Structure and Function: A Two-Way Relationship
In osteopathy, we understand that structure and function are intimately connected. When the structure of a tissue is altered — whether due to trauma, illness, or impaired blood supply — its function is inevitably affected as well.
A clear example of this is pneumonia. This lung inflammation can cause scarring that is often visible on an X-ray. Patients typically experience coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. What’s happening is that the lung’s structure — particularly the alveoli where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs — is impaired, reducing both gas exchange efficiency and overall lung mobility and thoracic mobility.
In my practice, I frequently see patients presenting with chest, neck, or shoulder pain several weeks or months after a bout of pneumonia or bronchitis. When lung mobility is compromised, the muscles that attach to the rib cage, neck, scapula, and shoulder often become shortened or tense in response. I see clients with pain in their neck during their sleep. This is caused by limited mobilité of the thoracic spine leading to a decrease mobility in the cervico-thoracic junction.
This structural issue leads to limited movement of the ribs, spine, and shoulder, which can result in postural strain, reduced energy, and persistent discomfort in the upper body.
Book an appointment in Calgary or Canmore