Osteopathy and its use in Spain

It consists of a series of manual techniques used to relieve numerous ailments and aimed at restoring bodily functions, relieving pain, and promoting the health and well-being of the person. Some of these techniques can be joint manipulations, mobilization, muscle stretching, etc.

When is osteopathy resorted to?

The fundamental objective of this modality is to restore balance to the body. In this therapy all parts of the bodywork as a unit, that is, all body systems are related to each other and work together. Therefore, it follows that problems that may affect one system can end up having an impact on the malfunctioning of others.
Thanks to this holistic concept (understanding the body as a whole), osteopathy specialists can recommend its use in a wide variety of disorders and organic disturbances, such as:

• Osteo-articular and musculoskeletal: arthrosis, arthritis, Catalinas, lumbalgias, cervical or dorsal muscle contractures, tendonitis, sprains, muscle tears, temporomandibular joint problems, myalgias (shoulder pain), etc.
• Neuronal: neuralgia, dizziness and vertigo, migraines, or other types of headaches (headaches), among other examples.
• Digestive disorders: gastritis, constipation, irritable bowel, flatulence, Hiatal hernias…
• Genitourinary: menstrual disorders (dysmenorrhea, pain with menstruation, amenorrhea, absence of menstruation), menopausal disorders, recurrent cystitis (urinary bladder infection), urinary incontinence, etc.

Situation in Spain

It is a low intrusive treatment that allows relieving pain without the need for more invasive or bloody treatments. In addition, it improves the overall mobility of the body, balance, elasticity, coordination and stimulates the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
Osteopathy can be applied to treat a wide range of disorders and health problems; even its use is indicated for children.

However, who does not trust this therapy, claiming that it is not fully scientifically proven that the techniques used are really effective for pathologies. In Spain, osteopathy is not recognized as a legal professional activity, that is, it is not regulated. Instead, it is fully recognized and regulated for years in the USA, France, or the United Kingdom.