reactions in the physical body , and this is often discussed among manual therapy practitioners as part of understanding the depth of body compensations occurring to continually strive for homeostasis . Lever 11 ( p 31 ) explained that ‘ if I may respectfully echo A . T Still here , the fascia - or more broadly the connective tissue matrix - is the arena for this informationsharing , both throughout the body as a whole and between the extracellular matrix and the cell interior ’.
Through an osteopathic lens , posture is not merely a matter of aesthetics . Rather , the role of posture in mood and emotional regulation is significant in the treatment and long-term management of any disease . The way in which stress in an individual physically manifests , according to Lever , 11 ( p 64 ) ‘ is not absolute , constant , or unchanging but alters as [ it is ] physiologically and psychologically processed by the individual . Traumatic experience also contains a cognitive ingredient . For example , an injury that is accidental elicits a different response from the same injury that is maliciously intended , even though the physical effects are the same ’. Prolonged periods of poor posture , often associated with sedentary lifestyles , excessive screen time , chronic stress , poor nutritional intake and poor breathing mechanics can result in musculoskeletal imbalances and discomfort . These physical issues can , in turn , impact mood and emotional regulation .
Following the medical history and discussion osteopaths conduct diagnostic testing . This is primarily using palpation which informs the choice of therapeutic techniques to influence patients ’ peripheral tissues and treat the total lesion . Osteopathic interventions , such as soft and deep tissue manipulation , joint manipulation , muscle energy techniques and myofascial release , aim to address postural imbalances and promote structural harmony . These techniques can alleviate musculoskeletal tension , potentially alleviating the physical contributors to mental health challenges . Osteopathic philosophy also includes the use of hands-off approaches ; according to Fryer , 17 osteopathic approaches ‘ involve patient management procedures such as patient education , psychological support , lifestyle advice , and self-management solutions to influence patients ’ cognition and psychological state ’.
Robert Lever 11 ( p 71 ) explained that ‘ when we really ‘ listen ’ to the total lesion , something remarkable happens . As the potency of a treatment resonates with the potency held in the patient , in their ‘ lesion ’ and their constitution . In Homeopathic medicine , the remedy so precisely resonates with the vibratory pattern of the patient ’ s constitution ( and the disorder that enfolds ) that , in its triturated state , it energetically ‘ binds ’ to the condition as if to chelate it , rendering it redundant ’. This introduces the principle of ‘ The Healing Crisis ’ and the associated temporary exacerbation of symptoms and emotions during the re-activation of the healing processes . The philosophy of Hering ’ s Law of Cure also describes what chiropractic termed ‘ retracing ’. D ’ Souza 18 described how retracing occurs when past injuries and emotions come to the surface . The patient can feel like they are getting worse not better as part of the healing process .
PROLONGED PERIODS OF POOR POSTURE , OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH SEDENTARY LIFESTYLES , EXCESSIVE SCREEN TIME , CHRONIC STRESS , POOR NUTRITIONAL INTAKE AND POOR BREATHING MECHANICS CAN RESULT IN MUSCULOSKELETAL IMBALANCES AND DISCOMFORT .
An example of the role that posture plays in mental and emotional health regulation can be expressed through the pregnancy journey . Pregnancy brings dramatic musculoskeletal changes that alter normal biomechanics , accompanied by ligamentous strain , increased muscle tension and decreased range of joint motion which can cause pain . The most common pregnancy-related health conditions ( 39.5 %) that women reported were musculoskeletal complaints , including back pain . 15 According to Field et al ., 16 ‘ pregnant women found that feelings of depression , anger , anxiety and raised cortisol levels were associated with back pain and leg pain during pregnancy ’.
202 | vol29 | no4 | JATMS