Interview with Osteopath Katy Mcconkey
What is Osteopathy and who does it target?
Osteopathy is a comprehensive approach to health. It is a system of manual medicine aimed at improving health and well being. Minor adjustments are carried out on the body’s structure (the bones) and this has an effect on the body’s physiology and other systems (for example digestive or lymphatic) or rebalancing systems. It targets all groups of people in the same way as traditional medicine; new born, toddlers, children, teenagers, adults and the elderly.
Is Osteopathy regarded as an Alternative Medicine?
Traditional medicine (also called Allopathic or Western) is so called as it is evidence based. It treats pathology with drugs surgery.
Osteopathy falls in a group called CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) as it does not prescribe drugs, it treats dysfunction and ill health with the hands, doing manual treatments on the body. There are scientific studies being carried out on Osteopathic treatments in many parts of the world.
There is a new term in current use called Integrative medicine. This is the use of alternative medicine and traditional medicine in the same treatment. This is the future of medicine (An example is the use of Osteopathy in the Paediatrics unit in the new Mataro hospital).
What are the main principles of Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is based on the study of anatomy and physiology and their relationship, interaction and interdependence. It looks at the body as a whole.
It looks for the cause of the problem and attends this cause, eliminating the obstacles that are not allowing the body to make itself healthy (congestion, contracture etc) . The cause may be external; diet, poor work/social relationships, posture.
The main principles of Osteopathy are outlined below:
• The artery is supreme; unimpeded flow of all body fluids denotes good health. Congestion or stagnation of any of these fluids leads to toxicity and thence illness/dysfunction. Improved circulation of blood, lymph, or CRF (brain/spinal fluid) will provide nutrients and eliminate toxin build up.
• Structure governs function; structure is taken to denote the skeletal structure (musculoskeletal) and function (physiology). There is an interdependent and bidirectional relationship of these two. An alteration in the body’s structure leads to functional defects and vice versa.
• The body is an integrated unit; restriction of movement in a joint/articulation, contracture or congestion will be reflected in other parts of the body, and not necessarily at the site of the dysfunction or pain. All body parts are interconnected and interrelated.
• The body is a self healing unit; the body has intrinsic mechanisms for self regulation and healing. It has all the necessary chemicals, substances to promote and maintain health. Chronic conditions are believed to occur when the healing capacity is compromised.
Extra principles:
• Recommendations for life style changes may include changing pillows, buying ergonomic chairs, taking more exercise, dietary change or increased water intake; all form part of an osteopathic treatment.
• Good posture indicates good functional health.
What are the main techniques of Osteopathic treatment?
The main techniques involve gentle stretching and moving of different articulations. Soft and Deep tissue massage. Lymphatic drainage. Inhibition of specific points (pressing the hands on a muscle). Sacro craneal: listening to the body’s inherent rhythm. Visceral; soft kneading or stretching of organs; stomach, intestines. HVT(Thrust) ; short thrust to move a misaligned vertebrae or joint. Fascial; listening and moving with the body’s fascial structure (a thin membrane that covers all the body’s structures; organs, muscles etc) and hence creates an internet of connectivity, a general osteopathic treatment is like a rhythmic massage and moves all articulations in the body, it is excellent for drainage and realigning body posture. Diaphragm /thorax pump for asthma. There are many more techniques. Each patient, for age or body type, is treated with the most suitable technique at that time for that specific person.
What type of disorders can best be treated by Osteopathic treatment?
It is not only back and neck aches, or sports injuries, but includes asthma, constipation, diahorrea, heartburn, sciatica, lumbago, headaches, menstrual problems, posture, knee problems, tendonitis, bruxism, neck pain, attention difficulties, poor concentration ,lack of energy, insomnia. The list is endless. It treats most dysfunctions. It doesn’t,for example ,treat infection or disease (though is able to treat some of the presenting symptoms)
Is there are a regulatory body for Osteopathy in Spain?
Yes there is, it is called the Registro de Osteopatas en España (ROE). Only certain recognized schools are allowed to join. Being a member confers the guarantee of your standard of schooling and insurance. I am a member and my school is affiliated with the European School of Osteoapthy, UK, which is where I took my exams and received my certificate.
Can Osteopathic complement advice from Doctors in some cases?
Absolutely! If you have bad back ache because you are straining your lumbar spine because you are not standing correctly, an osteopathic treatment will be directed at correcting your posture and putting your body in a state where this will be maintained. If you have chronic asthma, this will have caused mechanical strains on your thorax, osteopathy can relieve these tensions. If you have a chronic slow digestive system or heartburn…osteopathy may be a valuable and longer lasting option than heartburn/antacid/ fibre pills.Constant headaches and constant painkillers; we look at the cause of the headache and take this away.
Can an Osteopath also advise on lifestyle and environmental issues that may contribute to a disorder?
Yes, definitely. The patient gives an indepth medical history on the first visit, and should it be deemed that the origin of the problem is organic they will be referred to a specialist. Or if the emotional /psychological side is the origin is the cause they will be referred to the adequate specialist. If diet is the cause, they will be referred to a dietician. Specific exercises and life style changes are often suggested in consultation. Poor posture and tendonitis of the elbow/wrist will be improved in Osteopathy, but will reoccur if your sitting posture/chair does not change.
What are the benefits of visiting an Osteopath during pregnancy?
Being pregnant alters the body posture (your centre of gravity has moved forward), along with a lot of hormonal changes. These postural changes can strain different muscles and you may find yourself with low back ache, or in the feet/legs. You may find you have swollen ankles; this will benefit form a drainage treatment. Sore pelvic muscles or sacrum can be treated and released giving relief and relaxation from pain.
What about Osteopathy & post-natal care?
It can be addressed to the baby (see below) or to the Mum. Osteopathy can help rebalance the systems that are stimulating and controlling the great hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy, improve posture, relieve tensions and contractures from carrying small but heavy children around, or relieve pain created from unaccustomed positions during breast feeding. It can work on the pelvic floor to help incontinence /haemorrhoid problems, release contractures in the sacrum area/gluteal muscles, all of which will reduce tensions and eliminate any pain suffered in sexual relations. Drainage of heavy or bloated legs.
Cranial Osteopathy is often recommended for babies, why is this?
When the baby passes through the birth canal, there may be tensions created in the cranial membranes, under the bones in the skull. These are very pliable in new borns and sutures as yet fully formed. Babies respond very well to these treatments which are very light touch treatments and 100% non painful.
What problems can Cranial Osteopathy help with in older children?
Problems with mood changes, some treatments can be very calming and may help the child/teenager relax, and consequently sleep better. Taller or overweight children may be struggling with good posture and the subsequent effects; treatment will help improve this. Tendency to panic attacks, diahorrea, and constipation: the digestive system can be regulated and also gives along term net effect of a stronger immune system. Ear infections and congestion. Problems of concentration may be due to tensions, strains, contractures, poor eyesight, diet, all this can be assessed in the treatment.
How long do you suggest people continue to visit an Osteopath when treating a disorder?
It depends entirely on the presenting lesion of the person, how long they have had it for, and how well they respond to treatment, also their general state of health and well being. In an acute case the first visit would be followed up after 7/10 days, then aprox 2 weeks, then 3 weeks ,and then once every 3-6 months if the person wants to have a “maintenance” session. Average treatment about 3-5 sessions. If there is no improvement, they will generally be referred to the appropriate specialist.
If people are interested in finding out more about Osteopathy, how can they contact you?
If anyone would like more information/appointments they can contact me at:
mcconkey.katy@gmail or M: 609143690
If you would like to make an appointment, you can contact:
Aralia Centre Medic: 934 539 583/ 933 234 216 / 661807126
c/Rossello 171-173 3º , 2ª. 08036 Barcelona
Or
Podología Lepant : C/Lepant 290, entrl 08025 Barcelona T: 93 450 2057
Or
Centro Osteopatía : Avda de la Constitución 352, bajos Castedefells Playa 08860 M:609143690
June 2011
