What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine that focuses on the holistic health of the body, rather than just treating individual symptoms. Unlike traditional medical approaches that often rely on medication or surgery, osteopathy uses only the therapist’s hands to identify, diagnose, and treat dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal, fascial, and nervous systems.
What sets osteopathy apart is its philosophy — it views the human body as a connected system where all parts influence each other. This means the cause of pain may not be where the pain is felt. For example, shoulder pain might stem from an imbalance in the pelvis or tension in the neck.
The founder of osteopathy, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, laid the foundational principles of this practice back in the 19th century, based on the belief that the body has an innate ability to self-heal but often needs help to restore balance and function. The osteopath does not “cure” disease in the classical sense but helps the body regain its natural self-healing mechanisms.
In modern practice, osteopathy is recognized as a valuable ally in the prevention and treatment of various conditions, from postural problems, sports injuries, and chronic pain to circulatory and respiratory disorders. Through a personalized approach, the osteopath addresses each patient’s specific needs, lifestyle, and overall health condition.
Basic principles of osteopathy
Osteopathy is based on several key principles that shape how osteopaths approach the body, health, and therapy. These principles distinguish osteopathy from other branches of manual and conventional medicine because they start from a holistic view of the person.
The body is a whole
Osteopathy believes that the body functions as a unified whole, where all systems — musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory, lymphatic, and others — are interconnected. A problem in one part of the body can cause effects elsewhere. Therefore, an osteopath always looks for the cause of symptoms in a broader context, not just where the pain is felt.
Structure and function are interrelated
Health depends on the proper relationship between body structure (bones, muscles, joints, fascia) and function (movement, breathing, circulation, digestion, etc.). When this balance is disturbed, disorders may arise that manifest as pain, stiffness, or reduced body function. The goal of osteopathic treatment is to restore this connection.
The body has the ability to self-heal
One of the most important postulates of osteopathy is the belief that the body has an innate ability to regenerate and maintain health — if it is supported and obstacles are removed. Osteopathic treatments aim to improve circulation, mobility, and lymphatic flow to help the body return to a state of balance.
Treatment should be focused on the person, not the disease
An osteopath does not treat the “diagnosis,” but the person as a whole. Two patients with the same symptoms can have different causes of their problems. Therefore, the approach to each patient is individualized — considering their body, lifestyle, stress, work, and previous injuries.
These principles make osteopathy a powerful tool not only for treatment but also for prevention, as they encourage better understanding of the body and active patient participation in the healing process.
What ailments can osteopathy relieve?
Osteopathy is highly effective in relieving and treating a wide range of ailments, especially those originating from the musculoskeletal system, as well as many other functional disorders. Since the osteopathic approach views the body as an interconnected whole, treatments often alleviate symptoms that may not seem directly related to structural problems at first glance.
The most common conditions osteopathy helps with include:
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Back and neck pain: Chronic pain, stiffness, and tension in the neck, lower back, and shoulder blades are often successfully treated with osteopathic techniques, especially when caused by poor posture, stress, or prolonged sitting.
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Headaches and migraines: Tension headaches and some types of migraines can be linked to tight muscles in the neck and skull, and osteopathy can significantly reduce their intensity and frequency.
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Joint and muscle problems: Pain in the knee, hip, shoulder, or ankle, including sports injuries, can be eased through mobilization and manual techniques that promote recovery and balance.
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Sciatica and lower back pain: Nerve compressions, pelvic and spinal imbalances, as well as tight muscles often cause pain radiating down the leg. Osteopathy helps by relieving pressure and restoring function.
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Digestive issues: Some digestive disorders, like bloating, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome, may be associated with tension in the diaphragm, back, or pelvis — areas where osteopathic treatment can provide relief.
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Breathing disorders and chest tension: By releasing the ribs and chest, an osteopath can help make breathing deeper and freer, which benefits people with asthma, anxiety, or tight breathing.
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Stress and general tension: Osteopathy promotes relaxation of the entire body and nervous system, reducing the effects of chronic stress such as insomnia, tension, and fatigue.
It is important to note that osteopathy does not replace conventional medicine but complements it — especially in cases where traditional approaches do not achieve the desired results or when a long-term, individualized approach to the body is needed.
What does an osteopathic treatment look like?
For many people visiting an osteopath for the first time, a natural question is—what exactly should they expect? An osteopathic treatment is gentle, non-invasive, and personalized therapy fully tailored to each patient’s needs. The main goal of the osteopath is to find the root cause of the problem, not just focus on the symptoms.
Initial examination – thorough assessment
The first step in any osteopathic treatment is a comprehensive evaluation. The osteopath starts with a conversation to gather a detailed medical history — information about current complaints, past illnesses, lifestyle, injuries, stress, and daily habits.
Next comes a physical assessment — observing posture, joint mobility, muscle tone, breathing, and how the body responds to certain movements or pressure. The aim is to get a complete picture of the body’s condition and identify possible causes of imbalance.
The treatment itself – manual techniques
Once the osteopath understands the patient’s condition, the treatment begins. It is performed exclusively with the hands and includes a range of precise and gentle techniques such as:
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Joint mobilization — improving mobility and reducing stiffness
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Manipulation — gentle adjustment of joints (sometimes accompanied by a soft “click”)
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Myofascial release — relaxing tension in muscles and fascia
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Craniosacral therapy — subtle techniques to balance the nervous system
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Visceral techniques — working on the mobility of internal organs and fascial connections
During treatment, the osteopath continuously monitors how the body reacts and adjusts the therapy in real time. All techniques are non-aggressive, safe, and adapted to the patient’s age, health status, and needs.
After the treatment – instructions and recovery
After treatment, many patients feel relief, better mobility, and overall relaxation. In some cases, mild discomfort or fatigue may occur, which is a normal reaction of the body to change. The osteopath will provide recommendations for post-treatment care, possible exercises, posture advice, and tips to prevent recurrence of the issue.
The number of treatments needed depends on the complexity of the problem — sometimes one session is enough, while other cases require a series of treatments to achieve lasting results.
Advantages of osteopathy compared to other therapies
Osteopathy stands out from other therapeutic approaches through its philosophy, techniques, and understanding of the human body. Its comprehensive view of health allows for a deeper understanding of the root causes of ailments, which is often crucial for permanently resolving problems rather than just temporarily relieving symptoms.
Holistic approach
Unlike many therapies that focus solely on the painful area or symptom, osteopathy considers the entire body, lifestyle, emotional state, and the interrelationships between different systems. It treats the person, not just the diagnosis.
Non-invasive and safe method
Osteopathic treatments are gentle, drug-free, and painless. They are suitable for all ages — from babies, pregnant women, athletes, to elderly people. They do not cause dependency and do not burden the body with chemical substances.
Individualized treatment
Every treatment is fully tailored to the individual — there is no universal formula. The osteopath monitors the body’s reactions and adjusts techniques, pace, and approach accordingly. This increases treatment effectiveness and reduces the risk of symptom worsening.
Treats the cause, not just the symptom
One of the main advantages of osteopathy is the search for the source of the problem — often pain is just a consequence of something that happened earlier or elsewhere in the body. The osteopathic approach helps the body return to balance and maintain long-term health.
Preventive value
Osteopathy is not only used when a problem already exists. Regular check-ups can help detect imbalances early and prevent the development of more serious ailments. It is also excellent support during recovery from injuries, surgeries, and emotionally stressful periods.
Compatible with other therapies
Osteopathy can be combined with physical therapy, psychotherapy, sports rehabilitation programs, and conventional medicine. It acts as a powerful complement to the overall healing process without conflicting with other treatments.
Who is osteopathy recommended for?
Osteopathy is a safe and effective method that can help people of all ages and in various life situations. Due to its gentle yet deeply effective approach, it is suitable even for those who cannot or prefer not to use conventional therapies.
Babies and children
Osteopathy can be very helpful for babies who have sleeping problems, digestive issues (e.g., colic), muscle tension, torticollis (twisted neck), as well as children with posture problems, flat feet, breathing difficulties, or frequent infections. The therapy is gentle and adapted to the youngest patients.
Pregnant women and new mothers
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes many changes that can cause discomfort and pain. Osteopathic treatments help relieve back, joint, and neck pain, prepare the body for childbirth, and support faster recovery after delivery.
Adults
Osteopathy is excellent for anyone dealing with back or neck pain, headaches, joint problems, sports injuries, as well as chronic conditions such as arthritis or circulation issues.
Older adults
For elderly patients, osteopathy helps maintain mobility, reduce pain caused by degenerative changes, and improve overall health and vitality.
Why choose Fizio i Estetik Center In Locco for osteopathic treatment?
When looking for a reliable place for osteopathic treatment, it’s important to feel safe, understood, and in good hands. At Fizio i Estetik Center In Locco, we strive to provide every patient with attention, expertise, and dedication — because your health is our top priority.
Experienced and educated team
Our therapists are trained osteopaths and physiotherapists with extensive knowledge and experience. We work with people of all ages and conditions — from sports injuries, back and neck pain, to chronic issues and post-surgery recovery.
Treatment tailored to you
There are no universal solutions here. Every person is different, so each treatment is customized to your specific needs. We look at the whole body and seek the root cause of the problem, not just ways to relieve pain.
Comfortable and relaxing environment
Our space is calm, clean, and welcoming. We make sure you feel comfortable and stress-free — knowing how much that contributes to healing.
Combining multiple methods in one place
Besides osteopathy, we offer other effective therapies like physiotherapy and exercises. This allows us to approach your problem from multiple angles and provide comprehensive care.
Caring for your health, not just symptoms
Our goal is not only to reduce pain temporarily but to help you feel better permanently. We want to teach you how to better understand your body and take care of it long-term.
If you have any complaints or simply want to feel better in your body, we invite you to contact us and schedule your first appointment. At Fizio i Estetik Center In Locco, we care for you — carefully, professionally, and with great understanding.