The Mechanical Link method is a diagnostic and treatment concept initially developed by Paul Chauffour, a French osteopath, in the 1970's. It is the result of over 40 years of research, experience and daily practice. In collaboration with Eric Prat, then with a group of osteopaths in charge of clinical research and teaching, the Mechanical Link has considerably evolved.
The fundamental principles of the founding father of osteopathy, Andrew Taylor Still, were developed and modernized to give rise to an innovative and sophisticated technique that is now taught the world over.
The osteopathic lesion may be defined by the loss of elasticity of a tissue, that is, the resistance of a structure when tension is applied by the hand of the osteopath. This structure may be a joint, a ligament, a nerve, an artery, a viscera, an organ, a bone or skin.
Guiding principles of treatment
Using pressure or traction tests on the entire body, your osteopath will find any abnormal resistance in tissue by assessing its elasticity and flexibility.
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However, the aim is not to treat all the lesions that were found, but rather, the practitioner will use manual tests to prioritize the resistance in different tissue and find the major lesions. He will only treat these, since they present the greatest resistance to the tests. They are not necessarily the most painful for the patient, and may be distant from the symptoms, but will have a general action on the entire body.
The recoil is the correction technique, original and specific to the Mechanical Link.
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This technique consists in releasing the fixation by using the fingers to apply a very short and focused impulse against the tissue resistance. This technique is gentle, efficient, simple, extremely quick, comfortable and respects the physiology of the tissue.
Important points
The Mechanical Link is an osteopathic general therapy that is modern, global, precise, without contraindication, and may be applied to all tissues in the body. The Mechanical Link practitioner works on the cranium, the viscera, the joints, but also on much more: he applies techniques that are new to osteopathy on bones, arteries and nerves.
The Mechanical Link is suited to all ages of life, from babies to adolescents, from adults to the elderly.
It is a gentle method, without manipulation or forced mobilization of the joints and thus, does not involve cracking.
A reaction lasting a few days may appear following the treatment, manifesting as fatigue, a feeling of soreness or slight pain. The body may need as long as 3 weeks to completely integrate the treatment and find its balance.
Two to three consultations, at intervals of three to four weeks, will be necessary to achieve a complete treatment of an old imbalance.
In the absence of any symptom or pain, a preventative consultation once or twice a year is advised.
You may consult your osteopath as a first-line practitioner, without a doctor’s prescription. Part of the treatment cost may be covered by private health insurance. If you are wondering if osteopathy would be advisable in your case, discuss it with an osteopath or with your doctor.