Conditions appropriate for Treatment
or appropriate for referral to an Osteopath
central and peripheral musculoskeletal problems, both acute or chronic
when other treatment modalities have not been successful
degenerative conditions
Patient type:
Elderly
Sporting injuries
Pregnancy - related back problems
Conditions which are inappropriate for osteopathic intervention:
Bone
instability / deformity
Nervous system
severe hypertension / ischaemia / VA insufficiency
Soft tissues
ligament instability
Other
lack of diagnosis, psychological influence, drugs
Manipulation - Definition
A manual technique using a thrust at the end range of joint movement. Objectives:
to diminish pain
to decrease stiffness
to reduce muscle spasm
Advantages:
quick response
usually fewer treatments required
Disadvantages:
diagnosis must be accurate
high level of skill and experience required
risk of aggravating some spinal conditions
X-rays:
usually inconclusive
Contraindications
examples:
acute inflammatory arthropathies
recent fracture or dislocation
ligament instability
infection
lack of diagnosis
PH of cancer
cauda equina syndrome
Cautions
examples:
ongoing slippage of spondylolythesis
hypermobility
anticoagulants
Complications
Vertebrobasilar ischaemia
Cauda equina syndrome
Myelopathy
Vertebral fracture