Osteopathy in Berlin Steglitz
The word "osteopathy" is derived from the Greek words "osteo" (bone) and "pathy" (disease). In this sense, bones serve as the guiding structure for diseases but are not always the cause. Other structures and organs are often involved or may even be the source of the symptoms.
Osteopathy is a healing system developed in the mid-19th century in the United States. The founding figure of osteopathy, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still (1828-1917), sought ways to successfully treat diseases without medication or surgery. He recognized that all human ailments are related to impairments in the muscles, joints, and ligaments. These impairments lead to a decreased functionality of the internal organs. There are three major systems within osteopathy.
Systems of Osteopathy
Parietal osteopathy
Parietal osteopathy focuses on the fascia (connective tissue membranes), muscles, bones, and joints. Traditionally, it forms the foundation of osteopathic treatment. Various treatment techniques are employed to identify and address pathological changes in the musculoskeletal system.
One such technique is the Muscle Energy Technique (MET): This gentle treatment method utilizes the patient’s muscle strength to rhythmically mobilize and restore blocked or misaligned joints to their physiological position. Unlike impulse techniques (e.g., joint manipulation), this approach also addresses the surrounding tissues, resulting in a sustainable and holistic effect.
The Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is an active treatment method in which the patient is involved. This fosters an understanding of one’s own body and encourages a more conscious relationship with oneself.
Applications:
Pain in the musculoskeletal system
Postural issues in the hips and spine
Pain in the knee and ankle joints
Treatment of accident-related injuries
Shoulder and arm syndromes
Post-operative recovery or treatment following fractures, etc.
Visceral Osteopathy
Visceral osteopathy specifically focuses on the treatment of internal organs (viscera). Developed by J.P. Barral and Dr. Weisschenk, it remains relatively unknown in Germany.
During treatment, the mobility of the organs relative to each other and to the surrounding muscle and connective tissues is assessed. Movements in visceral osteopathy are referred to as "mobility." Through direct and gentle treatment, organs can be mobilized, adhesions released, and congested tissues made permeable. This supports the function of the organs, enhances their self-healing ability, and helps dissolve pathological mechanisms.
Due to the embryonic development that each organ undergoes, a subtle, palpable movement (motility) continuously expresses the organ's vitality. The osteopath palpates this fine intrinsic movement to gain insight into the health of the respective organ. By gently promoting this movement (motility), the vitality of the organ can be stimulated, activating its self-healing power.
Applications:
General immune stimulation and chronic fatigue
Chronic digestive issues (not for ulcers or tumors)
Functional liver and gallbladder problems
Allergies
Scar tissue
Organ-related or chronic back pain
Menstrual issues
Kidney and bladder problems
Stomach complaints (not for ulcers or tumors)
Lymphatic congestion, etc.
Craniosacral Osteopathy
Craniosacral osteopathy was developed by Dr. William Sutherland (1873–1954). He studied the human skull for its inherent movement possibilities and developed a concept that makes the rhythmic flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) palpable. This rhythm transmits through the individual bones, from the skull (cranium) to the sacrum.
The craniosacral system includes:
The cranial bones
The brain and spinal cord membranes
The sacrum
The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
The brain and the organs responsible for producing and absorbing the CSF
All these structures have a close connection to the nervous system, endocrine system, muscular system, vascular system, and organ systems.
Diagnosis and therapy in craniosacral osteopathy are significantly oriented around the craniosacral rhythm. This rhythm, like heartbeat and respiration, is an independent bodily rhythm with a frequency of approximately 7-14 cycles per minute, presumably resulting from the ebb and flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Through palpation, the osteopath can perceive craniosacral movements in the skull and the rest of the body, allowing for the localization of restrictions in the system's mobility. Treatment involves very gentle but specific mobilizations (approximately 5 grams of pressure) to restore the movement capabilities of the restricted structures. Craniosacral therapy often positively influences conditions and symptoms related to the central nervous system (CNS), promoting overall vitality and balancing tension states.
Applications:
After-effects of accidents (whiplash)
Jaw joint issues
Migraines, tinnitus
Dizziness
Balancing autonomic imbalances
Developmental disorders in children
High blood pressure (hypertension), etc.
Osteopathic Treatment
Osteopathy aims to activate the inner healing powers that every person possesses, rather than merely focusing on diagnosing and treating symptoms. A central aspect of osteopathic treatment is the assessment of the range of motion of organs and joints.
For a cell to survive, it requires a certain degree of movement, allowing it to nourish itself from its surroundings and eliminate waste products. If mobility is restricted for an extended period, this cycle is disrupted, jeopardizing the state of the cell. Furthermore, mobility is a sign of adaptability; the cells and structures of the body must be able to adjust to various circumstances. This is particularly important, as many cells form tissues, which in turn create organs, muscles, ligaments, vessels, skin, and nerves. Dr. Still's law, "Life is movement - movement is life," applies to all living things.
By identifying and understanding the movement restrictions of specific structures, the osteopath can restore physiological mobility in areas distant from the actual pain. This indirectly promotes the patient's well-being. Osteopathy is a manual therapy; the therapist's hands are the primary tools. With them, they palpate pain, feel, stroke, apply gentle pressure, and release blockages.
The treatment is based on a solid knowledge of anatomy and physiology, experience, and common sense. The goal of osteopathic treatment is to restore the natural movement of the affected structures.
Problems in the musculoskeletal area are treated through the patient's strength and mobility, while complaints in the organ area are addressed through breathing and the inherent movement of the organs.
Training to Become an Osteopath
In the USA, a student of osteopathy must first obtain a Bachelor of Science degree before they can complete a subsequent four-year osteopathy program. Osteopaths then practice as physicians. Osteopathy is also recognized by the state in England and in former British colonies. In Germany, the training to become an osteopath lasts for five years. A prerequisite for starting this study is a completed training as a doctor, natural healing practitioner, or physiotherapist.
Private health insurances cover osteopathic treatments if they are performed by physicians or Natural Healing Practitioners (provided the contract includes coverage for services rendered by Natural Healing Practitioners). Most public health insurances have also opened up to this therapy method and cover a portion of the costs. Additionally, there are supplementary insurances for Natural Healing Practitioners that reimburse the billed services fully or partially, depending on the agreed annual budget.
For children and adolescents, for example, there are supplementary insurances that cost between €60 and €100 per year, which reimburse Natural Healing Practitioners services up to €1000 per year. For adults, the amount of the premium is usually based on the age of entry.
Information about such supplementary insurances can be obtained from independent insurance agents, online, etc.
Areas of Application
The human being is a unity of body, soul, and spirit. When one of these elements is impaired, it affects the others. For example, sleep disturbances, stress, or depression can lead to a weakened immune system, making the body susceptible to illnesses.
Osteopathy has proven successful in treating many ailments and conditions, including:
Back and neck pain, sciatica (lumbago)
Carpal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries, tennis elbow
Headaches, tinnitus, dizziness
Jaw joint problems, teeth grinding
Knee and foot pain
Sinusitis
Digestive issues, bladder weakness
Insomnia, concentration difficulties
Circulatory problems
Hay fever, asthma
Menstrual pain
Infant ailments (colicky babies)
Torticollis
Cost Coverage by Health Insurance Companies
Private health insurance companies cover osteopathic treatments when provided by doctors or Natural Healing Practitioners (as long as the contract includes coverage for Natural Healing Practitioners services). Most public health insurance providers have also opened up to this therapy method and cover the costs partially. Additionally, there are supplementary insurances for Natural Healing Practitioners that reimburse the billed services either fully or partially, depending on the agreed annual budget.
For children and adolescents, there are supplementary insurances available for €60 to €100 per year, which reimburse Natural Healing Practitioner services up to €1,000 annually. For adults, the premium amount is usually based on the entry age. Information about such supplementary insurances can be obtained from independent insurance agents, online, etc.