Osteopath Streching Exercises

Osteopaths go by the designation D.O. and have similar training, qualifications and licensing to doctors with the M.D. designation, according to the American Osteopathic Association. Doctors with an M.D. study what is called "allopathic" medicine. The philosophy behind osteopathic medicine is the whole-person approach to treating illness. This is in contrast to the allopathic philosophy, which focuses on treating illness as a collection of symptoms. Osteopaths also focus more on the musculoskeletal system, perform osteopathic massage and often prescribe their patients stretches as part of the treatment plan.

Stretches for the Lower Back

Lower back pain does not always originate in the back, according to "Mosby's Massage Therapy Review." For instance, the hamstrings, which run down the back of the thigh, start on the bottom of the pelvic girdle and end on the shin bone, according to "The Trail Guide to the Body." If these muscles are tight, they can pull on the pelvis, which then pulls on the lower back muscles, which attach to the top of the pelvis. Port Hacking Osteopathic Clinic recommends several leg stretches, including the hamstrings and calves, as well as abdominal stretches and, of course, back stretches.

Stretches for the Abdominal Group

As with the back, pain in the abdomen may be influenced by other parts of the body, according to "Mosby's Massage Therapy Review." In some instances, tightness in the back may pull at the pelvis, causing it to tilt and put strain on the abdominal group. In other cases, tight abdominal muscles may pull on the torso, causing the shoulders to slump forward. According to the Port Hacking Osteopathic Clinic, Osteopathic stretches for the abdominal group focus on both the lower back and the abdominal muscles to restore balance to the torso.

Stretches for the Legs

Because the legs, back and abdominals all influence each other, many of the leg stretches overlap with the other groups. One exception may be the tensor fascia latae, a small muscle on the side of the hip that tightens the fascia latae tendon that runs down the outside of the leg, according to "The Trail Guide to the Body." Also, "Mosby's Massage Therapy Review" explains that tightness in the tensor fascia latae may cause discomfort in the leg and hip, but does not affect the lower back or abs. The Port Hacking Osteopathic Clinic recommends leg stretches that focus focus on the calves, hamstrings and thighs as well as the tensor fascia latae.