Osteopathy is a complementary Medicine that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and its importance in the health of the individual.
Osteopaths apply the philosophy of treating the whole person to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of injuries and illness using manual and physical therapies.
Philosophy of Osteopathy
Manual medicine techniques such as those performed by osteopaths today have been documented for over 4000 years. But it was not until the 19th century that medical physician Andrew Taylor Still proposed the theory and practice of Osteopathic medicine.
His basic philosophy can be broken down into five principles:
- The body is a unit. Simply stated, you can not have a problem in one area of the body without it affecting other musculoskeletal regions or other bodily systems.
- The healing power of nature. Our bodies have all the things necessary for recovery from disease and health maintenance. The role of the Osteopath is to enhance this inherent capacity for health.
- The somatic component of disease. Andrew Taylor Still believed that the musculoskeletal system was an integral part of total body health. For complete recovery from disease or injury, problems within the musculoskeletal system must be addressed.
- Structure and Function are interrelated. Osteopaths strongly believe in the relationship between body structure and its ability to function. If a body’s structure is balanced, then it can function to its full capacity.
- The use of Manipulative Therapy. Osteopaths use manipulative therapy to restore optimal body function and when and if necessary.
When you have your next treatment with your Osteopath give a thought to its wide reaching benefits, not just in the musculoskeletal system but in all other systems of your body.
