The pelvis, commonly referred to as "The Base" amongst Osteopathic Manual Practitioners, is a foundational structure in the human body, playing a critical role in both support and movement. Osteopathy, with its holistic approach, places significant emphasis on the health and alignment of the pelvis due to its wide-reaching effects on overall well-being.
Anatomy and Function of the Pelvis
The pelvis is a bony ring formed by the sacrum, coccyx and a pair of hip bones known as the innominates. It serves several essential functions:
Support: The pelvis supports the weight of the upper body when sitting and standing. Balancing the forces of gravity acting down onto the body while supporting the forces of earth acting up into the body.
Movement: It transfers weight from the upper body to the lower limbs, facilitating walking and other movements.
Protection: It houses and protects pelvic organs, including parts of the digestive and reproductive systems.
Referred to as "The Base," the pelvis is considered the foundation of our body. Our legs are connected to the pelvis, which distributes and balances the body onto the ground while also transferring forces acting up the legs into the pelvis. The rest of the body is tethered to the pelvis through tissue attachments, and the spine rests on top of the pelvis, connecting directly to the sacrum. Any alterations in the position and range of motion of the pelvis, whether as a whole or in its individual parts, affect everything above and below it. This also means that any alterations above or below the pelvis require adjustments of the pelvis to compensate. Over time, these compensations and adjustments in position can lead to breakdown, disease, dysfunction, and pain. Highlighting here at the area of expressed pain is not necessarily the area of concern.
Common Pelvic Issues
Several issues can arise in the pelvic region, often leading to discomfort and impaired function:
Pelvic Misalignment: Misalignment can result from poor posture, injuries, or repetitive strain. It can lead to uneven weight distribution, causing pain and dysfunction in other body parts.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Weakness or tension in the pelvic floor muscles can cause problems such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the sacrum to the innominate (hip) bones. Dysfunction here can cause lower back and leg pains.
Visceral Dysfunction: Structural changes in the pelvis can transmit strain or compression to the organs, affecting their function. Nerve supply to these organs can also be disrupted, leading to issues such as bladder incontinence, reproductive pains, and constipation/diarrhea.
Osteopathic Approach to Pelvic Health
Osteopathy focuses on restoring balance and function to the body's structures. For pelvic health, this involves:
Assessment: Osteopathic practitioners conduct a thorough assessment with the founding principle that the body is a dynamic unit of function. They assess all areas of the body to determine what is driving the compensatory pattern for the individual.
Manual Principal-Based Approach: Osteopathic practitioners work to bring back symmetry, motion, normal circulation, and sensory stimulus to the patient to allow for the self-healing and self-regulating properties to take place.
Postural Advice: Guidance on posture and ergonomics can prevent further strain and promote long-term pelvic health.
Day-to-Day Living Adjustments: Adjustments in daily patterns can reduce compensatory patterns that lead to dysfunction, aiding in the overall healing process.
Benefits of Osteopathy for the Pelvis
Pain Relief: By addressing the root causes of pelvic pain, osteopathy can provide lasting relief.
Improved Mobility: Restoring alignment and function in the pelvis can enhance overall mobility and flexibility.
Enhanced Well-being: Balanced pelvic function supports the health of the entire body, contributing to better overall well-being.
Conclusion
The pelvis, as the base of the body, is integral to support, movement, and protection. Osteopathy's holistic approach to pelvic health can address various dysfunctions, providing pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced overall well-being. If you experience pelvic discomfort or dysfunction in general, consider consulting with an osteopathic manual practitioner to explore personalized treatment options.
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