Asthma & Osteopathy

One in four primary school children and one in ten adults in Australia suffer from the respiratory disorder asthma and whilst sufferers look to medication to ease the effects of asthma, an osteopath can provide an extra helping hand to enable the body to breathe easier.

People with asthma have highly sensitive airways. Through various triggers, these airways can become constricted, inflamed and full of mucous, and the muscles surrounding the airways can tighten, making it hard to breathe.

Osteopathy does not aim to replace medication but to work with the body's natural systems to "free up" the body's breathing mechanisms.

The treatment works on all aspects of the breathing mechanisms, including the ribs, spine, diaphragm and other muscles of breathing, nerve supply to the chest and the blood supply to the bronchii and lungs.

The Australian Osteopathic Association National President, Michael Mulholland-Licht explains why a "tune up" of the joints, muscles and other soft tissues by an osteopath using gentle manual procedures, can balance the body, improve the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems, and bring relief to asthma sufferers.

"With asthma, osteopaths often work in cooperation with GP's or natural therapists who are overseeing medications and environmental factors. The role of the osteopath is to mobilise the ribs and joints of the thorax, free the constricted diaphragm and intercostal-muscles between the ribs," said Mulholland-Licht.

"By freeing the rigidity of the chest and assisting the blood, nerves and lymphatics in the area, the patient is able to breathe easier."

Apart from working on the breathing mechanisms of the body, an osteopath will also recommend preventative measures such as appropriate breathing exercises and diets for sufferers of all ages.

Approximately two million Australians suffer from Allergic and Non Allergic asthma, with Australia having one of the highest incidences of asthma in the world, second only to the U.K.

Allergic symptoms are usually the result of inhaling or consuming some kind of external substance, such as pollen and dust mites. Non Allergic is where the attacks are triggered by a range of different factors, including fatigue, stress or exposure to environments which are cold and damp.

Osteopathy provides an added treatment, and looks to minimise the patient's long-term dependency on medication.

"Osteopathy is particularly important for young asthma sufferers, who need to learn early the skills to manage their asthma throughout their life and to limit their drug dependency," said Mulholland-Licht.

"Asthma is very common in children. In fact, asthma problems are the most common cause of hospital admissions for children aged between five and 14. Parents should seek help from an osteopath because treatment can provide great relief for asthmatics."

AN OSTEOPATH'S TIPS TO BREATHING EASY

1. Take up regular aerobic exercise to help increase your lung capacity, e.g. swimming or walking. Start slow and build up!
2. Learn from an osteopath the best breathing exercises to do in the morning and before school, work or playing sport.
3. Learn what to do when an asthma attack hits. Stay calm, don't panic.
4. Take charge of your health.
5. Ask your GP to talk to your osteopath.

Reprinted with permission from the Australian Osteopathic Association( Released by IRPR on behalf of the Australian Osteopathic Association)

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