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Writer's pictureKathy Babolat
Oct 11

What is Osteopathy? Benefits, Treatments, and How It Works


What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy - Chiswick (Stamford Brook)

What is Osteopathy?


Osteopathy is a non-invasive therapy aiming to restore function. It was developed in the United States by Dr. A.T. Still in the early 19th century.

In the UK, all osteopaths undergo 4 to 5 years of training, which includes academic studies in anatomy, physiology, and pathology, alongside 1,000 hours of clinical practice.

 

Benefits of Osteopathy Treatments What is Osteopathy?

 

Osteopathy is an effective treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, helping relieve pain and improve mobility. Recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for its ability to treat pain, osteopathy benefits people of all ages. 

 

At our Chiswick - Stamford Brook clinic, we provide osteopathy treatments for:

  • Acute and chronic back pain

  • Acute and chronic neck pain

  • Nerve-related Pain - Relief for trapped nerves (e.g., numbness, tingling, pins and needles in hands and feet)

  • Sciatica 

  • Frozen Shoulder

  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

  • Joint pain, including arthritis

  • Posture-related problems - Solutions for workplace-related and everyday posture issues

  • Headaches and neuralgia

  • Tennis and golfer’s elbow

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Sports injuries - Including runner’s knee (patellofemoral syndrome), shin splints, iliotibial band syndrome ... to speed up recovery and prevent re-injury.


 Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, acute injuries, or posture issues, our osteopathy services aim to improve your well-being and relieve discomfort.​​​​ What is Osteopathy? What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathic Techniques for Restoring Function and Enhancing Healing

What is Osteopathy?

We use a range of osteopathic techniques tailored to each patient’s diagnosis, medical history, and age to promote healing and restore function. These techniques include articulation, high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) (commonly associated with the “pop” sound). Each method requires advanced knowledge of physiology, anatomy, and biomechanics, along with excellent palpation skills. What is Osteopathy?

What is Osteopathy?

Proven Osteopathic Techniques We Use for Effective Pain Relief and Recovery

 

  • Articulation Techniques aim to restore joint range of motion. Articulation techniques help to improve posture and joint health by helping the joint to move through its barriers using passive, progressive and gentle elongations. Mobilising the joint enhances the secretion and restore synovial fluid functions, thus reduce inflammation. Articulation techniques also help to reduce friction between cartilages and prevent joints’ degeneration. What is Osteopathy?

 

  • Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is widely used among Osteopaths. MET is used to treat muscle restrictions and increase range of motion. This technique is particularly helpful in chronic conditions. ​

​

  • HVLA (High Velocity, Low Amplitude) techniques are often recognized by the popping or cracking sound they produce. Not all patients are eligible for HVLA; the decision is based on the patient’s age and medical history. Patient consent is required before using these techniques.

​What is Osteopathy?

  • Various Massage Techniques:

    • Effleurage is a light pressure technique that enhances blood flow by dilating capillaries.

    • Petrissage loosens muscle fibers and promotes venous return by increasing blood flow in the capillaries. What is Osteopathy?

    • Cross-fibre technique enhances the healing process by generating an analgesic effect on ligament and tendon injuries. What is Osteopathy?

    • Compression allows capillary beds to empty and then refill during decompression, helping to drain toxins and waste toward the lymphatic system. What is Osteopathy?

    • Friction plays an active role in different stages of the healing process by remodeling and breaking down scar tissue (adhesions) on tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

    • Myofascial/trigger point techniques relax muscles. In Asia, this technique is often applied along the lines of meridians. What is Osteopathy?

​

 

References What is Osteopathy?

​Barral, J.P., Corbier, A. (2016). New manual articular approach, lower extremities. The Barral Institute.

 

​Davis, H.L., Alabed, S., Ainsley Chico, T.J. (2019). Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 6(1):e000614 DOI:10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000614

 

​Fernádez-de-las-Peñas, C., Cleland J.A., Dommerholt, J. (2016). Manual therapy for musculoskeletal pain syndromes. An evidence and clinical informed approach. Elsvier. 

 

​Hartman, L. (1997). Handbook of osteopathic techniques. 3rd Edition. Cengage Learning. 

 

​Lee, S.J., Yoo, J.J., Atala, A. (2016). In Situ Tissue Regeneration: Host Cell Recruitment and Biomaterial Design. Elsiver​​Medical News Today. (2024). Everything you need to know about osteopathy. Online. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/70381#uses

 

Physiopedia. (2024). Friction and its Application. Online. Available at: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Friction_and_its_Application

 

​Rattray, F., Ludwig, L. (2005). Clinical massage therapy. Understanding, assessing and treating over 70 conditions. Talus incorporated.

 

Tortora, G. & Derrickson, B. (2017). Principles of anatomy & physiology. 15th edn. USA: Willey.

 


Comments

Improve your posture
00:49

Improve your posture

Improve your posture⭐️🤸🏽💪🏼 The muscles we are working in this warm up are the ones which are mostly ignored in a lot of trainings and yet very important for your posture, your thoracic spine and your shoulder health. This routine targets the rhomboids, the rotator cuff muscles, the middle and lower trapezius and gives a “lovely” burn in the lateral fibre of the deltoids. Try this and let me know how it worked for you: 1x20-50 (depending on your level) 2x12-20 1x 20-50 (depending on your level) 3x12-20 1.20-50 (depending on your level) Enjoy! #thoracicspine #shoulderhealth #strength #imbalance #posture #improveyourposture #spinehealth #shoulderpain #perosnaltrainingLondon #kathybabolat #correctiveexercises #lowerbackworkout #middlebackworkout #workout #warmup #fitness #fitnessaddict #trainsmart www.thesteelfactory.net train@thesteelfactory.net Kathy Babolat - Holistic Training Strength - Conditioning - Corrective exercise Osteopathy Student - College of Osteopaths London
FULL 45mn HIIT home workout - #StayHomeworkout 41
45:31

FULL 45mn HIIT home workout - #StayHomeworkout 41

Hi everyone, here is a full 45’ HIIT workout as requested 💪🏋🏼‍♂️. Sorry for the time it took and sincere apologies for the mediocrity of the editing. Some people are really good at that, some are not and I am one of those ones 🙈🙉🙊 ⭐️ Pls be safe when performing the exercises, always choose quality over quantities. ⭐️ I put 2 options: with or without weight. I know a lot of you have either kettlebell or dumbbells now at home. ⭐️ This is the kind of training I teach live and online on a more complex way. If you want to build muscle mass, then don’t do it because it will eventually kill your gain. BUT if you just want a good sweat and have fun, that training is for you :) ⭐️ Because I am terrible with technology, if you have any question or any constructive comments, pls drop me a line at: Train@thesteelfactory.net ⭐️ For more workouts, including yoga, do not hesitate to join our facebook group, all workouts are free. https://www.facebook.com/groups/staystrongstayhealthy/?ref=bookmarks Kathy Babolat Personal Trainer London Strength & Rehab Online Bespoke Personal Training www.thesteelfactory.net
Kettle bell drills
00:50

Kettle bell drills

Hi everyone! 🌟 A short workout video with kettle bell. I had this great but almost unknown exercise: belt squats Belt squats is rarely an exercise given to clients by personal trainers. I never saw anyone either doing belt squats in commercial gym. So let’s give to this exercise the attention it deserves. According a study from Layer and al. (2018), belt squat is a better option for the back Here is why: * - Reduced spinal load (load is taken away by the hips and legs) * - Bilateral loading (so does back squat) * - Similar or greater loading of the lower limbs as back squats Belt squats shall be considered as an option for people prone to back injury (depending the type and the degree of injury) or displaying excessive external back moments. www.thesteelfactory.net Kathy Babolat Rehab & Strength Personal Trainer London Massage therapist & Acupuncturist Bespoke Online Personal Training Reference: Layer J., Grenz C., Hinshaw T. (2018). Kinetic Analysis of Isometric Back Squats and Isometric Belt Squats, Strength Cond Res. 3301-3309. #workout4you, spinalhealth, #health, #bodybuildingwomen, #bodybuilding, #fitness, #fit, #gym, #exercise, #workout, #fitness, #fitnessgirl, #workout, #exercise, #fitnessjourney, #beltsquats, #kettlebell, #kettlebellworkout, #squatsafe, #back, #squats, #beltsquat, #spine, #backpain, #kathybabolat
LEGS & CORE WORKOUT - 45MN WORKOUT - #StayHome Workout 40
03:20

LEGS & CORE WORKOUT - 45MN WORKOUT - #StayHome Workout 40

Hi everyone! Here is your workout for today. LEGS & CORE WORKOUT. Today I want to focus on the: ⭐️ Glutes ⭐️ Quads because vastus are important for your knee stabilisation (be fast on the mini pistol). ⭐️ variations to move in all planes of motion ⭐️ mild cardio exercises to vary the intensity of the training ⭐️ a core challenge to finish Everything is scale from level 1 to 3. No equipment required. Session is about 45mn to 1 hour depending on the level of difficulty you choose. Enjoy! Kathy Babolat Rehab & Strength Trainer London Online coaching www.thesteelfactory.net #stayhome, #FightCOVID19, #gymfreak💪 , #homeworkouts_4u , #Noequipment, #health, #fitness, #fitnessaddict, #getfit, #workout, #train, #training, #heathy, #strong, #exercise, #sport, #fitnessjourney, #StayStrong, #Wellness, #workouttime💪, #personaltrainerLondon, #kathybabolat, #fullbodyworkout, #absworkout, #strengthworkout, #coreworkout, #Legsworkout, #HIT, #Cardio
GLUTEUS, LEGS & CORE TRAINING - 45MN WORKOUT - #StayHome Workout 39
02:59

GLUTEUS, LEGS & CORE TRAINING - 45MN WORKOUT - #StayHome Workout 39

Hi everyone! Here is your workout for today. GLUTEUS, LEGS & CORE WORKOUT. Let me explain where the pain will come from today and why: We are working on: ⭐️ The gluteus and the hamstrings (anatomically speaking, they love to work together). ⭐️ Eccentric load for both gluteus and hamis. Aim for end range all the time and work slowly. I put a tempo so you can pace yourself. I am a strong believer that we have to work a muscle into its entire range of motion to get the best results. ⭐️ For the lunges I leave it up to you. If you want to work more on your butt, lean forward, if you want to work on your quad, keep your posture straight (you might feel it in the butt still due to the activation we did before). ⭐️ Lots of single leg work to challenge your strength both side as well as some hip stability. ⭐️ Core are mostly targeting the transverse abdominals. So no six packs today (sorry) but a good deep abdominal work instead. Careful with your lower back on the second one. The quadratus lumborum (lower back muscle) will kick in when abs get tired. ***You will need a chair & a towel for the hamstrings. Everything is scaled from beginners to gym freak. You need about 45mn to complete it. *** Enjoy! Kathy Babolat Rehab & Strength Trainer London Online Coaching www.thesteelfactory.net #stayhome, #FightCOVID19, #gymfreak💪 , #homeworkouts_4u , #Noequipment, #health, #fitness, #fitnessaddict, #getfit, #workout, #train, #training, #heathy, #strong, #exercise, #sport, #fitnessjourney, #StayStrong, #Wellness, #workouttime💪, #personaltrainerLondon, #kathybabolat, #fullbodyworkout, #absworkout, #strengthworkout, #coreworkout, #Legsworkout,
FULL BODY WORKOUT- 1 HOUR WORKOUT - #stayHome Workout 38
04:22

FULL BODY WORKOUT- 1 HOUR WORKOUT - #stayHome Workout 38

Hi everyone! Here is your workout for today. FULL BODY WORKOUT, lots of core to start, a quick burst of cardio & Strength and legs to finish. As usual for this period and for you to do this workout at home, no equipment needed. Everything is scaled from beginners to gym freak. You need about an hour to complete it. Enjoy! Kathy Babolat Rehab & Strength Trainer London Online Coaching www.thesteelfactory.net #stayhome, #FightCOVID19, #gymfreak💪 , #homeworkouts_4u , #Noequipment, #health, #fitness, #fitnessaddict, #getfit, #workout, #train, #training, #heathy, #strong, #exercise, #sport, #fitnessjourney, #StayStrong, #Wellness, #workouttime💪, #personaltrainerLondon, #kathybabolat, #fullbodyworkout, #absworkout, #strengthworkout, #Pushups, #coreworkout, #Legsworkout, #HIT, #Cardio
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