An osteopath, or doctor of osteopathics, has an educational background that is similar to that of a medical doctor. Both attend medical school for four years and then undergo graduate work as interns and residents. However, a D.O. focuses on whole body medicine, in particular the functioning of joints, muscles, tendons and lymphatic system. Treatment might include recommendations concerning posture, nutrition, exercise and emotional issues. Although osteopaths often are compared to chiropractors, their emphasis and treatment style is different. Chiropractors manipulate joints and focus attention on the neck. Osteopaths manipulate muscles, fascia and ligaments, as well as joints, and concentrate more attention on the pelvic area. In addition, manipulation by osteopaths is much more gentle than chiropractic twists. Osteopathic exercises for conditions such as pain and chronic fatigue are very gentle as well.
Basic Exercise
Osteopaths recommend a basic exercise for the spine called the semi-Fowler position. It can be done for 10 minutes per day, as a stretch after exercising, or when you feel tired or sore. Lie on your back with your feet raised on a cushion or chair with knees at a 90-degree angle. According to osteopaths, lying in this position puts the least amount of pressure on your spine.
Chronic Fatigue
Osteopaths teach patients with chronic fatigue to loosen their thoracic vertebrae in the upper back area by performing several gentle turning exercises. Sit upright on the edge of a chair for all of the exercises.. Put your palms by the side of your neck with elbows pointing down and forward. With your shoulders relaxed, slowly turn your head and upper body to the right about 30 degrees, then return to the starting position. Then turn to the left 30 degrees and back to the center. Repeat eight to 16 times. For the next exercise, cross your arms in front of you, hug your shoulders and do the same slow turns to the left and the right. The third exercise is done with your arms folded at waist level and the same left and right turns.
Pilates
The Osteopathic Clinic of Physical Medicine, a clinic in Britain run by an osteopath, Paul Morrissey, who is also a Pilates instructor, incorporates Pilates exercises as a part of patient care. Because Pilates is designed to stretch, strengthen and balance the body to work efficiently with little effort or tension, it fits right in to the integrated, whole-body approach practiced by osteopaths. The Pilates stretches include exercises for the lower back, neck, abdominals and legs. Leg exercises, for example, include stretches for the calves, hamstrings and quad muscles
Other Recommended Exercises
Osteopaths believe poor posture is a cause of many ailments and pains. So some osteopaths recommend classes in the Alexander technique, practiced by many actors, musicians and dancers to relax their bodies while performing. Other exercises that are conducive to good posture include yoga, tai chi and the Feldenkrais method, movements that lead to relaxation of the muscles.
