Soft Tissue
This is not just massage, it works through the layers from skin through to deep muscle, the Osteopath will be able to judge the depth required to achieve the greatest effect. Osteopaths combine cross fibre stretching with massage techniques to achieve greater effectiveness. Sometimes the techniques can be uncomfortable if the tissues are very tight or there is scar tissue present, but the patient usually experiences relief as the tissue relaxes.
Articulation
These techniques help relieve stiffness within the joints, they are gentle and rarely uncomfortable.
Manipulation
On occasion a specific joint can become locked or go into spasm, this needs to be released in order to restore normal function. A joint forms where two bones meet each other. Big joints such as the knee or hip are more familiar to us than smaller ones like those between each vertebrae (spinal joints).
In order to allow movement the bones are not attached directly to each other, they are attached by membranes that form sacks containing synovial fluid. The fluid allows freedom of movement of the joints without the bones grinding against each other.
This fluid contains tiny carbon dioxide bubbles. When an Osteopath performs a ‘spinal manipulation’ a slight traction is applied to the joints, which very quickly and gently gaps the joints to free them up and get them moving again. When done correctly the carbon dioxide bubbles literally ‘pop’, dispersing back into the fluid, giving the resultant ‘pop’ sound that you will have heard of. This not only relieves a lot of pressure in the joint but helps to restore normal movement.
What will it feel like afterwards?
The way you feel afterwards is extremely variable. Some people can feel fantastic and feel their movement is instantly returned and the pain is much reduced, whilst others may feel quite sore for a day or two while the body corrects, unwinds, and responds to the treatment. The main reason for this is toxin release. When muscles and joints become tight and stiff, the blood cannot flow freely through the areas. Therefore toxins are deposited in the muscles and joints. When the joints and tissues are freed up and moving again, the toxins are released by the muscles, and can leave you feeling a little sore. This is what is called a ‘treatment reaction’ and is a sign that your body is responding to treatment.