Osteopathy to improve performance and prevent injuries in athletes
2023/03/27
Osteopathy is a manual therapy that emphasizes the body’s ability to self-regulate and heal itself. It focuses on the connection between different parts of the body, using manual techniques to help restore balance and mobility. For athletes of all levels, whether amateur or professional, osteopathy can be beneficial for improving performance, preventing injuries, and facilitating recovery after exertion.
Improving performance
When the body is healthy and functioning harmoniously, it is easier for an athlete to perform at their best. By reducing muscular, ligamentous, and joint dysfunctions, osteopathy improves mobility, flexibility, and strength. Additionally, a holistic osteopathic approach helps identify and correct postural imbalances that affect performance. A 2017 study¹ conducted on athletes from various sports (soccer, judo, basketball, running) reported positive results, including increased running speed, strike speed, range of motion, and strength following osteopathic treatment.
Among the areas in which osteopaths can enhance sports performance on the field or track are:
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Reducing muscle tension: Osteopathy uses manual techniques to reduce muscle tension and improve blood circulation. Athletes feel more relaxed, and their range of motion improves.
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Preventing injuries: By identifying areas of tension and weakness in the body, and working to correct them before they become injuries.
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Accelerating recovery: If an athlete suffers an injury, the osteopath, in collaboration with healthcare professionals, can help speed up recovery by reducing discomfort and inflammation, using manual techniques that promote blood and lymphatic circulation.
Preventing injuries
Athletes are particularly vulnerable to injuries due to the repetitive and intensive nature of their activities. Osteopathy helps prevent injuries by improving the mobility and flexibility of joints and soft tissues. Osteopaths can also identify areas of weakness and tension in the body and work to correct them before they become full-fledged injuries.
Here are some examples of how osteopathy can prevent injuries in athletes:
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Preventive evaluation: The osteopath assesses areas of tension, weakness, and imbalance in the athlete’s body before they become serious problems or injuries.
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Correcting postural imbalances: The osteopath addresses postural imbalances caused by muscular, joint, or ligament dysfunctions, thus reducing the risk of injury.
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Improving joint mobility: Osteopathy restores joint mobility following intensive training and preparation.
Other healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, kinesiologists, or occupational therapists, can focus on strengthening muscles and providing advice on ergonomics and training. Close collaboration between osteopaths and these healthcare professionals ensures optimal care for athletes, combining complementary approaches.
Recovering faster
Here are some examples of osteopathic techniques used to help athletes recover after exertion:
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Muscle relaxation techniques: Used in osteopathy, these techniques help reduce muscle tension and discomfort.
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Lymphatic drainage techniques: These help remove toxins from the body and improve lymphatic circulation, reducing inflammation and speeding up recovery.
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Joint mobilizations: These improve joint mobility and reduce muscular and joint dysfunctions.
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Cranial techniques: These techniques focus on gentle, non-invasive mobilizations of the skull and surrounding structures to promote relaxation.
Reducing physical and mental stress
Athletes often experience significant physical and mental stress, which can affect their performance and overall health. Osteopathy helps reduce stress by releasing tension in the body, promoting relaxation, and improving breathing. This is made possible through cranial techniques previously mentioned.
A 2020 study² on collegiate athletes in the U.S. showed that athletes who received osteopathic treatment expressed satisfaction with the care provided to reduce discomfort and stress related to their injuries, as well as to facilitate recovery and return to activity. These results confirm other studies highlighting the benefits of osteopathic care for athletes.
If you are an athlete, consider consulting an osteopath to evaluate how this manual therapy can help you reach your goals.
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