Digestive

Addressing digestive discomfort : an holistic approach in Osteopathy

Digestive discomfort such as constipation, bloating, acid reflux, stomach pain, excessive burping ( if not related to GERD, peptic ulcer or gallbladder condition) and painful periods is most often multifactorial, as seen in conditions like IBS and PCOS. It can occur due to imbalances in the microbiota, stressful events, lifestyle factors, dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, and tension in visceral ligaments.

In osteopathy, we can work on the visceral connective tissue, release the diaphragm, which is the engine of bowel movement, balance your nervous system, and provide tips to manage stress, along with diet and lifestyle recommendations.

Freeze frame on functional constipation!
It affects just under a third of Canadians according to an epidemiological study.

Constipation is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Infrequent bowel movements, straining, hard or lumpy stools, feeling of incomplete evacuation, abdominal discomfort.

We can work on dietary factors, lifestyle factors and of course working on the body as previously mentioned.

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Pelvic floor

Everyone Deserves a Strong Foundation (No Ifs, Ands, or Butts!)

Pelvic floor osteopathy can offer valuable contributions to patient care plans, particularly when used alongside physiotherapy and counseling therapy. It provides insights that enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment, helping to address various conditions more comprehensively.

1. Enhanced Somatic Awareness: Osteopathy offers a unique touch that not only addresses physical ailments but also reveals unconscious patterns and tensions within the body. By working somatically, osteopathic treatments can uncover unconscious parts of the patient's experience, paving the way for deeper exploration in counseling sessions. This integrated approach allows patients to become more aware of the interconnections between their physical challenges and their brain's interpretations.

2. Holistic Pelvic Floor Care: In our practice, we take a holistic approach to pelvic floor health, integrating specific anatomical components of the pelvis with an understanding of the body's overall muscular chain. By addressing pelvic floor conditions within this broader context, we aim to release or tone muscles as needed, optimizing pelvic function and alleviating symptoms. Additionally, our neurodynamic techniques target key nerves such as the lumbar plexus, pudendal, obturator, femoral, and sciatic nerves. This approach not only supports pelvic recovery but also helps avoid unnecessary surgeries or enhances post-surgical rehabilitation.

3.  Comprehensive Scar Tissue Management: Osteopathy offers different approach to scar tissue management, working with fascial interconnections throughout the body. By addressing scar tissue differently than physiotherapy, we can facilitate tissue remodeling and improve mobility, thereby supporting the body's natural healing processes. This comprehensive approach allows patients to unfocus from specific pelvic floor issues, reducing stress and facilitating a more holistic healing journey.

4.  Breathing and Diaphragm Optimization: Additionally, I specialize in working with breathing patterns and the diaphragm to promote harmonious pressure in the pelvis. By optimizing breathing mechanics, we can encourage better pelvic function and reduce tension in surrounding musculature and bones. I may work on specific anatomical components to demonstrate to patients how their bodies can achieve this sustainable harmony. By releasing tension and optimizing breathing patterns, patients can reproduce these beneficial effects through regular breathing exercises, promoting long-term pelvic health and overall well-being.

 

 

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Pelvic floor Osteopathy session at our clinic

How does that work?

Typically, I conduct an initial assessment over 3-4 sessions to determine if osteopathy is the right fit for the patient. During this time, we closely monitor any improvements in their condition. If the patient experiences positive changes, we continue working together to achieve further progress. However, if there is no noticeable improvement, I wouldn't recommend continuing osteopathic treatment unless it serves another purpose or benefit for the patient. It's important to emphasize that osteopathy is highly complementary and can be done alternatively to pelvic floor physiotherapy, especially when patients have reached a plateau in their progress or need to expedite their rehabilitation.

Unfortunately, osteopathy has issues being an evidence-based practice in its techniques themselves. However, the efficiency for improving the range of comfort and/or the quality of tissues evaluated by physio and the patient is relevant. By focusing on outcomes and patient-reported improvements, we can bridge this gap and ensure the efficacy of osteopathic interventions in enhancing patient well-being.

Symptoms

For both genders

Pelvic floor conditions that women and men commonly experience and seek treatment for include:

Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction: Weakness, tightness, or poor coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, leading to various symptoms such as incontinence, pain, and sexual dysfunction. Physiotherapists specialized in pelvic floor therapy use techniques such as biofeedback, manual therapy, pelvic floor muscle training, and education on lifestyle modifications to manage and treat these conditions effectively. As an osteopathic practitioner I will work on the muscles externally.

Women:

Urinary Incontinence: Loss of bladder control, leading to leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Descent of pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) into the vaginal canal, causing pressure and discomfort. Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic region, which can be due to various underlying conditions.

Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Discomfort or pain during or after sexual intercourse.

Postpartum Recovery: Issues related to childbirth, including muscle weakness, diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles), and perineal pain.

Fecal Incontinence: Inability to control bowel movements, leading to unintentional passing of stool.

Constipation: Difficulty in passing stools, often due to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

Vulvodynia: Chronic pain or discomfort around the opening of the vagina without an identifiable cause.

Endometriosis-Related Pain: Pain management for conditions like endometriosis that affect the pelvic region.

Infertility: Optimization of pelvic alignment and improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, potentially enhancing fertility for both women and men.  

Men:

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS): Persistent pain in the pelvic region, often without a clear cause, sometimes associated with prostatitis.

Urinary Incontinence: Loss of bladder control, which can occur post-prostate surgery or due to other issues.

Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection, sometimes related to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

Fecal Incontinence: Inability to control bowel movements.

Post-Prostatectomy Rehabilitation: Issues following prostate surgery, including incontinence and pelvic pain. Constipation: Difficulty in passing stools, often due to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

Pudendal Neuralgia: Pain in the pelvic region due to irritation or damage to the pudendal nerve mostly on cyclists.

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