One of the many benefits of osteopathic treatment is its effect on blood circulation. The circulatory system is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues, as well as removing waste products and toxins. When blood flow is compromised, it can lead to a range of health problems, including pain, inflammation, and tissue damage.
How does osteopathy affect the circulatory system?
Osteopathic treatment can help improve blood circulation in several ways. One of the main ways is through the release of tension and restriction in the body’s soft tissues. When muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues are tight or inflamed, they can compress blood vessels, limiting the flow of blood and oxygen to the surrounding tissues. Osteopathic techniques such as myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization can help to loosen and lengthen these tissues, allowing for improved blood flow and circulation.
Another way that osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) can improve blood circulation is through the manipulation of the body’s bony structures. When bones are misaligned or restricted in their movement, they can impinge on nearby blood vessels, causing reduced blood flow to the surrounding tissues. Osteopathic soft tissue techniques can help to relieve tissue tension, which will assist in realigning these structures passively and restore normal blood flow to the affected areas.
Osteopathy affects blood flow directly and indirectly
In addition to its direct effects on blood circulation, osteopathy can also have an indirect effect on the circulatory system by focusing on improving overall body function. When the body is moving and functioning optimally, blood flow is more efficient and effective, allowing for improved oxygen saturation and delivery of nutrients to the body’s tissues. OMT can help to improve body function by addressing issues such as musculoskeletal imbalances, digestive disorders, and respiratory problems, which can all impact blood circulation.
Is there research that supports osteopathic treatment?
Several studies have investigated the effects of osteopathic treatment on blood circulation, with promising results. Several studies published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that osteopathy was effective in improving blood flow in patients with peripheral arterial disease, a condition in which blood flow to the limbs is compromised. Other studies published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that osteopathic treatment was effective in improving blood flow to the brain in healthy individuals.
While the exact mechanisms by which osteopathy improves blood circulation are not fully understood, it is likely that multiple factors are involved. Such treatment may help to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing, which can improve circulation to the affected areas. Additionally, treatment may help to stimulate the body’s nervous system, leading to improved systemic circulation.
In conclusion, osteopathic treatment is a valuable tool for improving blood circulation and promoting overall health and wellness. By releasing tension and restriction in the body’s soft tissues/hard tissues and improving overall body function, osteopathy can help to improve blood flow and circulation, leading to improved tissue health and a reduction in pain and inflammation.
Osteopathy in Milton, Ontario
Zen Wellness Clinic has been a very well-established massage therapy clinic in Milton, Ontario for the last 12 years, and now offers osteopathy for the Milton community. If you are interested in exploring the benefits of such treatment for yourself, be sure to book your free 15min consultation with our Osteopathic manual practitioner Patrick Suwala and see if osteopathic treatment is right for you!
Meet our Osteopathic Practitioners
Patrick Suwala
Patrick Suwala graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo in 2015 and then committed to an additional four years of osteopathic education at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton and graduated with a Master in Practice of Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences designation (M. OMSc.) from the school at the end of 2020.
Throughout his undergrad at the University of Waterloo, Patrick found his passion in learning the anatomy and physiology of the human body, and for four years he was a volunteer teaching assistant in the human cadaver labs on campus, teaching first year students and many external visitors, including graduate-level manual therapy students about the musculoskeletal structures of the human body.
Patrick quickly grew an appreciation for the art and science of the field of manual therapy through extracurriculars like swimming and playing waterpolo competitively, and decided that this was the right avenue for him to pursue.
Patrick also helps supervise student clinic and teach at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy in Hamilton.
Patrick belongs to the Ontario Osteopathic Association (OOA/OSTCAN) and is therefore recognized across all insurance providers in Ontario because of the association’s high standards.
Jenna Labranche
Jenna has a love for sports, fitness, and being outdoors. She has been involved in sports since a young age including being a Competitive Dancer and Rep Softball player. After ongoing injuries and pain with no relief she was then introduced to Osteopathy which changed everything. Her experiences led her into expanding her knowledge of the human body to become an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner.
Serving the town of Milton since 2022, Jenna looks forward to bringing her skills to our team at Zen. Providing a holistic approach using the principles of Osteopathy, manipulation is applied gently to facilitate the body’s ability to self-heal and self-regulate. Through an individualized treatment and the understanding that the body is a dynamic unit of function, Jenna works with the interrelated systems of the body to bring health to the structures for optimal function. Investigating on the ‘why’ there is dysfunction and discover the root cause of the problem.
Combining her love and passion of the human body, being active, and helping others makes being an osteopathic manual practitioner both enjoyable and rewarding. Through extensive knowledge, empathy and understanding, her goal is to get you back to your daily activities and doing what you love!