What is Ortho-Bionomy?

 

 

 


Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle, non-invasive system of healing which is helpful in addressing many pain and stress conditions.  Developed by Dr Arthur Lincoln Pauls, a British osteopath, Ortho-Bionomy supports the self-correcting capacity of the person through the use of gentle movement and positioning of the body as well as light compression into the joints. Ortho-Bionomy stimulates long-lasting changes by re-educating the clientís body so that it can effectively maintain balance and optimal functioning on its own. 

After receiving Ortho-Bionomy sessions clients report experiencing pain relief, increased range of motion, greater ease of motion, better structural realignment and postural balance, increased relaxation, more efficient functioning, faster recovery times from injuries, a greater sense of self empowerment, increased vitality and emotional balance, and an increased sense of wholeness and wellbeing.


Conditions Which Ortho-Bionomy Can Help


Because of the gentle nature of Ortho-Bionomy, this work is very helpful for many different types of problems and conditions.  Among those are:

Injuries including:

  • Joint and muscle pain and dysfunction
  • Whiplash trauma
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Knee pain
  • Ankle and foot sprains


Chronic Pain including:

  • Neck and back pain
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Migraines
  • TMJ (Jaw) dysfunction
  • Osteoarthritis


Structural Imbalances including:

  • Postural imbalances
  • Scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis
  • Post surgery rehabilitation-especially with joints
  • Leg length discrepancies
  • Bunions


Autoimmune Disorders including:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Thyroid imbalances


Stress-Related Symptoms including:

  • General achiness or fatigue
  • Disrupted sleep patterns
  • Physical conditions associated with emotional stresses (depression, trauma, shock, anxiety)

 

The Philosophy Behind Ortho-Bionomy

 

Based in part on osteopathic principles, the focus of the sessions are to facilitate the body's natural self-healing and self-regulating responses.  The Practitioner works with the body instead of on it.  To elicit these responses the Practitioner takes care to support the comfort and ease of movement within the client whilst gently exaggerating the structural imbalances thereby stimulating the body's self-regulating mechanisms.  This work is very safe, even for those people who are highly sensitive or have limitations due to age or illness.



Structure of an Ortho-Bionomy Session


The client is fully clothed and the practitioner usually works with him or her on a bodywork table, although the practitioner may work with the client seated or standing as well.  After a thorough intake interview both the practitioner and client work together to assess and support the self-correcting patterns related specifically to the issues or conditions that the client is experiencing. 

The techniques used range from the purely physical to the purely energetic.  This allows the practitioner to employ techniques which are appropriate for each client and each condition.  Some of these techniques include:

  • Positional release
  • Range-of-motion exploration
  • Isometric and isotonic techniques
  • Gentle rocking
  • Static holding
  • Subtle or minute movements
  • Postural re-education
  • Work in the energy field of the body
  • Cranial and visceral balancing
  • Neurolymphatic balancing


At no time does the practitioner use any movements or contact that cause discomfort for the client.  At the end of the session the practitioner may identify self care exercises for the client to do after and between sessions to continue the releases and to retrain the body in its new patterns.  Clients are encouraged to receive two to four sessions initially after which an on-going programme of self care and/or additional individual sessions can be developed.

Ortho-Bionomy is an Integrative Therapy


Whilst Ortho-Bionomy is effective as a stand-alone modality it is highly complementary to any other treatments that the client may be receiving such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic and physiotherapy as well as other medical treatment.  This work does not interfere with any other modalities or treatment protocols.

 

Ortho-Bionomy and the Sand Dollar logo are registered trademarks of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International, Inc, the Society of Ortho-Bionomy Australia and the Association of New Zealand Ortho-Bionomists and are used with permission.