Osteopathic Articulation
The word articulation originates from the latin meaning ‘jointed’ or ‘divided into joints’.
Articulation is the cornerstone of most manual therapies, including osteopathy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, sports therapy and massage therapy. Articulation uses a low amplitude (short distance) and low to moderate velocity (speed) of movement within the patients pain free range of motion while in dysfunction. This aids the bodies natural lubricating system (synovial fluid) to embalm the joint which increased range of motion, decreased pain or both (ideally). Articulation techniques have been shown to help relieve pain and increase range of motion in joints. The early, accurate application of these techniques can aid the damaged tissues and structures of the joints by:
- Encouraging faster tissue repair and recovery
- Promoting healthy cellular homeostasis
- Reducing musculoskeletal pain and discomfort
- Increasing joint movement by stretching fibrous tissue and affecting the stretch reflex excitability
- Increasing the vascular circulation in and out of the joint
- Improving structural stability and integrity of the intervertebral disc
- Preventing degenerative changes to the articular surfaces
- Inhibiting the build-up of fluid and distension forces upon the tissues and joint
- Aiding the removal of metabolic waste products
- Influencing the sympathetic nervous system activity, thus affecting blood flow, blood pressure, heart rate or respiratory rate
