Many people are familiar with chiropractic or craniosacral therapy. Actually, both chiropractic and craniosacral therapy are derived from Osteopathy and are practiced by non-physicians. Osteopathy is a type of manual medicine performed in the US by licensed physicians who typically have a DO degree, although a small number of MDs have also been trained. It was developed by an American physician in the late 1800s.
The basic principles of Osteopathy are:
• The body is a unit.
• Structure and function are interrelated.
• The body has its own inherent ability to heal.
At Care Practice, we are happy to have Dr. Zaphiris offer Osteopathic care for all ages from newborns to seniors. Most patients initially come in with complaints of headaches, neck pain or back pain. By helping to balance the nervous system, Osteopathy can also help with insomnia, depression and anxiety. Osteopathic treatments are also especially helpful during pregnancy, after delivery and for newborns particularly after a difficult birth.
Along with manual treatments, she addresses postural habits, muscle firing patterns and other contributors like stress and an overworked nervous system. This holistic approach helps patients get back to living a fuller, healthier life.
What’s the difference between chiropractic and Osteopathy?
Manual medicine, as performed by a medical doctor, is inevitably distinct as Dr. Zaphiris brings the full complement of her medical skills, not just her Osteopathy training, to each patient encounter. While chiropractic is traditionally focused on quick high force adjustments to the spine, Osteopathic evaluation and treatment addresses not just the bones and the muscles, but the fascia, ligaments, fluids and nervous system of the whole body which results in deeper and longer lasting healing and recovery.
What’s a treatment like?
After reviewing your medical history and doing a focused medical exam as necessary, Dr. Zaphiris will do an Osteopathic structural exam and treatment. You remain clothed throughout, just removing shoes, belt and items from your pockets. Best to wear looser, comfortable clothes. Short term problems generally respond more quickly to just a few visits, chronic problems generally take longer to resolve. First visits are 60 minutes and follow up appointments are 30 minutes.
