Boost Your Recovery: Pairing Exercise with Osteopathic Manual Therapy
Are you looking for a more effective way to tackle pain, stiffness, or injury? While exercise and manual therapy—like osteopathic treatment—are great on their own, combining them can take your recovery to the next level. At Medela Osteopathy & Co, we’ve found that blending exercise prescription with hands-on osteopathic care delivers better outcomes than relying on just one approach. Let’s dive into why this duo works so well and explore some research that backs it up.
The Power of a Combined Approach
Osteopathy is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional results because it already embraces a combined approach within its framework. Unlike some disciplines where a single technique dominates—such as spinal manipulation often being the cornerstone of chiropractic care—osteopathic treatment integrates a broad spectrum of techniques tailored to your needs. At Medela Osteopathy & Co, we may use spinal manipulation to restore joint mobility, but we don’t stop there. We blend it with soft tissue release to ease muscle tension and joint mobilisation to enhance movement. This holistic integration sets osteopathy apart, addressing multiple facets of dysfunction in one session.
When we pair this comprehensive osteopathic approach with exercise prescription, the benefits amplify. Customised exercises build strength, improve flexibility, and reinforce the corrections made during manual therapy. For example, while spinal manipulation might free a restricted joint, targeted exercises ensure that the surrounding muscles support that newfound mobility, preventing recurrence. Osteopathy prepares your body for movement; exercise cements those gains for long-term wellness. Together, they form a dynamic synergy that tackles pain and dysfunction more effectively than either could alone.
Evidence from the Experts
Research confirms that combining these therapies can outperform using either one alone. A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy investigated this approach for patients with chronic low back pain. In this randomised trial, 60 participants were split into two groups:
One group received only exercise therapy.
The other group received both osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and exercise therapy.
After eight weeks, the combined therapy group reported significantly less pain and better physical function than the exercise-only group. The researchers noted that the addition of OMT “enhanced the effectiveness of exercise therapy, leading to greater improvements in pain and disability.”
This study shows that integrating osteopathic care with exercise doesn’t just speed up recovery—it delivers results that last.
Putting It Into Action
Here’s how we bring this combination to life at Medela Osteopathy & Co:
Hands-On Relief: We begin with an assessment to pinpoint your pain or movement issues. Osteopathic manual therapy then steps in to reduce discomfort and free up tight spots, setting the stage for activity.
Personalised Exercise Plan: Next, we craft an exercise routine tailored to your goals—whether it’s strengthening your back, improving posture, or boosting mobility. These exercises build on the relief from manual therapy.
Progress Together: We keep tweaking the plan as you improve, ensuring both the hands-on treatment and exercises evolve with your needs.
This one-two punch addresses your symptoms today while equipping you for a healthier tomorrow.
Ready for Better Results?
If you’re tired of temporary fixes and want a smarter way to feel your best, combining osteopathic manual therapy with exercise could be your answer. Backed by science and tailored to you, this approach offers real relief and lasting change.
Why not give it a try? Book a session at Medela Osteopathy & Co today and see how this powerful pairing can transform your recovery journey!
Reference:
Licciardone, J. C., et al. (2013). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 43(8), 555-563.
