Osteopathic Therapy Overview

Osteopathic therapy is a holistic, hands-on approach to healthcare that emphasizes the interrelationship between structure and function in the body. The goal is to restore balance, improve mobility, and support the body’s natural ability to heal.

Key Modalities Included in Osteopathic Therapy
General Osteopathic Treatment (GOT)

GOT uses rhythmic mobilizations and body balancing techniques to improve circulation, lymphatic drainage, and musculoskeletal alignment. It is commonly applied to the whole body to promote systemic health and functional harmony.

Manual Therapy

This involves precise, hands-on techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, joint articulation, and myofascial release to relieve pain, reduce tension, and improve mobility. It is used to address muscular imbalances, joint restrictions, and postural issues.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST)

A gentle, non-invasive approach that focuses on the cranial bones, spine, and sacrum. CST helps release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve neurological function, reduce headaches, support emotional regulation, and assist with trauma recovery.

Visceral Manipulation Therapy

This technique targets the internal organs (viscera) to release restrictions and enhance mobility within the abdomen and pelvis. It is effective for digestive disorders, menstrual pain, pelvic congestion, and post-surgical adhesions.

Vagus Nerve Therapy

Focused on stimulating and regulating the vagus nerve through gentle manual contact, this therapy helps balance the autonomic nervous system. It is beneficial for conditions related to stress, anxiety, heart rate variability, gut-brain interaction, and immune modulation.

Specific Adjusting Techniques

These targeted manipulations address misalignments and joint dysfunctions. Adjustments may be performed with high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrusts or low-force mobilizations depending on patient need and condition, promoting joint integrity and neuromuscular coordination.

Clinical Applications

Osteopathic therapy is beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:

Chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain

Postural dysfunctions

Stress and nervous system imbalances

Digestive and pelvic issues

Headaches and migraines

Recovery from trauma or surgery

Women’s health and fertility support