Leslie R. Gass, D.O. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Common problems that are treated with Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is effective for all people, from infants to the elderly.
Osteopathic Medicine is beneficial for a variety of problems, including but not limited to:
Pediatric Problems Somatic (body) Pain
Colic Neck pain
Spitting up Back pain
Sucking/latching difficulty Sciatica
Delayed development Headaches/migranes
Behavioral problems (ADD, ADHD, autism) Joint pain syndrome
Otitis media (ear infections) Traumatic injury
Birth trauma Overuse syndrome
Cerebral palsy
Learning disorders
Torticollis
Plagiocephaly (misshaped head)
Systemic Problems Pregnancy Related Problems
Neurologic syndromes Back pain
Digestive disorders Groin pain
Genitourinary problems Digestive upset (heartburn)
Chronic infectious disease Edema (swelling)
Head trauma
Post concussive syndrome
Seizures
Dizziness/vertigo
Respiratory Illness Ear, Nose, Throat Problems
Asthma Chronic ear infections
Allergies Recurrent sore throat
Bronchitis Frequent colds
Pleurisy Sinusitis
Dental
Orthodontic problems
TMJ syndrome
Malocclusion
Pregnancy
Osteopathy is a safe form of treatment during pregnancy. The techniques are generally gentle.
Osteopathy is extremely useful in helping the body adjust to the changing demands on posture and the body caused by pregnancy. It can often prevent problems from developing or reduce their impact once present. Osteopathic manipulation is often used to release restrictions and improve lymphatic flow, often helping to alleviate very painful conditions such as symphysis pubis dysfunction, heartburn, acute low back pain or edema.
It is also recommended to seek treatment within six weeks after birth to help tissues to return to normal positioning.
Birth Trauma
During pregnancy and birth, many infants are exposed to a lot of pressure and forces along their bodies and heads as they lie in various positions in the uterus and then move through the birth canal. This may result in various mechanical strains and stresses. The molding and torsions that the baby goes through in birth are normal, but can leave them with irritation in the head, neck, and surrounding tissues and nerves. This could then contribute to a variety of problems including colic, fussiness, reflux, difficulty feeding/latching on, torticollis (rotation of the neck) and poor sleep.
Older toddlers may have problems with tension in their head, neck and throat which may affect the way that their ears and tonsils drain, resulting in ear, nose and throat infections.
Osteopathy utilizes very gentle treatment methods that make it particularly suitable for children, from new-born infants to teenagers.
More information, articles and research concerning osteopathic treatment of children may be found at www.osteopathiccenter.org. This is the
Breathing problems
People suffering from breathing disorders (asthma, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, rib fractures, emphysema and other chronic respiratory illnesses) often have many tensions and restrictions in their ribcage. Osteopathic techniques work on all aspects of the breathing mechanism including the ribs, spine, diaphragm, other muscles of breathing, nerve control of the chest and blood and fluid supply to the bronchii and lungs. It may help to improve the elasticity of the ribcage, easing muscle tension to reduce respiratory fatigue. Breathing exercises and postural advice may be given to help maintain better respiratory function along with treatment. It is not always possible to resolve the underlying condition which may be related to the illness or allergies. However, osteopathic treatment may provide a better quality of life and reduce the reliance on medication.
The osteopath works with the inherent forces of the body to improve the mechanics of breathing by freeing restrictions of the chest and ribs, relaxing respiratory muscles, improving lymphatic drainage from the lungs and airways and enhancing the blood supply to the chest region.
66 Leighton Road Suite 1
Falmouth, Maine 04105
Phone: (207) 773-7330, Fax: (207) 773-7340