What does Osteopathy mean?

The term osteopathy has origins in “osteo” meaning bone and “pathy” as in a curative treatment. Osteopathy was developed by Dr. Andrew Taylor Stills in the 1870’s. His ideas were not well accepted by the establishment of the day and were considered quite radical. Stills maintained that to be healthy a person must have a structurally sound musculoskeletal system. This balance allows other body functions to operate at their best.

Since the time of Stills the practice of osteopathy has changed greatly if not the fundamentals. The passage of time and research has exponentially added to the body of knowledge from anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology and pharmacology standpoints. Yet the basic founding principles that Stills propounded linking health, disease and the relationship to human structure has remained true.

Osteopathic manipulation of the skeleton and muscles promotes mobility and balance. This removes some of the barriers to being healthy. Structure and function form an endless circle with one dependent upon the other. The body functions as a total unit and possesses self-healing and self-regulating mechanisms.

What are the principles of Osteopathy?

Osteopaths have a belief in the human body being able to repair itself provided a number of things are in place. If all the parts are in balance then we have good structure and function to overcome injury and disease. For healing to occur there needs to be a good blood supply (arteries and capillaries) to be able to provide the nutrients and immune cells to the area. A good blood supply also needs good drainage via lymph and veins to remove metabolic waste and painful inflammatory products.

Osteopaths examine the relation between structure and function. Injury or strain to a structure can cause a loss of function through stiffness or pain. Examination of biomechanics will indicate that other parts of the body may be involved at a secondary level. Attention will be given to a strategy that engages the whole body.

Alteration of structure can be traumatic such as in a fall, motor vehicle accident or sporting incident. However the bulk of structural interference comes more subtlely such as how we sit in chairs, "comfy" lounge suites and car seats or how we bear ourselves in our daily postures.

What can an osteopath treat?

A range of disorders
Osteopaths treat a range of disorders, including:

How does an osteopath treat?

Many osteopaths use techniques which are known as ‘Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy’. These techniques broadly involve the following;

For many years manipulation has been the principle form of technique to correct observed dysfunction. Many adjunctive procedures are performed as preliminary, supporting and correcting techniques.

 

Special considerations

Techniques are altered to accommodate the young, the elderly, the pregnant and those with particular health problems such as osteoporosis or inflammatory conditions.

Where to get help