Brandenberger Michael (Schaffhausen)

In osteopathic diagnostics as well as in clinical application, the following applies: The person reacts as a unit.

First, the osteopath records the entire medical history in detail in order to specifically look for previous traumas, past and current illnesses and then to be able to relate these to the current complaints.

Then posture and mobility are carefully examined. The osteopath finds out why this posture is adopted and why there are movement restrictions. Even small disturbances have a big impact on the body's ability to function. For example, think of acute torticollis or lumbago. The chiropractor or physical therapist usually begins his therapy locally, but the osteopath generally examines the entire body for loss of motion or increased or abnormal tension.

In osteopathy, the examination and treatment include: The musculoskeletal system Good mobility of joints, muscles, tendons and connective tissues.

The internal organs Good function and free mobility of the internal organs and diaphragm.

The craniosacral system Free mobility of the meninges with their connections to the skull and sacrum. The mobile structure of the skull and sacrum, connected by the inelastic dural tube, forms a functional unit. Disturbances in this area can have far-reaching consequences for the entire organism.

After the osteopathic diagnosis, the osteopath informs the patient about the identified blockages and connections. The patient should be as relaxed as possible during the treatment. Now the unique, targeted therapeutic grips are applied. The goal is to gently normalize the joint blockages and increased tension around muscles and connective tissue (fascia).

For the osteopath, fascia (connective tissue) is the link in therapy. It interconnects and transfers tension from one organ system to another. Fascia is therefore an important tool for osteopaths to trace a symptom back to its underlying cause.

Conversely, a tight fascia affects the area it encloses. The proper function of the affected area or its supply through the vascular system may be disrupted. When the osteopath releases this tension, the enclosed area can again function properly.

Sometimes the patient then needs to use specific exercises to rebuild the weakened muscles and release (detonate) shortened muscles from tension.