Osteopathy and physiotherapy are two of the most common therapies used today for improving mobility and promoting muscular relaxation. However, before we explain the unique benefits of each, it pays to understand some of the key differences between them.
What is physiotherapy?
The main goal of physiotherapy is to restore movement and function in someone who has been affected by an injury, disability or illness. However, it can also be used as a means to ensure that a similar injury or illness does not affect them in future.
During physiotherapy, patients are encouraged to participate in their own care, making the necessary physical, dietary, lifestyle, mental and social changes to maximise the effectiveness of the treatment.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and remediation of musculoskeletal disorders. It is similar to physiotherapy in the sense that it entails both physical treatment as well as diet and lifestyle changes to ‘empower’ the patient.
The key principle behind osteopathy is that a patient’s wellbeing relies on how the bones, ligaments, muscles and connective tissues work collectively – therefore, osteopathy focuses more on the entire body as a system, rather than the rehabilitative methods employed in physiotherapy.
All in all, both treatments will lead to similar outcomes – to help the muscles relax, function better and, as a result, improve mobility in the entire body.
The advantages of physiotherapy
Physiotherapy or simply “physio” can help patients deal with the aftermath of a stroke, helping them to regain muscle control, balance and strength.
It can also help sufferers of Parkinson’s by combining best practices for health and social care to help them lead the best life they possibly can.
Physiotherapy plays an important role in the management of multiple sclerosis, helping patients regain physical mobility, fitness and independence.
Physiotherapy is often prescribed for back pain where it may include manual treatment as well as acupuncture, with therapists advising specific exercises to help patients manage pain and regain their posture as well as general fitness. Physiotherapy may be used to help patients deal with the aftermath of a physical injury such as a fall or fracture, where weight-bearing exercises are prescribed to strengthen the bones and improve balance.
Physio is also prescribed to help patients deal with the aftermath of a heart attack or stroke as it helps improve blood flow in the body.
The advantages of osteopathy Osteopathy is commonly prescribed to help patients deal with stiffness and inflammation in the joints – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients can get relief due to the gentle movements, stretches and massages involved in osteopathic treatment. Osteopathy gently works to stimulate the soft tissues in your pack, releasing tension and loosening up surrounding joints, in order to provide relief from back pain.
The treatment is also used to relieve headaches and prevent migraines as it helps in loosening up muscles and joints around the neck, as well as relieving muscular tension which causes headaches.
Osteopathic treatment reduces tension in stiff muscles around the shoulder joint, providing relief from all kinds of shoulder pain and mobility issues.
Consult our friendly practitioners now to learn more about how each treatment can benefit you.
