Physiotherapy and Osteopathy

Physiotherapy and Osteopathy

How can osteopathy help in cases of catarrh, sinusitis and cold and flu symptoms?

Osteopathic therapy is an important tool for remedying the signs and symptoms which appear when suffering from problems of respiratory canals or the symptoms of cold and flu that affect our immune system.

The respiratory apparatus is highly important for maintaining health, given that it regulates the oxygen that gives energy and life to the body’s cells. Related to the nose, paranasal sinuses and throat, this is the first line of defense against microbes and bacterias.

A problem in any part of this system can lead to an inability to adapt to daily life and create conditions from which even more significant problems can arise.

Inflammation, congestion and the obstruction of the nasal passage and paranasal sinuses are common ailments that cause discomfort that everybody has experienced. Osteopathy can alleviate congestion, soothing and helping to clear up associated discomforts.

Some of them are:

• Build-up of mucus in the throat , nose and paranasal sinuses (possibly leading to more chronic conditions: sinusitis etc)
• Difficulty breathing (due to mucus and inflammation of the mucous membrane)
• Headaches, and sometimes, body pain in general: neck, legs, back etc.
• Sneezing
• Irritation of the eyes: itchiness, tearing up, stinging, etc
• Fatigue (feeling ‘floored’)
• Difficulty sleeping (largely due to restricted breathing when lying down). Depending on the cause and the capacity of each individual to overcome this problem, it can lead to further problems; some of these are:
• Hearing impairment
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Fever
• Allergies
• Infections (sometimes taking antibiotics can lower the body’s defences)
• Digestive problems
• Sleeping problems

Anything that can help to maintain and increase one’s capacity to adapt to these types of problems, in a way that ensures swift, gentle and effective recuperation, is beneficial for the human body.

When one lacks this capacity, the same bodily processes designed to cure the problem can become slow, uncomfortable and debilitating for the person.

If the body is not capable, the therapist should first focus their attention on recuperating this capacity.

With this end in mind, osteopathy incorporates manual techniques that improve blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as nerve functioning in the affected zones.

The end result of these techniques is to restore mobility and return the tensile strength to the body’s fibres to its original condition.

Daniel Martínez