Written by: Zarmeena Gull (Osteopath at OHC)

Osteopathy Restores Stability in Parkinson’s Patients

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, muscle control, and balance. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, there are various treatment options available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Tremor, slowed movements, and rigidity are physical symptoms which contribute to postural and gait abnormalities seen in many PD patients. Other symptoms include loss of balance and restricted range of motion, increasing the risk of falling.

Osteopathic manual treatment provided by osteopathic physician’s aims to help decrease muscle spasms and improve joint range of motion and movement.

Osteopathic Treatments Show Promise for Parkinson’s Patients

There have been studies investigating the effect of Osteopathic treatments on PD patients. One previous research study demonstrated that a single session of osteopathic manipulative improved, particularly stride length, cadence, and maximum velocities of upper and lower extremities.

Eight other studies on non-PD subjects have shown that Osteopathic treatment can improve subject balance. In a recent study 20 elderly subjects with Osteopathic treatment applied weekly for four weeks showed an improvement in postural instability and dizziness.

Osteopathic treatment could be utilized in improving gait in PD patients, improve muscle hypertonicity and joint motion restrictions by using muscle energy and articulatory techniques for the spine and the extremities. Some specific Osteopathic techniques could be used to address balance of the spine and cranium.

My Personal Experience as an Osteopath Treating Parkinson’s Patients

Based on my experience of treating PD patients and the improvement of symptoms in I have developed a specific protocol to help my patients. I use the cranial CV4 technique, to help  address cranial restrictions, thus aiming to affect patient’s autonomic function. The protocol then proceeds to address each major spinal region and the extremities by decreasing muscle hypertonicity and increasing joint range of motion with direct Osteopathic articulatory and muscle energy techniques.

Secondly, osteopathy can improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. This can be particularly helpful for Parkinson’s patients who may experience swelling or inflammation in the affected areas.

Finally, osteopathy can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Parkinson’s can be a very stressful condition, and stress can exacerbate symptoms.

Here is a recent message from one of my PD patients who is finding osteopathic treatment very helpful. It is a pleasure to receive messages like these; it really does make my Day!

Further Readings:

• Osteopathy VS Chiropractic: Unveiling the Path to Natural Healing
• Osteopathy is not just about cracking bones
• Training tips: Osteopathy and sports injury

Demystifying Osteopath vs Chiropractor (Osteopathy vs Chiropractic)

In the realm of alternative medicine, two captivating practices have captured the attention of seekers of holistic health: chiropractors and osteopaths. These therapeutic approaches share a common goal of promoting natural healing, yet their methods and philosophies diverge in intriguing ways. Join us on a captivating exploration as we uncover the fascinating distinctions between osteopathy and chiropractic, unlocking the secrets to their unique healing powers. Let’s see the difference between osteopath vs chiropractor in this article.

The Roots of Osteopathy

Osteopathy traces its origins back to the visionary teachings of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the 19th century. Driven by a profound belief in the body’s innate ability to heal itself, osteopathy revolves around the concept that optimal health is maintained when the musculoskeletal system is in harmony. Osteopaths employ techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation to restore balance and alleviate a range of conditions.

Chiropractic: The Power of Spinal Alignment

In contrast, chiropractic was established by Daniel David Palmer in the late 1800s. Central to chiropractic philosophy is the belief that the nervous system governs overall well-being. Chiropractors focus on the intricate relationship between the spine and the nervous system, with the belief that misalignments, known as subluxations, can disrupt the body’s natural balance. Through spinal adjustments, chiropractors aim to correct subluxations, enhancing nervous system function and unleashing the body’s innate healing potential.

A Tale of Techniques

Osteopathy and Chiropractic differ significantly in their techniques. Osteopaths utilize a holistic approach, considering the body as an interconnected system. They employ various techniques, including gentle joint mobilization, myofascial release, and craniosacral therapy, to address not only the site of pain but also the underlying causes. This comprehensive approach aims to restore harmony to the entire body, fostering long-term wellness.

On the other hand, chiropractic focuses primarily on spinal adjustments. Chiropractors employ precise manual or instrument-assisted techniques to align the spine and alleviate nervous system interference caused by subluxations. By restoring spinal alignment, chiropractic aims to enhance the body’s innate healing abilities and promote optimal health.

Conditions and Collaboration

Osteopathy and chiropractic also differ in the conditions they commonly treat. Osteopaths excel in managing a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, such as back pain, joint problems, and sports injuries. Additionally, they often work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals, embracing a collaborative approach to comprehensive patient care.

Chiropractic, with its emphasis on spinal health, is particularly effective in addressing conditions like neck pain, headaches, and musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractors work diligently to provide relief and enhance the body’s ability to heal itself, focusing on the nervous system as the key to overall well-being.

Conclusion

In the enchanting world of alternative medicine, osteopathy and chiropractic stand tall as captivating and effective approaches to healing. While osteopathy takes a holistic view, nurturing balance within the body’s interconnected systems, chiropractic revolves around the power of spinal alignment in unleashing the body’s innate healing potential. Both practices offer unique insights into the art of natural healing, providing individuals with options to embark on a journey toward improved well-being.

As seekers of holistic health, we are fortunate to have these paths before us. By consulting with qualified professionals and exploring the philosophies and techniques of osteopathy and chiropractic, we can empower ourselves to make informed decisions about our health. Embrace the journey, unlock the secrets, and unlock the potential for a healthier, more vibrant life.

Further Readings:

• Osteopathy is not just about cracking bones
• Training tips: Osteopathy and sports injury
• Cranial Osteopathy: The Pediatric Treatment

Written by: Zarmeena Gull (Senior Osteopath at OHC)

Do you ever feel like your hips are as tight as a pair of skinny jeans that are two sizes too small? Well, if you want to loosen up those hips and unleash some serious dance moves, then you might want to try the psoas release!

There are several factors that can contribute to tight hips problem, including prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity or stretching, muscle imbalances, injury or trauma, and underlying medical conditions such as arthritis or hip dysplasia.

The psoas muscle runs from your lower back all the way down to your thigh bone, and it can get tight from sitting too much or not stretching enough. But with the psoas release, you can release that tension and experience some amazing benefits.

The Fun About Psoas

Get up and do the “Psoas dance” – Stand up and pretend you’re a superhero with your hands on your hips. Now lift one knee up towards your chest and hold it there for a few seconds, then lower it back down. Repeat on the other side. This movement is actually a gentle psoas release, and doing it regularly can help relieve tension and pain in your lower back.

Benefits of Psoas release

• Better posture: Your psoas muscle is connected to your spine and plays a key role in maintaining good posture. If your psoas is tight, it can pull your spine out of alignment and contribute to poor posture. By releasing tension in your psoas, you can help improve your posture and reduce the risk of chronic pain and injury.
• Boost your athletic performance – If you’re an athlete, a healthy and relaxed psoas muscle can help you run faster, jump higher, and move with greater agility. By doing regular psoas release exercises, you can improve your flexibility and range of motion, which can translate into better athletic performance.
• Improve your digestion – Believe it or not, your psoas muscle plays a role in your digestive health. When your psoas is tight and constricted, it can put pressure on your digestive organs and disrupt their normal function. By releasing tension in your psoas, you can help improve your digestion and reduce discomfort.
• Reduced back pain: Since the psoas muscle is connected to your lower back, releasing it can help alleviate back pain and stiffness.
• Reduced stress: The psoas is also known as the “fight or flight” muscle, because it’s involved in our body’s stress response. By releasing it, you can help calm your nervous system and reduce stress levels.

So, if you want to dance like nobody’s watching and feel amazing while doing it, give the psoas release a try!

How We can Help

Our experienced therapists use a combination of massage, stretching, and gentle pressure to release tension in the psoas muscle, providing relief to your lower back, hips, and pelvis. Don’t let a tight psoas muscle restrict your movements and quality of life – try our Psoas Release Treatment today and feel the difference.