Manual Osteopathic Massage Overview
Did you know that nearly one in five Canadians suffer from chronic pain? If you’ve ever experienced ongoing pain and the discomfort that goes along with it, you know that often all you want is lasting relief. The relaxing touch of massage therapy can provide comfort and alleviate pain associated with inflammation and joint issues. One specific type of massage therapy that can help you find relief is manual osteopathic massage. Manual osteopaths use assessment and sensitive touch techniques to soothe aches and pains during focused therapeutic sessions.
Many of our clients favour manual osteopathic massage because it is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment that helps improve and balance the musculoskeletal framework. Because it works well with other massage techniques, clients can choose the best of both worlds with manual osteopathic assessment and techniques in combination with therapies such as gentle PNF stretches, therapeutic massage, or myofascial release. Manual osteopathic massage is beneficial for a wide range of individuals of all ages and conditions.
How Manual Osteopathic Massage Can Benefit You
A fully trained Manual Osteopath performs manual osteopathic massage and is qualified to sense problem areas in your muscles and joints, then respond with targeted techniques. Benefits are wide-ranging because the methods promote healing across the body’s systems. Increased blood flow can improve joint mobility, relieve musculoskeletal imbalances, and provide a natural anti-inflammatory response.
How Does Manual Osteopathic Massage Work?
Manual osteopathic massage uses stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance on your muscles while incorporating manual osteopathic techniques to help balance the body’s systems. The techniques aim to support overall health while also addressing specific aches and pains. Using targeted assessment and refined palpation skills, our Manual Osteopaths respond to the body’s connective tissues, positively affecting congestion, dehydration, scarring, stiffness, and joint pain. Many clients find this approach more comfortable than joint manipulations, and it can be helpful for various conditions.
Manual Osteopathy Massage Techniques
Manual osteopathic massage employs several techniques to treat a variety of conditions. Our Manual Osteopaths may use therapeutic massage or a manual osteopathic articular technique to soothe joints and reduce muscle tension and restrictions. They might use soft tissue manipulation to stimulate circulation and locate stiffness in muscles and limbs. Your therapist may also use craniosacral therapy and visceral manipulation. No two appointments are identical because every body and condition is different. Our Manual Osteopaths tailor techniques to your unique needs.
Muscular Tension
Muscular tension occurs when certain muscles remain in a semi-contracted state for a prolonged period. Manual osteopathic massage is used to relax muscles, ease tension, relieve chronic pain, and revitalise the body.
Techniques we may use
- Osteoarticular corrections to help balance the structure of the body
- Visceral manipulation to gently relax fascial connections of the viscera
- Fascial release to increase tissue mobility and improve range of motion of muscles and joints
- Craniosacral techniques to help decrease vagal tone and regulate the sympathetic nervous system
- Therapeutic massage
Arthritis
Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. Although there are many types, all include some form of joint pain and stiffness.
We cannot cure arthritis, but we can help manage symptoms that inhibit day-to-day living with manual osteopathic massage. Techniques can help ease neurological irritations around a joint, improve mobility, and reduce pain and discomfort. Careful manipulations also help reduce inflammation that causes stiffness and muscle pain in problematic joints, including hands, feet, and knees. Regular appointments can improve range of motion.
We combine gentle massage and craniosacral techniques to calm the nervous system, which can relieve inflammatory pain signals.
Headaches
Headaches may involve isolated or diffused pain in any region of the head and can occur on one or both sides. Pain can present as a throb or a dull ache. Primary headaches include tension headaches and migraines. Secondary headaches can result from other injuries or conditions, such as head trauma or hypertension. Stress can also contribute significantly.
Treatment typically involves an in-depth intake followed by a manual osteopathic assessment. Because contributing factors vary, techniques differ from person to person. Often-used approaches include therapeutic massage and fascial release of the shoulders, neck, and head.
Our experienced Manual Osteopaths may also use craniosacral therapy, a gentle technique that assesses the mobility of the skull and inner membranes. Treating the cranium helps restore balance to the circulatory and other body systems, including your body’s inherent biorhythm. This can help reduce chronic headaches.
Back Pain
Back pain is common and, like headaches, can have different points of origin. A thorough assessment helps uncover the source of your pain. Several techniques in combination can provide relief. During a session, your Manual Osteopath uses soft tissue manipulation to relax muscles and stimulate circulation. As treatment progresses and we find trouble spots in muscles and joints, we adapt techniques to provide the most relief.
Techniques may include fascial release, therapeutic massage, and osteoarticular corrections to help balance the hips.
Digestive Issues
Visceral manipulation is used to address restrictions within the organs. This gentle method can reduce discomfort in organs such as the liver, stomach, intestines, and bladder. During your appointment, a trained Manual Osteopath applies gentle pressure to digestive organs and surrounding fascia to help reset and relieve discomfort.
For digestive issues, therapeutic massage is often combined with craniosacral techniques to calm the nervous system and bring you into a state of rest and digest. We also recommend daily movement and a healthy diet rich in greens, plus plenty of water.
Postural Dysfunctions
Postural dysfunctions occur when the body is positioned in ways that stress muscles, joints, and vertebrae. Imbalances may result from long-term compensations due to injuries, stress, and poor alignment.
If posture is a focus, talk to our Manual Osteopaths at the start of your appointment. We will assess and adapt techniques as needed. Common approaches include osteoarticular manipulations, fascial release, and, indirectly, craniosacral techniques.
Disruptive Sleep
As with other massage therapies, manual osteopathic massage employs soft tissue manipulation to relax muscles and stimulate circulation. As treatment progresses, we address trouble spots to maximise relief. The overall relaxation this work promotes, along with relief from pain, discomfort, and stress, helps many clients feel more at ease when they lie down to sleep.
Since disruptive sleep often arises from stress and anxiety, our Manual Osteopaths may use craniosacral techniques to regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation. We may also recommend meditation or breathing techniques to quiet the mind before bed, along with a calming nighttime routine such as an Epsom salt bath, chamomile tea, and avoiding screens and bright lights for at least one hour before sleep.
Book Your Manual Osteopathic Massage Appointment in St. Albert
If you’re ready to try manual osteopathic massage for relief from joint pain, body discomfort, and other conditions, book a MO massage with one of our trained Manual Osteopaths. If you have questions about manual osteopathy, contact our clinic. We’re happy to answer your health questions.
