SUMMARY
ADVANTAGES OF AQUATIC OSTEOPATHY
The treatment session takes place in a water at body temperature (37ºC). The patient lies on floats supporting the neck and ankles. The session
can take place in a pool of a minimum depth of 1,3 meters and of a minimum surface area of 9 square meters, in order to be able to mobilize the patient’s
body in all directions.
Visceral technique: Liver functional |
The osteopath searches for rigidity, absence of mobility or motility (microscopic mobility). The therapist palpates different zones of the body guided by his/her extensive knowledge of anatomy. He/she then detects the body structures into which the vital mobility is not expressed anymore. By means of manipulation the osteopath releases the affected tissues, thus restarting the mobility of these areas. This local mobility then induces a regional as well as global mobility within the body. |
An osteopathic treatment can therefore contribute to restore a state of health in a person suffering, for example of otitis media. In this case, the osteopath will palpate the bones of the cranium, the cervical vertebrae, soft tissues of the throat area and so on … In summary, he/she will palpate regionally in order to identify structures which are less mobile as well as the possible sources for those lack of mobility. When the right structures are identifies, the D.O. then proceeds with manipulations of these structures, that aim at regaining mobility, releasing the pressure, tension, strains on tissues and vessels. The treated area will therefore have a better vascularization, the nutrients will reach their destination and toxins will be evacuated. The whole area will then regain it’s auto-regulation capacities and the body will overcome the infection.
It goes without saying that their are no strict rules pertaining to the duration of treatment session in aquatic osteopathy. Many factors such
as age and health condition of the patient as well as the goal of the treatment are to be considered. In hydrotherapy, Borrel (1980) has demonstrated that twenty (20) minutes of immersion are sufficient to increase the temperature of the skin, muscles and joint capsules. Abranson (1962) concluded that a twenty (20) minutes application of humid heat was sufficient to increase blood flow and that a longer exposition did not effect that flow. Since the goal of Aquatic Osteopathy is not only to increase the blood flow but also to regain mobility we suggest that a session can last approximately forty-five (45) minutes.
ADVANTAGES OF AQUATIC OSTEOPATHY.
A warm-water pool is a cozy and welcoming environment. The patient relaxes more easily. The pressures of water facilitate the circulation of body
fluids (blood, lymph, cerebrospinal fluid). The patient is therefore more predisposed for receiving the treatment. What more, warm water has analgesic
properties thus decreasing the pain of certain sensitive areas of the body. Water also has the advantage of helping the patients to feel the boundaries (contours) of their body, providing them with better self-awareness during and after treatment. Water is also known to bring-back bodily memories, to be a strong catalyst for emotional reaction and to have anti-depressive properties.
| Warm water helps release soft tissues (myofascial). In other words, water contributes to relaxing, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (a thin
film-like fibrous membrane wrapping all muscles and organs of the body).
In warm water, the therapist literally sees the fascia unfold, it is spectacular. The osteopath witnesses the capacities of the fascia. The body, being in a quasi-weightless sate, is free to move in all directions since it is not limited by the usual horizontal plane of the treatment bed. As soon as the patient is on floats, the D.O. can then observe, from the posture taken by the body, where the primary dysfunctions (blockages) are, those that have to be treated in priority. The diagnostic phase is then simplified. |
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 Osteo-articular technique: C2 in left rotation |
In addition to that, the palpation of certain organs is simplified in water. For example, in a normal setting kidneys are rather hard to palpate, whereas in water they gently come’ floating’ in our hands.
It is also simpler for the osteopath to carry out a more global treatment. In osteopathy we apply techniques aimed at regaining mobility of areas
of the body. During an aquatic session, because of the water pressure, the force induced at a specific area is automatically dispersed into the
surrounding tissues. Thus, a local manipulation technique has a regionaeffect
Warm water has analgesic properties (Juchmes, 1980 & Juves,1998).
Warm water is a powerful myofascial relaxant (Juchmes, 1980).
Warm water immersion decreases general metabolism by 10% (Juchmes, 1980).
Immersion causes an inhibition of the muscular tonus (Juchmes, 1980).
Warm water immersion causes the inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system (Juchmes, 1980).
Buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure increase body fluids circulation (Mitchlowitz, 1990).
The absence-like of gravity and of fulcrum, allow the patient’s body to express itself more easily in 3 dimensions of space, thus favoring the expression of the fascia (this facilitates the access to primary lesions for the osteopath).
The balancing of membranes is facilitated in water.
The pressures of water and the absence of fulcrum allow the body to spontaneously find the appropriate tension needed for the release of its tissues.
The tissue release obtained from a correction appears more rapidly, is more perceptible and is of greater amplitude due to the absence of fulcrum.
Water facilitates visceral and cranial palpation which also constitute a good learning environment for students.
An aquatic osteopathy treatment makes it easier to treat the patient in the 3 dimensions of space, thus making the treatment more global.
In water, it is much easier to SEE the effect that the fascia has on the body.
The vast majority of patient feel a sense of complete freedom during the treatment.
Since patients are more in contact with their inner state during an aquatic treatment, they are also more receptive to the treatment.
The hydrostatic pressure facilitates compression techniques and the first step of pumping techniques.
The absence of fulcrum and fading of the musculo-squelletal shell, facilitate the isolation of an organ during visceral techniques (Daraillans, 1989).
Warm water promotes the manifestation of unconscious emotions (Gauthier, 1989).
Warm water is a secure environment, which facilitates inner contact and major revelations (Gauthier, 1989).
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