Book now

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a manual form of treatment based on the idea that anatomy and physiology are connected. An osteopath is guided by the thought that the body can better repair itself when the structures of the musculoskeletal system are freer to move.

In Finland an osteopath is a healthcare professional licensed by Valvira, and the training lasts four years. The European osteopathy standard (EN 16686) guides safe practice.

I practise biodynamic osteopathy, which is a calmer and gentler form of osteopathy. Read more on the biodynamic osteopathy page.

If you are looking for an osteopath in Lauttasaari, you can read about me, the clinic, or book an appointment.

Osteopathy in brief

Osteopathy is a form of treatment specialised in the musculoskeletal system. The aim is not only to ease symptoms, but also to find the structural causes behind them, including restrictions left by stress, illness or injury that keep health from expressing itself fully.

Treatment uses manual techniques designed to be both effective and gentle. The techniques vary according to the client’s needs, and treatment is typically directed at the whole body, not only the symptomatic area.

Osteopathic treatment suits people who are looking for help with physical symptoms, stress and fatigue, or who want to maintain wellbeing and prevent complaints from arising.

Principles of osteopathy

The body is a whole. Dysfunction in one part affects the whole body, so treatment is directed more broadly than only at the symptomatic area.

Structure and function affect each other. When structure is in balance and free to move, physiology works with fewer obstacles.

The body has the capacity to heal itself. Osteopathic treatment aims to support the body’s self-healing mechanisms by removing obstacles, such as muscle tightness and restricted joint motion.

A short history of osteopathy

Osteopathy was developed by the American physician Andrew Taylor Still in the late 1800s. He emphasised the connection between the body’s structure and function, and the body’s capacity to heal when mechanical restrictions are corrected. Still founded the first school of osteopathy in Missouri in 1892. Since then, osteopathy has become established in many countries as a manual form of treatment with its own unique philosophy.

What treatment techniques does an osteopath use?

Techniques are tailored to age, state of health and the reason for treatment. Typical techniques may include, for example:

  • Soft-tissue treatment — muscles, ligaments and tendons, with stretches and pressure to ease tension and support circulation
  • Manipulation — precisely controlled mobilisation of joints, sometimes with a click, aiming to restore normal mobility
  • Myofascial release — work on connective tissue (fascia) to support mobility and fluid circulation
  • Visceral techniques — carefully promoting mobility of the internal organs and the tissues around them
  • Cranial osteopathy — subtle work in the area of the head and the sacrum

I treat mainly with subtle techniques.

How does osteopathy differ from physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic and naprapathy?

These forms of treatment can complement one another, though their emphases differ.

Physiotherapy often focuses on particular symptoms or on rehabilitation. A physiotherapist emphasises active exercise and, when needed, uses equipment-based treatments. Osteopathy relies mainly on manual techniques and on the structural balance of the whole body.

Massage typically focuses on relaxation, easing stress and local muscle pain. Osteopathy, by contrast, aims to understand root causes and uses a wider range of techniques (including joint mobilisation, and cranial and visceral techniques).

Chiropractic emphasises the connection between the spine and the nervous system, and quick, precise manipulations.

Naprapathy typically focuses on the connection between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system, and on manual treatment of the spine, joints and soft tissues. Treatment is often aimed specifically at the symptomatic area and its mechanics. Osteopathy looks at the body as a whole, and not only at the symptomatic area.

Who is osteopathy for?

Osteopathy is used widely for acute and chronic complaints in different life situations: working-age adults (for example neck and back complaints), athletes (strain and recovery), pregnant people (for example pelvic pain) and older people (maintaining mobility). It can also support people living with stress and functional complaints.

Children and babies are treated gently, and on the child’s terms. They are warmly welcome at my clinic too.

Is osteopathy safe?

Yes, when the treatment is given by a trained and registered osteopath. In Finland the training lasts four years (anatomy, physiology, manual techniques), and Valvira registers the practitioners. Treatment is typically gentle. Strong “clicks” are not done automatically, only when they are needed and safe. I myself hardly use them at all. Tell me about your health at the appointment (for example surgery or chronic illness) so that treatment can be tailored to be safe.

Frequently asked questions about osteopathy

What does an osteopath do?

An osteopath first maps the health history and the symptoms, assesses posture, symmetry and mobility when needed, and draws up an individual treatment plan. The treatment itself is manual: work on the soft tissues and joints, and other work when needed. An osteopath does not make a medical diagnosis in the same way a doctor does, but makes a clinical assessment based on the history and the examination.

Is osteopathy a belief-based treatment or “quackery”?

In Finland an osteopath is a healthcare professional licensed by Valvira, and the training lasts four years. Osteopathy is based on knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and on manual techniques. It does not replace a doctor’s examinations or treatment. Rather, it responds to situations where a doctor’s care is not yet needed, or where a doctor’s care has not helped.

What can osteopathy help with?

Typical reasons for seeking treatment include:

  • pain (chronic or acute), stiffness, nerve entrapments
  • back and neck pain, sciatica symptoms, joint stiffness (for example hip, shoulder, ankle)
  • headache and migraine
  • stress, insomnia, fatigue
  • digestive complaints (for example reflux or slow bowel function)
  • breathing problems (support for ribcage mobility)

Osteopathy is also used preventively to support wellbeing.

What happens at the visit? What should I wear?

You can wear comfortable, flexible clothes that do not restrict movement (for example loose trousers or leggings and a comfortable shirt).

At the start of the visit I map your history, your state of health and your symptoms, and when needed also previous injuries, illnesses and medications. When needed I examine posture and symmetry, and joint mobility, though not always. After that you can get onto the treatment table. I may ask you to turn over or to breathe deeply. Otherwise you can simply be and relax.

Does the treatment hurt?

I treat mainly with subtle techniques, so the treatment does not cause pain.

What can I expect after treatment?

After treatment the body may feel different, as it looks for a new balance. In some cases the symptoms may intensify for a while. This is a typical treatment reaction, which usually settles within a day or two.

The response to treatment is individual. Acute complaints often resolve in a few visits a week apart, and long-standing complaints may need longer, less frequent work (for example every 2–4 weeks).

How can a light touch help?

Osteopathic treatment is not forcing. It is an interaction with the nervous system. A light touch makes it possible to sense subtle changes and to adjust the treatment in real time. It is not a sign of ineffectiveness. It is an intentional way of working with the body’s regulatory systems.

The clinic in Lauttasaari

My clinic is at Organic Spirit, at Lauttasaarentie 17.