Feeling restless yet overwhelmed, experiencing stiffness or chronic pain, and having difficulty sleeping can affect day-to-day life for some people with ADHD or autism. Osteopathic manual treatment may be an option for addressing physical discomfort and supporting overall well-being.
Osteopathic manual therapists have a variety of hands-on approaches they can adapt to a person’s comfort and sensory preferences. Understanding the core principles of osteopathy and how treatment is applied can help you decide whether it feels right for you.
The core principles of osteopathy emphasize that the body is interconnected and has an ability to heal and regulate itself. Changes or difficulties in one area can influence how other areas of the body move and function.
Osteopathy is commonly associated with musculoskeletal concerns. During treatment, an osteopathic manual therapist may also consider areas of tension and movement throughout the body, including the fascia—the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles and other structures.
The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It plays an important role in communication throughout the body.
Nerves extend from the central nervous system—the brain and spinal cord—to structures throughout the body, including the skin, muscles, organs, and blood vessels. The nervous system receives sensory information from within the body and from the world around us. It processes that information and helps coordinate responses.
Sensory overload can happen when the amount or intensity of sensory information feels overwhelming. Each person’s experience is different, and what feels comfortable or manageable for one person may not feel the same for another.
One approach used in osteopathy is the indirect method, which involves working toward an area’s easier or preferred movement rather than pushing against a restriction. Your osteopathic manual therapist can discuss the techniques they use and adjust treatment based on your comfort and preferences.
You’re welcome to ask questions, request changes to positioning or pressure, or ask for a pause during your appointment. Learn more about our approach to osteopathic care.
Some research suggests osteopathic treatment may help reduce certain types of pain, including chronic low back and neck pain. You can read more in this overview of systematic reviews on osteopathic techniques. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
If you’re curious about osteopathic manual treatment, you can talk with a practitioner about your physical concerns, sensory preferences, and what would help you feel comfortable during an appointment. Book your osteopathy session at Embodied Resilience Wellness Clinic.
