Osteopathic Interfaces : Why physical therapies should be more strongly integrated with conventional mental health strategies
Dr Bronwyn Baillie | ( Registered Osteopath ) B . Clin . Sci ., M . Ost
Abstract
This article aims to shed light on the necessary integration of wholistic approaches to disease and in particular , mental health . Osteopathy and musculoskeletal therapies should be a major pathway to supporting and facilitating health during the growing mental health crisis . There are many methods in which the osteopathic approach seeks to restore , realign , and rebalance the body , which can positively influence the patient ’ s mental health . Our society in general is suffering the detrimental effects of a lack of body awareness and education , malnutrition , chemical toxicity , polypharmacy , sedentary lifestyles , and unprecedented amounts of daily stress , all contributing to a surge in the chronic disease burden on society . We know there are many causes of mental health issues but the way in which we approach disease in the 21st century and moving forward should more strongly involve the integration of physical therapies with conventional mental health therapies . The shifts in values and perceptions in society over the last decade reflect the need for more inclusive and holistic approaches . It can be overwhelming to think of the global mental health burden and what we can do to rapidly reduce this . The answer lies in the power of an informed individual in their local community . It is evident that our current medical system is struggling to support the increase of mental and physical health issues , especially since 2020 . I encourage practitioners to connect , create and act in their local communities , formulating education platforms and supportive systems that can co-exist as an alternative stream to conventional methods . We have unfortunately systematically stepped away from true community , from knowing and talking to our neighbours , from knowing where our food comes from , from knowing the true power of nature , and this , I believe , is where disease will always proliferate in society .
‘ An Osteopath is taught that Nature is to be trusted to the end .’ 1
Andrew Taylor Still ( MD , DO ), Founder of Osteopathy
According to Blyth et al . 2 ‘ musculoskeletal and mental disorders are the two main contributors to disability worldwide ’. In the dynamic landscape of modern healthcare , there is growing recognition of the profound connection between physical and mental wellbeing . For many therapeutic philosophies and ancient cultures , this is a contemporary recognition of the basic principles of wellbeing that have been fundamental to their approach to the treatment of disease and illness for centuries . This more recent acknowledgement in shifting health values in our current society has paved the way for more innovative and holistic approaches to addressing mental health concerns .
In 2019 , Rehm and Shield 3 stated , ‘ it is estimated that over one billion people are affected by mental and addictive disorders worldwide ’. The Australian Bureau of Statistics 4 reported that 1 in
5 Australians had experienced a mental or behavioural condition in the past year as of 2020 . Anxiety and depression were the most prevalent . A study by Attoe et al . 5 highlighted ‘ the incontestable need to integrate physical therapy and mental health services ’ which Wilke et al . 6 described as becoming more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a global reduction in mental and physical wellbeing . This alarming data underscores the pressing need
200 | vol29 | no4 | JATMS