What is Ortho-Bionomy?

Have you been experiencing pain? Maybe you've got some low back pain, neck pain, or hip pain? How about chronic tension in muscles and joints? Would you like to be able to bend over to put on socks or shoes? Do you want to feel good again? If so, you might be ready to try a type of therapeutic bodywork called Ortho-Bionomy (OB). For several years now I've used OB in my San Antonio Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice to relieve pain and stress.

What Is Ortho-Bionomy and How Does It Work?

Ortho-Bionomy is a non-invasive, gentle, and very powerful type of therapeutic bodywork. OB works with the body's own self-corrective reflexes to effectively relieve acute and chronic pain, chronic tension patterns, and stress. OB is done most often with the client relaxing fully clothed on a comfortably padded table while the Ortho-Bionomist performs releases by positioning the client's body and joints in positions of comfort then applying gentle motions and/or compression. The result of an OB session is less pain, reduced muscle tension, greater circulation, greater flexibility, and an overall sense of wellness and relaxation.

Where Did Ortho-Bionomy Come From?

Ortho-Bionomy, both the name and the body of work, is based on the work of Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls. Dr. Pauls was an Osteopathic Physician and Judo instructor. After a presentation of the work of Dr. Laurence Jones regarding "Spontaneous Release By Positioning", Dr. Pauls became fascinated with the body's self-corrective reflexes. He drew upon his knowledge of Osteopathy, Homeopathy, and Judo to find ways to work with the body instead of attempting to force change. After several years of work and experimentation Dr. Pauls began teaching Ortho-Bionomy in the U.S. and Europe. Today Ortho-Bionomy is taught and practiced around the world.

What Can Be Treated With Ortho-Bionomy?

OB is generally used to treat various painful conditions, postural distortions, chronic tension and stress. That covers a lot of ground doesn't it? As a Licensed Massage Therapist who has studied Ortho-Bionomy for some time I've used OB to successfully treat:

1. Back Pain - low back and upper back

2. Neck Pain including whiplash

3. Hip and Knee Pain

4. TMJ Dysfunction - Jaw Pain

5. Headaches and Migraines

6. Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff issues

7. Leg Length Discrepancy and Functional Scoliosis

8. SI Joint Pain and Sciatica

9. Chronic Stress and Tension

...and more.

As you can see, Ortho-Bionomy is effective in treating a wide range of complaints. However, while OB is very gentle, non-invasive, and compatible with all healing systems you should consult with your physician prior to receiving an Ortho-Bionomy session or any other form of massage or bodywork. OB practitioners welcome working in conjuction with your health care team.

Where Can I Get An Ortho-Bionomy Session?

If you're in San Antonio, Texas or the surrounding area you can get an OB session from several therapists in the area including the author. If you don't live in the San Antonio area you can find an OB practitioner near you by contacting the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International at Ortho-Bionomy.org where you will find listings of practitioners around the world.

Ortho-Bionomy is a registered trademark of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International (SOBI) and is used with permission.