When osteopathy was first developed by Dr. Still in the mid 1800s, traditional allopathic medicine was still in its infancy. There were very few drugs available, and the association of germs with diseases has not yet been established. In fact, the cellular structure of the body was not accepted, and the nature of the immune system was not known. The development of osteopathy in this environment was a phenomenal medical breakthrough in the process of helping the body to heal itself.
While chiropractic and osteopathy includes methods for correcting the pathological conditions of the musculoskeletal system, osteopaths are another step forward. In addition to the treatment of joints, doctors of osteopathy also include auxiliary muscles and ligaments. Osteopathic doctors believe that their practice is more connected with the general area of the spine, and not with the cervical region, and there is more touch than x-rays.
Since osteopathic physicians also include manipulations with the fascia or any fiber sleeve that divides and subdivides all parts of the body, they also treat pain and other symptoms that are caused by organs or muscles that become injured whenever the fascia is trapped, bruised or constricted, This is an incredible definition of injuries that often happen to the hands.
The carpal tunnel, tendonitis and arthritis of the hands all fall under the description given above. Osteopathic treatment can help reduce pain, swelling and improve mobility and range of motion in cases where people are more interested in helping the body heal itself than when another pill or surgery appears. Treatment may require repeated sessions, since the osteopathic doctor is usually moderately evaluated and will treat the disease or illness with a general focus on health.
Manual therapy can include water exercises, teaching people healthy habits when using their hands and developing an exercise program to reduce stiffness in the muscular system, as well as to increase its strength.
Osteopathic physicians also qualify for the treatment of rotator cuff tendonitis, biceps, elbow, hip, knee, tibia, and wrist and hand. When treating tendonitis, the osteopathic doctor will use gentle hand movements to detect the intention of a limited movement and determine the source of the pain. They will conduct a general history of the disease, conduct a physical examination and, possibly, an x-ray, before offering a treatment program.
As tendonitis often includes the area of the body used in prescribing a person, additional treatment may include strengthening and stretching exercises, weight loss recommendations, tendon protection guidelines against excessive consumption and stress, ultrasound treatment, immobilization, manipulation and severe corticosteroid injections surgery to repair damage to the tendon.
Osteopathic manipulation techniques are non-invasive and help to manipulate and correct muscles, ligaments and bones. The goals of manipulating the arms include straining the muscles and supporting ligaments, relieving muscle spasms, stimulating free movement and improving blood flow.
Carpal tunnel is another diagnosis that affects the hands and wrists, which osteopathic doctors can help with treatment. During carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve is compressed and passes through the wrist, and the severity of symptoms can be determined by holding nerve endings. One of the most common complaints is numbness or tingling of the wrist and hands and often the pain that radiates in the elbow or shoulder.
It is interesting to note that in 1998, researchers discovered a link between the diagnosis of hypothyroidism and carpal tunnel syndrome. They found that people who were treated effectively for their hypothyroidism significantly improved carpal tunnel syndrome.
While osteopathic doctors can offer effective treatment for the hands and wrists, there are limitations on their ability to heal. For example, active infections, fractures, bone diseases, cancer, gross structural deformities, and severe or medical conditions, such as abnormally high blood pressure or heart attacks, that require more allopathic traditional medical intervention to place the body in a position where may to take a more natural approach.
