What is Osteopathy?
Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, DO
Osteopathy is a holistic, non-medical, manual system of health-care. Osteopathy was originally founded by Andrew Taylor Still, MD, in thought in 1874 and in school in 1892, in the USA. It has since spread throughout the world, taking on a strong, non-medical, manual treatment presence outside the USA.
Traditional Osteopathy, as presented by the Canadian College of Osteopathy, is defined as:
“A natural medicine which aims to restore function in the body by treating the causes of pain and imbalance. To achieve this goal the Osteopathic Manual Practitioner relies on the quality and finesse of his/her palpation and works with the position, mobility and quality of the tissues.”
Osteopathy is both an art and a science.
The art of Osteopathy is founded on the safe and effective application of the following principles:
The science includes the behavioural, biological, chemical, physical, and spiritual knowledge related to the establishment and maintenance of health as well as the prevention and alleviation of disease.
The patient’s neuromusculoskeletal system is considered to be a key element in the application of Osteopathy. Therefore, it is a means by which health-promoting changes may be facilitated through the appropriate use of manipulation.
Osteopathic Manipulation Techniques
(from the American Academy of Osteopathy)
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy is a specific approach within the osteopathic concept. It influences the structure and fluid surrounding the central nervous system, creating an impact on the total body and initiating the body's inherent capacity to heal itself. Fascial connections throughout the body are contiguous with the linings around the central nervous system, including the dura and other structures. Practitioners of cranial osteopathy utilize a manual approach to accomplish these goals within the practice of Osteopathic Medicine.
Visceral Osteopathy
Visceral manipulation relates to the interrelationship of the structure and function of the internal organs being just as important as among the constituents of the musculoskeletal system. Manipulation of the viscera can be beneficially used in the treatment of internal organ dysfunction and other disease states.
Myofascial Release
This procedure is designed to treat primarily the myofascial structures. In the use of direct myofascial release treatment (MRT) a restrictive barrier is engaged in the myofascial tissues. The tissue is loaded with a constant force until release occurs. In treating with indirect MRT the dysfunctional tissues are guided along the path of least resistance until free movement is achieved.
Lymphatic Technique
This manual procedure is designed to promote circulation of lymphatic fluids and can be used to treat various difficulties. One technique is pressure applied with the physician's hands to the supine patient's upper anterior chest wall. When the force is applied to the chest during its maximum expiration, the practitioner's hands are removed suddenly. This increases negative pressure within the chest to assist the body's respiratory system in moving lymphatic fluids.
Muscle Energy Technique
In this manual technique, the patient is directed to use his or her muscles from a precise position and in a specific direction against counter-force applied by the practitioner. The purpose is to restore motion, decrease muscle tissue changes, and modify asymmetry of somatic dysfunction.
Counterstrain
The counterstrain technique is a manual procedure in which the patient is moved passively away from the restricted motion barrier, towards the position of greatest comfort. At this point appropriate gamma gain distortion within the affected muscle fibers is restored.
Somatoemotional Release
Somatoemotional Release is based on the fact that the tissues of the body are extremely sophisticated. So sophisticated that they are
capable of "recording" significant traumatic events of one's life, burning these patterns into your muscle memory. Trauma can be emotional as well as physical.
Traditional Osteopathy, as presented by the Canadian College of Osteopathy, is defined as:
“A natural medicine which aims to restore function in the body by treating the causes of pain and imbalance. To achieve this goal the Osteopathic Manual Practitioner relies on the quality and finesse of his/her palpation and works with the position, mobility and quality of the tissues.”
Osteopathy is both an art and a science.
The art of Osteopathy is founded on the safe and effective application of the following principles:
- A human being acts as a complete dynamic unit of function including the concept and relationship of the body, mind, and spirit.
- The body possesses self-regulatory mechanisms, which are protective and self-healing in nature.
- Structure and function are interrelated at all levels.
- Rational treatment is based on understanding and utilizing these principles.
The science includes the behavioural, biological, chemical, physical, and spiritual knowledge related to the establishment and maintenance of health as well as the prevention and alleviation of disease.
The patient’s neuromusculoskeletal system is considered to be a key element in the application of Osteopathy. Therefore, it is a means by which health-promoting changes may be facilitated through the appropriate use of manipulation.
Osteopathic Manipulation Techniques
(from the American Academy of Osteopathy)
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy is a specific approach within the osteopathic concept. It influences the structure and fluid surrounding the central nervous system, creating an impact on the total body and initiating the body's inherent capacity to heal itself. Fascial connections throughout the body are contiguous with the linings around the central nervous system, including the dura and other structures. Practitioners of cranial osteopathy utilize a manual approach to accomplish these goals within the practice of Osteopathic Medicine.
Visceral Osteopathy
Visceral manipulation relates to the interrelationship of the structure and function of the internal organs being just as important as among the constituents of the musculoskeletal system. Manipulation of the viscera can be beneficially used in the treatment of internal organ dysfunction and other disease states.
Myofascial Release
This procedure is designed to treat primarily the myofascial structures. In the use of direct myofascial release treatment (MRT) a restrictive barrier is engaged in the myofascial tissues. The tissue is loaded with a constant force until release occurs. In treating with indirect MRT the dysfunctional tissues are guided along the path of least resistance until free movement is achieved.
Lymphatic Technique
This manual procedure is designed to promote circulation of lymphatic fluids and can be used to treat various difficulties. One technique is pressure applied with the physician's hands to the supine patient's upper anterior chest wall. When the force is applied to the chest during its maximum expiration, the practitioner's hands are removed suddenly. This increases negative pressure within the chest to assist the body's respiratory system in moving lymphatic fluids.
Muscle Energy Technique
In this manual technique, the patient is directed to use his or her muscles from a precise position and in a specific direction against counter-force applied by the practitioner. The purpose is to restore motion, decrease muscle tissue changes, and modify asymmetry of somatic dysfunction.
Counterstrain
The counterstrain technique is a manual procedure in which the patient is moved passively away from the restricted motion barrier, towards the position of greatest comfort. At this point appropriate gamma gain distortion within the affected muscle fibers is restored.
Somatoemotional Release
Somatoemotional Release is based on the fact that the tissues of the body are extremely sophisticated. So sophisticated that they are
capable of "recording" significant traumatic events of one's life, burning these patterns into your muscle memory. Trauma can be emotional as well as physical.