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WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?

THE OSTEOPATHIC PRINCIPLES

The human being forms a dynamic functional unit, whom's well-being is influenced by body, mind and soul.

The organism has self-regulating mechanisms and the natural ability to heal itself.

OSTEOPATHY - A MANUAL THERAPY

One of the most famous quotes in osteopathy says: With thinking, seeing, knowing fingers. This is an attempt to describe how an osteopath's hands touch and discover the body's tissues.

The most important tool of an osteopath are the hands and the ability to touch, to consciously touch, to sense judgment and to listen.

"LIFE IS MOTION."

— Quote: Andrew Taylor Still, founder of osteopathy —

THREE PILLARS

Osteopathy is an independent, holistic form of medicine in which diagnostics and treatment are carried out manually. It can be divided into three areas:

PARIETAL OSTEOPATHY

In parietal osteopathy, the joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles and fascia are examined and treated for movement restrictions.

CRANIO-SACRAL OSTEOPATHY

Cranio-sacral osteopathy examines and treats the fine movements of the skull bones, the sacrum, the associated fluids and connective tissues.

VISCERAL OSTEOPATHY

Visceral osteopathy examines and treats the internal organs and their surrounding structures for movement restrictions.

RELEASING BLOCKAGES WITH OSTEOPATHY

Our body is always on the move, even when we are resting. This affects, for example, structures of the blood circulation (the heart and the vessels) or the digestive system (gastric and intestinal activity). But there is also constant movement at the cellular level, in the various tissues of the body: the exchange of liquids by means of osmosis, the activity of glands or the transport of nutrients and messenger molecules. The best possible mobility is vital for our body. The aim of our treatment is to release blockages and tissue tension using manual techniques and therapeutic exercises and thus to restore mobility.

TREATING VERTEBRAL BLOCKAGES

Since osteopathy and chiropractic historically have partly the same roots, some techniques are used in both treatment methods. This also applies to the "setting in" z. B. with vertebral or joint blockages.

The technique of adjusting is called HVLA in osteopathy (in chiropractic adjustment). It requires a lot of skill, knowledge and sensitivity to find exactly the right dose of force and amplitude for the executed impulse.

Before using a technique, every trained therapist will always check whether this is the correct and most effective treatment technique for the individual patient for his or her illness and previous history.

Done correctly, HVLA techniques can provide relief from blockages in the spine and all peripheral joints and are therefore very popular with patients.

Nevertheless, one should not succumb to the lure of a "quick fix", because in addition to the blockage, the cause of the blockage must also be found and treated if one wants to avoid the joint blocking again after a few days!

OSTEOPATHY AND THE CENTRAL ROLE OF THE SPINE

At the beginning of every osteopathic treatment, a look at the spine is taken. The osteopath checks the mobility of their individual segments using osteopathic mobility tests and feels the texture of the local skin and muscles. Why is the spine so central in osteopathy?

Our spine is an important, supporting element of our holding, supporting and musculoskeletal system. It is made up of 33 individual vertebral bones, which are stacked on top of one another like a tower of building blocks. A nerve (also called a spinal nerve) arises to the right and left of each "block".

Put very simply, spinal nerves have a thick main branch that leads to a specific internal organ and three other secondary branches: one of these smaller branches leads directly to the back muscles in the immediate vicinity of the vertebra, another to the periosteum (i.e. the periosteum) of the vertebra and the third to the spinal canal itself (to the membranes of the spinal cord).

If you have a problem with an organ for a long time (e.g. a stomach that cramps chronically) the main branch of the affected spinal nerves will fire more signals. It has been found that this increased nerve activity can spread to the secondary branches, so that over time you will find tense muscles, asymmetrical mobility (up to blockages) and periosteal tenderness in the affected area of the spine. Due to the local tension, it is also often possible to feel a selectively changed texture of the skin (e.g. puffy, greasy or cold sweat).
All of these are indications, which the osteopath makes use of in the osteopathic assessment and treatment.

“True calmness is not lack of movement. It is the balance of movement. "

THE BODY FUNCTIONS AS A UNIT

The body represents a functional unit. As a result, the origin of complaints can often be found far from the place of their symptoms. Osteopathy is not limited to the treatment of symptoms, but looks at the person as a whole and explores the causes of complaints. In doing so, Osteopathy pursues a salutogenic approach: that is, the focus of attention is not primarily on the patient's complaints or illnesses, but on their individual health. It is important to promote and maintain the self-healing powers.

If you would like to learn more about osteopathy and its areas of application, you can find detailed information at: www.atsu.edu/museum-of-osteopathic-medicine

OSTEOPATHY, MINDFULNESS AND YOGA

One of the basic principles in osteopathy states that the human being forms a dynamic, functional unit whose well-being is influenced by body, mind and spirit. Osteopathy also assumes that the organism has self-regulating mechanisms and the natural ability to heal itself. But what forces can arise from centering? Can we initiate our healing process by sensing the connections between body and mind?

The empirical experience from practice shows: with the alignment of our mind we can have a direct effect on our body tissue! Emotions can be measured in the blood, the type of thoughts change our blood pressure. In meditative states the heartbeat slows down, the basic tension of our skeletal muscles decreases and the function of the immune system improves! All of these are properties that osteopathy makes use of.

OSTEAOPTHY & YOGA: BE YOUR OWN OSTEOPATH!

The best possible mobility is vital for our body. In osteopathy, it is essentially about maintaining this mobility or restoring it if it is lost.
Treatment or the prevention of complaints (e.g. pain in muscles and joints) is most effective if the body is moved regularly after the osteopathic treatment, which is what it was designed for. We therefore recommend yoga frequently and out of personal conviction when patients ask us for tips or exercises after the treatment! Because:

Yoga promotes functional movement.

Like almost no other training method, yoga involves muscles, nerves, organs, breathing and mindfulness in the practice, so it is very holistic.

Yoga supports the parasympathetic nervous system and thus the immune system, the body's natural ability to heal itself.

OSTEOPATHY FOR BABIES AND INFANTS

Praxis für Kinderosteopathie in Berlin-Pankow

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A few thoughts on pediatric osteopathy and the osteopathic treatment of babies. Why do so many parents go to the osteopath with their child? In our osteopathic practice, we regularly receive infants for osteopathic treatment. Experience shows that babies usually enjoy osteopathy very much, relax, become calm or even fall asleep. Why is that?

Let us consider the development of the human body, especially its senses: feeling, tasting, smelling, touching and seeing. Which sense develops first? What do newborn babies perceive the most? How can we best communicate with them? Find out what, if any, are missing?

At the time of birth, all human senses are fully functional, but in some cases are still very underdeveloped. For example, a newborn's eyesight is extremely limited in the first few days of life. Objects or people can only be seen blurred.

The initial development and differentiated formation of the senses already takes place in the womb and, depending on the sense, in very different stages of development:

The sense of smell and taste, for example, only develop towards the end of pregnancy!

Hearing at least around the 24th week of pregnancy and seeing already at the end of the 4th month of pregnancy (i.e. in the 16th week of pregnancy). However, the first developing sense is feeling. This already develops from the 5th week of pregnancy! That is, at a time when many parents do not yet know anything about the pregnancy.

Even after birth, the sense of touch is initially the most pronounced and most important sense for a newborn child. That means with a very young baby, you can hardly communicate by means of eye contact, facial expressions or sounds. Children feel themselves and others best when they are held, touched or gently rocked. Babies also perceive hums well, as the vibrations of the voice are transmitted to the baby.

Osteopaths perform their treatment, examination and diagnosis with their hands, i.e. touching, sensing fine tissue tension and blockages, is the most important tool of an osteopath and at the same time addresses the most important sense of the child: the sense of touch. In a way, in the osteopathic treatment we enter into a dialogue with the infants, feel what is pleasant for the child and what creates stress, with the aim of providing relief for the child.

OUR TREATMENT OFFER

Parents come to the Osteoptahie practice with their child for a variety of reasons, but the following symptoms are the most common:

Osteopathy for crying babies

Parents of crying babies often face significant challenges. At our osteopathic practice in Berlin-Pankow, we offer sensitive and holistic support for affected families. Using targeted, gentle techniques, we help release tension in the baby's body and promote overall well-being.

Osteopathic treatment can help bring more peace and relaxation into everyday life – for parents and children.

Osteopathy for infants with breastfeeding problems

Breastfeeding difficulties can be a major burden for both the baby and the parents. At our osteopathic practice in Berlin-Pankow, we support infants with gentle, manual techniques to relieve potential tension in the jaw, tongue, or neck area. The goal of osteopathic treatment is to improve the conditions for relaxed and effective breastfeeding—for a good start to their bonding.

Osteopathy for babies with favorite positions

Babies with a pronounced preferred position often exhibit a one-sided head or body posture, which can be unsettling for parents. In our osteopathic practice in Berlin-Pankow, we support infants with gentle, manual techniques to achieve greater freedom of movement. The goal is to identify tension early and promote muscular balance – for healthy development from the very beginning.

Osteopathy for children with sleep disorders

Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep in children can have many causes and place a significant strain on everyday family life. At our osteopathic practice in Berlin-Pankow, we support children with a holistic approach to gently release potential physical tension or regulatory disorders. The goal is to relieve the strain on the nervous system and improve the conditions for more restful sleep.

Osteopathy for babies with digestive problems

Digestive problems such as gas, abdominal pain, or restlessness after breastfeeding are a burden for many babies – and thus also for their parents. At our osteopathic practice in Berlin-Pankow, we offer gentle osteopathic support to identify and treat functional tensions in the abdominal cavity or nervous system early on. The goal is to improve the baby's well-being and promote more relaxed development.

Osteopathy for head asymmetries

Visible asymmetry in an infant's head often catches parents' attention early on, causing anxiety. In our osteopathic practice in Berlin-Pankow, we support babies with gentle manual techniques to relieve potential tension in the skull, neck, or torso area. The goal is to promote mobility and optimally support the even development of the child's skull.

WHAT CAN BE TREATED WITH OSTEOPATHY?

Our osteopathic practice in Berlin-Pankow welcomes up to 50 patients a week with a wide variety of symptoms. Nevertheless, certain symptoms occur more frequently than others.

Most common symptoms presented in our osteopathic office are:

Here you will find a selection of the most common reasons for treatment in our practice.

Back pain

Whether acute or chronic, back pain is one of the most common reasons for osteopathic treatment. We specifically address the root causes. The goal is to achieve lasting relief and improve mobility.

Rib block

Rib blockages often manifest as stabbing pain when breathing or turning. Osteopathy can specifically relieve tension and improve chest mobility. Breathing becomes freer and less painful.

Cervical spine blockage

Blockages in the cervical spine can cause dizziness, headaches, or restricted mobility. Using mindful techniques, we release tension and promote mobility.

Knee pain

Knee pain can be caused by improper loading or old injuries. With a holistic approach, we examine the entire statics and help relieve pressure on the joint.

Sports injury, accident

After sports injuries or accidents, the body can react with long-lasting imbalances. Osteopathic treatment can help release blocked structures and specifically support regeneration.

Irritable bowel syndrome or digestive problems such as reflux and constipation

A sensitive stomach can impede everyday life. With osteopathic techniques, we promote mobility and circulation to the abdominal organs – for more balance in the digestive system.

Herniated disc (prolapse)

A herniated disc can cause severe pain and restricted mobility. We use osteopathic techniques to support the body's regeneration. We work specifically on the surrounding muscles and posture.

ISG blockage

Blockages in the sacroiliac joint (SI joint) often cause pain in the lower back or pelvic area. Using targeted techniques, we restore mobility and stability to the affected area.

Neck pain, neck tension

Tension, poor posture, or stress can lead to neck pain. We focus not only on the neck, but on the entire body as a whole. The goal is long-term relief.

shoulder pain

Whether caused by overuse, poor posture, or injury, shoulder pain is often complex. We examine the interplay between the shoulder, rib cage, and spine and support functional relief.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus can be related to tension in the jaw, neck, or skull. Through holistic treatment, we can provide relief and rebalance the body's systems.

Joint blockage

Sudden restricted mobility or stabbing pain? Joint blockages can have various causes. We promote natural freedom of movement with gentle mobilization techniques.

Osteoarthritis

In osteoarthritis, the focus is on relieving pain and improving joint mobility. Osteopathy can provide targeted support to the surrounding structures, making everyday life easier again.

Migraine or tension headaches

Headaches and migraines often have muscular, nervous, or structural causes. We work specifically to relieve tension and regulate the nervous system – for more relief in everyday life.

Whiplash

Whiplash often affects not only the cervical spine but the entire body system. We work gently to reduce tension and restore self-regulation.

CMD / jaw problems

Teeth grinding, jaw clicking, or pain when chewing may indicate craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD). Osteopathy can help regulate tension in the jaw and head area.

"The osteopath's job is to find health. Anyone can find illness."

– AT Still (founder of osteopathy)