Osteopathy: Minor Manipulations With A Major Impact

Osteopathy has become an integral part of holistic approaches and treatment methods. Markus Tanzmeister, a physiotherapist and osteopath at MAYRLIFE Altaussee, explains in an interview why osteopathic treatments can be helpful for all kinds of ailments and how it is that minor manipulations can actually have a major positive impact.

Osteopathy - What is it and how does it work?

The term “Osteopathy” comes from the Ancient Greek, literally translating to "bone suffering" (from "ostéon" for bone and "páthos" for suffering). Its precursor, the complementary medical treatment method known as Bone-Setting, dates back to the early 17th century and involved treating joint misalignments based on clinical findings. This gradually evolved into osteopathy, which American Andrew Taylor Still proclaimed as a new science in 1874. In the 19th century, the treatment method then spread to the German-speaking world.

Osteopathy involves both diagnosis and treatment with the hands. It addresses all structures of the human body – muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, joints, organs, and the craniosacral system (the rhythmic flow of cerebral and spinal cord fluids).

Though osteopathy continues to evolve today, "the major breakthrough has been made," says Markus Tanzmeister, a physiotherapist and osteopath at MAYRLIFE Altaussee. The significant realisation was not only that the body's structures (muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, fascia) and organs mutually influence each other, but also understanding which ones impact each other specifically and how they are interconnected. In the interview, Markus Tanzmeister discusses what is important in an osteopathic session, how he came to practice osteopathy, and why everyone can benefit from it.

What happens during an osteopathy session?

Essentially, an osteopath provides the body with the ability to help itself. Initially, imaging documents are helpful but not necessarily required. I form my own picture of the patient and their body posture. Together with appropriate palpation (examination by feeling and touching internal organs just below the body surface), this then dictates the treatment programme. A proper visual and mobility diagnosis must be in place in order to thereby eliminate the individual's primary issue, which in turn affects the entire body.

What are the most common complaints patients come to an osteopath with?

Digestive problems, as well as issues with the lumbar spine or neck, are most common. To rectify digestive problems, it often doesn't take much. For instance, it's not rare for a section of the large intestine to be mispositioned. An osteopath can usually correct this relatively quickly with a few manipulations. This relieves the cramping and the symptoms disappear. 

Resolving musculoskeletal issues, however, takes a bit more time. But these too can usually be resolved in just a few sessions. At least two days are recommended between treatments to allow the body to process the information effectively.

How long does an osteopathic treatment session last?

At MAYRLIFE Altaussee, it lasts 50 minutes. And this time is usually necessary, since the body first has to be prepped for the actual treatment. Various techniques allow us to soften the tissue and subsequently reach organs located deep below the surface of the skin.

Does osteopathy also make sense for prevention?

Absolutely! Ideally, everyone should visit an osteopath once a year for preventative care, even if they don't have acute complaints. In this way, misalignments can be corrected before noticeable impairments arise. I advise people who are very active in sports, especially those who play stop-and-go sports like football or tennis, to have preventative osteopathic treatment twice a year. They are more prone to incorrect movements due to their increased physical activity.