The answer is probably all. A multidisciplinary approach is best in holistic medicine, and body work and manipulation has much to offer.
Manipulation as well as body based alternative practices involve working the structure, function, and different areas and systems of the body; skeleton and joints, soft / connective tissue, circulatory system, and lymph network. Some popular and well known body therapies fall within this category.
Spinal, Skeletal, or Structural manipulation is performed by Chiropractors, Osteopaths and by other professionals such as physical or athletic therapists, and some conventional medical doctors as well. Practitioners use a controlled impulse / force to a bone, joint, or the spinal column, moving it beyond its present passive range of motion; the force used is related to the type of manipulation needed and its purpose and goal. These types of manipulation and treatment are among those applied to people with low back pain which is a common ailment in our time that can sometimes be difficult to treat.
Massage therapy may also include many different techniques. In short, practitioners press, rub, and manipulate the muscles and other soft connective tissues of the body. People go to massage for a plethora of health purposes and for well being, including to reduce pain, rehabilitation of sports and other injuries, orthopedic issues, stress reduction, to promote relaxation, to reduce anxiety and depression, and for general well-being.
As an Athletic Therapist I was trained to use a number of modalities, including massage in all its glory - Effleurage, Petrisage, Tapotement, deep tissue, friction, mobilization. I have used these, as well as Acupressure and Trigger Point massage many times. Releasing cramped muscles, warming up athletes, rehabilitating injuries, relaxing and soothing stiffness. Overall in the different areas of Athletic Therapy with much success, whether in rehabilitation, or maintenance.
Osteopathy predates Chiropractic by at least 20 – 25 years, and apparently, funny enough, DD Palmer the founder of Chiropractic was briefly jailed for practicing Osteopathy without a license. Structural adjustments are a key part of Osteopathy, though today it is only one of four approaches. Structural, Myofascial, Visceral, and Craniosacral Osteopathy are all practiced in the field today, so Osteopathy is in itself multidisciplinary.
I was trained in all four approaches and in a myriad of techniques from each discipline. My recent partner whom I share a private clinic with, and also worked with at an HMO is a licensed Chiropractor. We have had the pleasure of treating each other many times, without regarding each other as competition, and with mutual respect and understanding trying to help each other. These sessions have been amazingly helpful, stress reducing, and educational.
Plus, I originally went to study Athletic Therapy in order to go to Chiropractic school afterwards, and researched both fields before deciding on my path. Since lower back pain is somewhat of an epidemic in the Western world, most people come for Osteopathic treatments of that issue. Mind you, most people go to all alternative treatments across the board mainly for lower back pains and issues.
For the most part, I have mostly treated, lower back pain, sciatica, anterior / posterior tibialis compartment syndrome, migraines / other headaches, neck / shoulder / upper back pain, thoracic outlet syndrome, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, knee pain, ankle pain, general joint pain and / or weakness, arthritis, tinnitus, torticolis, child development issues, pregnancy issues and (back) pain, digestive issues, constipation, swelling and joint pain, bed-wetting, incontinence, and the list goes on...
In my first year of studying Classical Osteopathy, I completed a certificate in Advanced Reflexology (I also have certificates in Acupressure and Sports Massage), another form of Bodywork, in order to be able to start treating people holistically, to have another tool of diagnosis and treatment. I continue to use the tools I acquired from Reflexology and Acupressure, especially when giving patients self-care work and homework to do on their own.
They are very easy to do by yourself and it gives patients excellent maintenance tools and responsibility for their own health. I have also been treated quite a few times with Reflexology and Shiatsu ( a form of Acupressure). I merited to help people with jaw clenching issues, especially while sleeping, babies and adults with constipation and digestive issues, stress-related issues and pains, plantar fasciitis, menstrual cramps, headaches, torticolis and other issues.
I have used Jin Shin Jitsu on myself and with clients for about ten years now, and I recently purchased a book I have yet to read on the Rosen Method of Bodywork, which a friend recommended.
Alternative Medicine also encompasses movement therapies—a broad range of Eastern and Western movement-based approaches used to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Examples include Tai Chi, Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique, Pilates, and Tragering.
There you have it. A tasty menu of delights to choose from for all your aches and pains.
May they all be relieved!
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