is subject to rhythmic fluctuations. If this is out of balance, various diseases are often the cause.

Medical history

The first treatment typically begins with a detailed discussion about the patient’s medical history. The osteopath will inquire about previous accidents, current complaints, and the individual’s medical history, according to the professional association. Existing X-rays or CT results can also be helpful in obtaining a complete picture of health.

Examination

The osteopath will then check posture and mobility and palpate the body for abnormalities. According to the BVO, this helps to identify hidden causes of complaints that can be traced back to previous injuries or operations. It is not necessary to undress completely for the examination and treatment.

No promises of a cure

It is important to note that osteopathy is considered an alternative healing method that (like many treatments) does not guarantee a 100% cure. Reputable osteopaths do not make any promises of a cure and do not offer treatment packages. They make decisions about further treatments after a careful assessment of the first appointment, they say.

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Cost information

A responsible osteopath will inform you of the approximate cost of the treatment. It should be noted that osteopathy is not usually covered by health insurance, but some health insurance companies do reimburse part of the costs. You can find out more about it on the BVO website.

*With material from dpa