This is part of our 'Pain Treatment in China' series.
"The Chinese generally don't know what osteopathy is, but the philosophy and techniques used are actually quite similar to traditional Chinese medicine," says Dr Elodie Nordey, osteopath at the clinic by International Rehabilitation Specialists. After graduating from a six-year-long program at Ecole d'Osteopathie de Paris, Nordey's been practicing osteopathy — a form of alternative medicine that emphasizes massage and other physical manipulation toward soft tissues (including ligaments, tendons, muscles) and joints to relieve musculoskeletal conditions — in Shanghai since 2016.
Nordey continues, "Westerners, on the other hand, would only know about us if they, or a friend of theirs, have been treated by an osteopath. Many people, however, don't really know the differences between a chiropractor, a physical therapist, and an osteopath."
"Many people... don't really know the differences between a chiropractor, a physical therapist, and an osteopath."
Founded in 1874 by American physician Andrew Taylor Still, osteopathy is guided by the notion that since the human body is one dynamic unit with multiple interrelated functions and structures (i.e. your brain would not function without your heart, and vice versa), it should be treated as one whole unit instead of just focusing on isolated parts as with allopathic medicine.
Another major principle behind osteopathic medicine is that the body possesses self-regulatory mechanisms, giving it the ability to heal itself. "Osteopathic medicine is a tool-free approach. We only use our hands to diagnose and treat and do not rely on machines or medicine," Nordey explains. "Osteopaths make joint and body adjustments. If we have to identify one thing that osteopaths focus on, it'd be body joints — just like how chiropractors mainly focus on the spine and nerves."
Back pain (including neck, thoracic and lower back) and joint pain (most commonly shoulder and knee) are conditions that osteopaths treat most frequently, often when patients are experiencing acute conditions in which painkillers are not effective. Osteopaths also treat conditions like belly pains, headaches, vertigo and problems with digestion and breathing when severe medical evidence has been discarded. Nordey stresses, however, that severe conditions such as fracture, inflammatory or systemic diseases (diabetes, cancer) are things that osteopathic medicine isn't able to treat. "The consultation process (medical questionnaire and physical exam) helps us exclude these conditions, so we can refer patients to other healthcare professionals as needed."
Dr Elodie Nordey, Osteopath, the clinic
In Shanghai, due to most people's sedentary lifestyle with long hours sitting at their desks, back and neck pain are problems that Nordey treats on a daily basis through manual manipulation. Much like seeing other types of doctors, the consultation process for visiting an osteopath starts off with a medical questionnaire and physical examination, followed by treatment and patient education — the last of which is particular important for patients suffering from chronic pain due to postural imbalance. Says Nordey: "Besides treating pain symptoms, we try to help patients understand the root cause of the pain as well. In most cases [involving back and neck pain], we'd also recommend some lifestyle changes."
Find out more about the clinic at www.theclinic.international
See more stories in our 'Pain Treatment in China' series.
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