OSTEOPATHY

Osteopathy is a treatment philosophy which identifies areas of the body that are restricted or constricted, then eases these restrictions so that normal function can resume.

DEFINITION:

Osteopathy applies the knowledge of the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the body, to all diseases, disorders and dysfunctions. The tools osteopaths use are their hands. Osteopathic manual practitioners use a gentle “hands-on” or “manual” approach, applied through osteopathic philosophy, to identify the causative factor of the problem and restore order to all of the systems.

Osteopathic manual practitioners use their palpatory skill to seek out areas of the body that are restricted (not moving normally) or constricted (strangled or squeezed). These areas can be in any of these systems:

• musculoskeletal

• respiratory

• cardiovascular

• digestive

• reproductive

• nervous

Osteopathic manual practitioners seek to identify and then gently ease the restrictions or constrictions so the body can function normally again.

1. Each structure in the body supports the body's functions. If a structure is damaged, out of place, or otherwise not working properly, the body will not function at its best.

2. The natural flow of the body's fluids - lymphatic, vascular, and neurological - must be preserved and maintained.

3. The human body is the sum of its parts. Its physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive systems don't work independently -they work in harmony.

4. When the body has no restrictions, it has the inherent ability to heal itself. Osteopathic manual practitioners recognize that a patient is an integrated whole. When all the body's components are in balance, a person is complete and in total health.