Naprapathy:
Pain Relief's Best Kept Secret
Though
you may not have heard of this alternative treatment, Naprapathy
is rapidly growing in popularity. This is thanks to the
enthusiastic recommendations of those who've experienced
pain relief therapy at the hands of a Naprapath.
The
Czech word "naprapravit" (to correct) and the
Greek word "pathos" (suffering) combine to form
the word Naprapathy. This treatment method "corrects
suffering" through manual manipulation of inelastic
connective tissue which may be irritating the nervous system
and causing pain.
Dr.
Oakley Smith, the first Naprapath, founded the science of
Naprapathy in 1907 after devising a systematic treatment
method of evaluating and healing damaged connective tissues.
He discovered that structural imbalances (often situated
in the spine) were sources of pain which can build slowly
and spread throughout the body.
The
cause of such imbalances, which deplete the suppleness of
connective tissue, include poor posture, trauma (whiplash
and sports injuries) and general wear. Naprapathy teaches
that, over time, the resulting stiffness can produce pinched
nerves. These trigger chronic conditions like back
pain, migraine headaches and the kind of joint pain
often attributed to arthritis.
In Naprapathy,
treatment begins with a medical case history and a spinal
examination to identify the precise location of pain. Therapy
includes manual manipulations designed to stretch specific
connective tissues, improve structural alignment and provide
pain relief.
Besides
manual manipulation, Doctors of Naprapathy (DN) may also
use ultrasound, electrical, heat, and cold pain relief treatment
methods.
Naprapathy's
philosophy of restoring the body's natural balance extends
to posture counseling and correcting dietary deficiencies.
In the later case,
a Naprapath will provide nutritional counseling.
The
practice of Naprapathy is presently licensed in the state
of Illinois. Click below to find a Naprapath near you.