It is a question I have been asked since I decided to study and become an Osteopath many years ago. Most people have heard of the discipline, but many would struggle to explain what Osteopathy is and exactly what an Osteopath does.
In a nutshell, Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that has a hands-on holistic approach to your neuro-musculoskeletal system.
Osteopathy was founded in the late 1800s by an American Physician by the name of Dr Andrew Taylor Still.
One of the main reasons Osteopathy still ignites a passion for me is that Osteopathy acknowledges that each person is individual and requires a slightly different approach, not a recipe for the treatment of a condition Osteopathy is largely guided by a strict set of guiding principles and treating the ‘person’, not the “condition/disease”.
Our field is based on the following guiding principles of Osteopathy:
The body is a Unit:
The human body functions as an integrated whole, not as a collection of separate parts.
Structure and function are reciprocally inter-related:
If the function is altered so too will the structure, and vice versa, if the structure is altered so too, will the function.
If the function is altered so too will the structure, and vice versa, if the structure is altered so too, will the function.
The body is capable of self-healing, self-regulating, and health maintenance.
Rational treatment is based on the understanding of these principles:
The above principles enables Osteopaths to have a holistic and individualized approach to each person.
The above principles enables Osteopaths to have a holistic and individualized approach to each person.
Osteopaths undergo 5 years of University training, we are trained to perform neuro-muscular assessments and diagnose complaints of the neuro-musculoskeletal system.
Our treatment can be wide and varied using the above principles to guide how we approach the person, using;
Soft tissue
Joint articulation & manipulation
Stretching
Myofascial techniques
Muscle energy techniques
Dry needling
So, next time someone asks you "what is Osteopathy?", you'll have all the answers. Stay tuned for our next blog about what happens at your first Osteopath appointment.
If you would like to know more specific information about conditions we usually treat please follow this link. https://www.withoutlimitshealth.com.au/services/osteopathy
If you are suffering from a musculoskeletal complaint you can book an appointment with our Osteopaths in South Melbourne and Southbank here.https://withoutlimits.cliniko.com/bookings
References:
Eileen DiGiovanna, Stanley Schiowitz, Dennis Dowling. (2005), An Osteopathic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment , United States: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.