Osteopathy and physio the perfect match for great spinal health

A healthy spine literally is the backbone of overall wellbeing.

It provides structural support for movement and covers the spinal cord, which is crucial to the functioning of the nervous system.

The spinal cord acts as a pathway for nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Maintaining spinal health ensures its protection from injury and compression, which can lead to neurological problems if left unchecked.

Both osteopathy and physiotherapy are excellent for ensuring terrific spinal health.

Physiotherapy typically focuses on restoring movement and function through targeted rehabilitation, including exercise prescription, movement training, and education. It is often structured, goal-oriented and driven by functional outcomes like improving strength, mobility or return to activity. Hands-on techniques include myofascial release, taping, shockwave therapy, dry needling and acupuncture, joint mobilisation and manipulation techniques.

Osteopathy is slightly different in that it typically focuses on a combination of hands-on techniques like soft tissue release, joint mobilisation, and manipulation as well as exercises to alleviate symptoms and improve function.

“In many cases, these approaches work well together,” says Ultra Sports Clinic senior osteopath Anita Saethorsdottir.

“A patient may benefit from hands-on osteopathic treatment to reduce pain and stiffness, followed by physiotherapy-based rehab to build strength and prevent recurrence.”

Manual techniques in osteopathy, including joint articulation, soft tissue work and spinal manipulation, can help improve mobility, reduce muscular tension and promote circulation, often providing quick relief of symptoms.

Exercise therapy within the physiotherapy context helps build resilience in the spine over time. Strengthening muscles, improving flexibility and correcting movement patterns are key to long-term spinal stability and reducing the likelihood of recurrence. 

“Used together, manual therapy can help prepare the body to move better, and exercise therapy ensures those improvements are sustained,” Anita says.

She points out that poor posture or inefficient movement patterns can contribute to spinal discomfort over time.

“Movement retraining – whether it’s the correcting lifting techniques, adjusting sitting habits or improving gait – is essential to reducing mechanical stress on the spine.”

Anita recommends several ways long-term spinal health can be improved.

Optimising a desk setup when working at a computer, taking into account screen height, chair support and keyboard position, is an important step.

Similarly, sleep-related adjustments of pillows, pillow placements and sleeping positions can work wonders for an unhealthy spine.

Regular movement breaks when a person can stand up for a while, roll their shoulders, perform a cat/cow or neck stretch, are highly advisable.

Staying active through walking, cycling or exercising at home is also beneficial. You don’t have to go to a gym to achieve the result you’re looking for.

You should also carry loads evenly; for example, don’t only use one shoulder when carrying heavy bags.

#Physiotherapy #Osteopathy #SpinalHealth #PostureMatters #StrengthAndConditioning #UltraSportsClinic