The word Osteopathy is derived from two Greek words meaning bone and dysfunction. The founder of Osteopathy, Dr Andrew Taylor Still, chose this name to highlight how the structure of the skeleton is vital in correct function of the body’s systems, and that misalignment of bones can cause dysfunction. Dr Still established the first Osteopathic College in 1892 in Kirksville, Missouri, since then Osteopathy has spread around the world. After his death in 1917 Osteopathy split into two branches. One branch merged with and became an allopathic medical degree, it is only possible to study this form of Osteopathy in the U.S.A. graduates are called osteopathic physicians. The other branch remained separate from mainstream medicine and established itself in Europe, these practitioners are called Oseopathy Manual Practitioners in Ontario.
Manual Osteopathic focuses on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the body’s structure, whether it is related to the pelvis, peripheral joints, visceral organs, nervous systems, venous system or spine. Osteopathic manual practitioner use manipulations to the joints or organs and gentle oscillatory movements to correct biomechanical dysfunctions that are related to neuromusculoskeletal complaints. In addition to this they will also provide advice regarding exercises, diet and lifestyle to augment the bodies own healing capabilities . By restoring proper mechanics to an area the osteopathic manual practitioners allows the normal flow of fluids and improves function which will help to reduce pain and normal activity for that patient.
Concept and Principles
Osteopathic manual practitioners believe that abnormal functioning of one area of the body can cause symptoms to present elsewhere in the body, the theory of ‘Tensegrity’. When the body is balanced there is no excessive stress anywhere in the body, but when the body becomes out of balance this can be amplified to other areas. Osteopathic manual practitioners regard the whole of the body as greater than a collection of all its parts. They acknowledge the body’s inherent ability to heal itself and seek to support that process by removing any obstacles that impede it. In order for this to happen osteopathic manual practitioners specialize in individualized patients management, which includes educating the patient about their particular condition and how they can adjust their lifestyle to allow themselves the best possible chance recovery or optimal management.
