• Find a Health Professional
• Health Center

About Osteopathy What Is Osteopathy? Is Osteopathy Right for Me? How Do I Choose?

Glossary Treatment Applications Types of Osteopathy Credentials

Articulation
For the articulation technique, the osteopath stretches a joint--gently bringing the joint through its normal range of movement. This will result in better movement and function. The practitioner repeats this stretching technique, pushing the joint further each time. It is most often used for postoperative patients or elderly patients with arthritis.

Balanced Ligamentous Tension
In balanced ligamentous tension, the osteopath uses his hands to examine a patient's soft tissue, identifying areas of decreased function. He works with the tissue until a feeling of balance is reached, normally tension is released, and the tissue is restored to proper function.

Counterstrain
Counterstrain is used to restore normal motion to a patient who is feeling pain. The physician locates the points of maximum pain and then moves the patient into a comfortable position for two minutes, allowing muscles to return to their normal position. Once the muscles are in their correct positions they can begin to heal.

Cranial Osteopathy
In cranial osteopathy, the practitioner uses his hands to examine the patient's cranium, paying attention to the pulsing fluid that surrounds the brain, spinal cord, and sacrum. This pulsing is called the cranial rhythm. An abnormal rhythm signals bodily tension and cranial pressure. The physician gently manipulates tissue to restore normal rhythm while the patient concentrates on breathing and releasing tension.

High Velocity (Low Amplitude) Thrust
In high velocity (low amplitude) thrust, the osteopath locates the joints that are not moving normally. Using a quick thrust, the physician restores the joint's ability to bend.

Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization focuses on muscles, ligaments, and joints that have inhibited range of motion. The osteopath manipulates the joints so that certain bone surfaces rub together. Afterward, the patient must learn strengthening and stretching exercises to prevent pain from returning.

Lymphatic Pump
The lymphatic pump is an apparatus that ensures and increases rate of lymph flow. A healthy lymphatic system is crucial to the immune system.

Myofascial Trigger Point Release
Fascia is the tissue between skin and bone, and trigger points are "knots" that develop in muscles through overuse or injury. Pain or tension ensues. In myofascial trigger point release, the osteopath eases pain by applying pressure to the trigger points, calming the nerves and releasing endorphins. For the best results, multiple sessions may be necessary.

Soft Tissue Technique
The soft tissue technique is a direct, hands-on way of engaging and massaging muscles to cure pain, whether chronic or caused by injury. Working with the soft tissue restores strength and flexibility to the muscles. Methods used during the soft tissue technique include kneading, pressing, stretching, and tapping.

Trigger (or Myodysneuric) Point Therapy
Trigger points are "knots" that develop in muscles through overuse or injury. Pain or tension ensues. In trigger, or myodysneuric, point therapy, the osteopath eases pain by applying pressure to the trigger points, calming the nerves and releasing endorphins. For the best results, multiple sessions may be necessary.

Visceral Manipulation
In visceral manipulation, the practitioner improves the functioning of the body's viscera--internal organs including the heart, liver, and intestines--as well as the systems in which they interact. The practitioner locates points where the body's organs are not functioning--abnormalities often caused by trauma--and applies pressure.