The Difference between Physiotherapy & Osteopathy

People usually get confused between physiotherapy and osteopathy so they must know that they might sound similar but the treatments are focused on slightly different areas. One most common thing about both these procedures is that they are mainly concerned towards the physical condition of the body. Whether it’s a joint problem or a muscle tissue ligament issue, the osteopathic surgeon or the physiotherapist will examine the body of the person and come up with possible exercises, massages and treatments allowing the person’s body to function properly. You don’t always have to be very old to suffer from any joint or muscle related problems. Sometimes an earlier injury or an accident can cause problems in the future when you become a full grown adult.

What is Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist is a trained doctor who helps heal a patient suffering from physical stress or pain. Sometimes a few simple exercise regimes and massage treatments do the trick and sometimes patients have to go through an extensive routine of multiple treatments. Physiotherapists work in a variety of specialisms in health and social care. Additionally, some physiotherapists are involved in education, research and service management. A physiotherapists usually treats patients with issues related to different systems of the body such as respiratory, neuromusculoskeletal, cardiovascular and neurological. Some of the problems that fall under these areas are obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart disease, multiple sclerosis and arthritis. In order to eradicate the problem a physiotherapist normally uses procedures such as massage, stretching and hands-on manipulation to treat pain or dysfunction.

What is Osteopathy

An osteopathic physician does not concentrate only on the problem area, but uses manual techniques to balance all the body systems, and to provide overall good health and wellbeing. Osteopathic treatment usually requires stretching, resistance and gentle pressure. These manual techniques help improve circulation and balance all the body systems in the best possible way. Osteo Barwon Heads can provide relief to people suffering from headache, back pain, postural problems, arthritis and neuralgia. Before moving on with any treatment, the osteopathic therapist will examine a person’s body. In order to make an accurate analysis, the osteopathic surgeon will access the health of the joints, muscles, tissues and ligaments via a trained technique of touch known as palpation.

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What are the major differences

Osteos usually use palpation techniques whereas physios use manipulation techniques concerned with joints, ligaments and muscle tissues. An osteopath Ocean Grove usually use typical gentle manual techniques whereas physiotherapists are seen using treatments such as heat lamps, ultrasound and short-wave diathermy. Even though the patients that usually visit these trained physicians have been through similar types of trauma and health issues but the nature of treatments used by both these types of doctors are slightly different. Physiotherapy also has a particular focus on remedial exercises and may encourage their patients to go through supervised exercising regimes whereas an osteo may prefer to do a daily massage or a pressure point session on the patients.