Osteopathic manual therapy originated with Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in 1874 in Kirksville, Missouri.

 

“Osteo” denotes “structure“ and ”pathos” denotes “suffering of”. Combined the meaning - “suffering of structure” is conveyed. Through diligent research into the body’s anatomical structure and physiological function, Dr. Still was able to find a deeper understanding of functional treatment. Using this knowledge, he found he could facilitate the innate self-healing and self-regulating function of his patients through gentle manual therapy and adjustment.

 

An osteopathic manual therapist is a profession that uses an extensive knowledge of human anatomy, human mechanics, physiology and the interrelations of the structure and function of the body to help determine the root cause of the symptoms. 

 

Our role is to encourage this self-healing capacity through manual treatment – to convert the physical into the physiological. We allow nature to do its job of removing any obstacles and obstructions that will interfere with the proper nutrition and drainage of the body’s tissue. Understanding and adjusting the anatomical unity of the human structure is our job.

 

As a Classical Osteopathic Manual Practitioner I practice my treatments based on four major principles:

 

Osteopathy follows 4 basic principles:

 

1. Each structure in the body supports the body’s functions and vice versa. If a structure is mal-aligned, damaged, or otherwise not in good working order, the body will not function at its best. The body is a dynamic unit of function!

 

2. The natural flow of the body’s fluids - lymphatic, vascular, and neurological - must be preserved and maintained and their pathways clear, free from obstruction to have health. We need to move blood for nutrients, hormones, oxygen, and waste removal.

 

3. The body is the sum of all its parts, it is physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive systems that don’t work independently - they work in harmony when in homeostasis. 

 

4. When the body is free from obstruction, it has the inherent ability to heal itself (ex. heal from cuts and bruises) and self regulate (ex. lower heart rate after a run, level insulin after a delicious cupcake)