Osteopathy and Digestive Health
Jun 4, 2024
Welcome to my very first guest blog post! I'm excited to feature an insightful piece by Marianne Carpenter, a dedicated and experienced osteopath. As a nutritionist, I believe in a holistic approach to health, and Marianne's expertise perfectly complements this philosophy. By referring to each other, we ensure you receive well-rounded care to help you overcome your symptoms.
Marianne delves into the fascinating relationship between osteopathy and digestion in this blog. She provides valuable tips and strategies that complement nutritional advice. www.bathosteopath.co.uk
Osteopathy and Digestive Health
Optimal nutrition and good digestive health go hand-in-hand, and both are crucial for us to thrive well into healthy old age. In this article, Marianne Carpenter from Bath Spa Osteopathy will explain how osteopaths can help treat some of the most common digestive problems.
What Is Osteopathy? Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Unlike other forms of medicine, osteopathy emphasises the body's natural ability to heal itself. Through hands-on manual therapy techniques such as manipulation, stretching, and massage, osteopaths work to restore balance and function to the body. This non-invasive treatment method is an established and popular treatment for back pain, sciatica, and joint problems, but fewer people are aware of how effective osteopathy can be for the relief of some very common digestive issues.
Treating Digestive Problems With Visceral Osteopathy
Visceral osteopathy is a safe and effective treatment for digestive problems including irritable
bowel syndrome, bloating and gas, acid reflux (heartburn) and chronic constipation. There is a
growing body of research to support the use of osteopathy as a more natural alternative to taking
long-term medications to treat these common digestive complaints.
Osteopaths use gentle hands-on techniques to find and release areas of restriction throughout the
body. When working with a patient to improve their digestive health, this will include assessing
and treating the following areas:
1) Restoring a balanced nerve supply to the digestive system, by removing any compression or
restrictions occurring along the course of the digestive nerves. These include the vagus nerve
and the spinal sympathetic outflow.
2) Addressing any lack of mobility or adhesions affecting the various parts of the digestive system (organs including the stomach, liver, pancreas, small and large intestines). Restrictions
can be treated and released using special visceral osteopathic techniques.
3) Postural and musculoskeletal corrective work to ensure your whole body is symmetrical,
strong, and flexible enough to be able to adopt positions which are optimal for gut health and
digestive motility. This will include advice about your seated posture and activity levels.
Osteopathy for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting up to one-third of the UK population. Symptoms include bloating, pain or discomfort which is often temporarily improved by passing stools. The National Library of Medicine concludes that "visceral osteopathy effectively reduces the symptoms of IBS and improves patients’ quality of life”
Osteopathy for Acid Reflux and Heartburn Reflux occurs when stomach acid escapes from the stomach and travels back up the oesophaus (food pipe) causing symptoms including heartburn, indigestion, chest pain, a sour taste in the mouth and even a persistent dry cough. It’s often worse after a spicy or heavy meal and when lying down. Stomach acid is normally stopped from moving upwards by an elastic ‘sphincter’ made by the muscular diaphragm just above the stomach. Osteopathic treatment for reflux focuses on restoring the muscular balance across this diaphragm, and on the function of the phrenic nerve supplying it.
About the Author
Marianne Carpenter is an award-winning osteopath at Bath Spa Osteopathy who frequently works with patients to relieve their digestive complaints. She completed post-graduate research at Keele
Medical School before lecturing in anatomy at Swansea Medical School for several years. You can book in for your osteopathic assessment and treatment here: www.bathosteopath.co.uk
Testimonials
“Marianne has helped me with my energy levels, my posture and my digestive system… I experience less pain, bloating and fatigue so I am able to do so much more than I used to” - Peg B.
(https://g.co/kgs/bZhB3tV)
“Marianne has done a great job with my neck and back and has also treated both my children as
babies and recently (now age 3 and 4) for digestive issues too. Highly recommended” - Jaime A
(https://g.co/kgs/FWPP539)
Links
National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10446503/