Osteopathy and Stress Management: A Holistic Approach

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that can be highly effective in treating stress-related conditions. By manipulating the musculoskeletal system, an osteopath can help to relieve tension in the body and promote relaxation. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who are experiencing stress-related conditions.

In addition to manual therapy, Osteopaths can also provide patients with advice on stress management techniques. This may include relaxation exercises, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle modifications. By working with an osteopath, patients can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of their stress and learn effective strategies for managing it.

In society we are exposed to a lot of social stresses such as work and personal relationships. We are also exposed to environmental and chemical stressors such as air pollution, pollen, radio waves, noise pollution, dust and other particulates, and excess sunlight. We are also having to process food and drink chemicals which are not always the best for us such as gluten, alcohol, sugar, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, carbon (burnt food such as barbeque) etc. This all puts our liver, kidneys and digestive system under stress on a daily basis. Lastly we expose ourselves to physical stresses, such as sitting or standing in one spot without moving for prolonged periods, lifting awkward or heavy loads repeatedly and being exposed to awkward positions which we do not regularly get into. These stresses can increase wear and tear on our joints if we do not actively train our bodies to cope with these stresses and take responsibility for our own recovery in order to heal adequately in between these exposures. This does not even include exposure to over training which in the right circumstances can lead to injury if adequate recovery is not implemented into the training schedule. It is very easy to forget about all these strains and stresses on our bodies and to burn the candle at both ends!

In addition to the exposure to stressors we are having to contend with diminishing nutritional value in our fruits, vegetables and meats due to intensive farming practices used over the past 50+ years. Our soil is extremely depleted of minerals and this means we are required to consume a huge amount of food based nutrients in order to reach optimum health. In reality this is extremely unachievable and it is essential we look at supplementing our diets with vitamins and minerals in capsule, powder, oil forms so we can optimise our health in order to recover from our stress exposures (Montgomery et al., 2022).

Research has shown that Osteopathy can be highly effective in treating stress-related conditions. One study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that osteopathic treatment was effective in reducing anxiety and improving mood in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were experiencing high levels of stress. Another study published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine found that osteopathic treatment was effective in reducing stress and improving quality of life in individuals with fibromyalgia.

In addition to providing relief for stress-related conditions, osteopathy can also be beneficial for a range of other musculoskeletal issues. This includes back pain, neck pain, and joint pain. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself, and by removing restrictions in the musculoskeletal system, an osteopath can help to facilitate this natural healing process. There is some evidence that stress induced conditions such as fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) as it is also known can be treated with osteopathic techniques, which is thought to facilitate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and lymphatic drainage in order to reduce neuroinflammation in the brain, which has been shown in Fibro, ME/CFS patients.

At Kube Medical, our practitioners take a holistic approach to patient care. We believe that treating the whole person is essential for achieving optimal health and wellness. If you are experiencing stress-related symptoms or other musculoskeletal issues, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced osteopaths. We can work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve optimal health and wellness.

In conclusion, Osteopathy can be a highly effective form of therapy for managing stress and promoting overall health and wellness. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of stress, an osteopath can help patients achieve greater relaxation, reduce tension, and improve their overall quality of life. If you are interested in exploring osteopathy as a treatment option, we encourage you to speak with our osteopaths in order to discuss any questions you may have regarding osteopathic consultation and treatment.