Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a Holistic system of whole body therapy that uses gentle non-invasive techniques to find and treat restrictions in the spine, joints and soft tissue .
Osteopathic Manual Therapy is a way of looking at the human body that is guided by it's therapeutic principles .There is a wide appray of treatment techniques utilized by Practitioners of Osteopathic Manual Therapy all based on extensive knowledge of muscloskeletal anatomy, good assessment, and palpatory skills.
With that said, there are many treatment modes that are taught to Students of Osteopathic Manual Therapy and Practice but the main focus is on the anatomical, biomechanical, and physiological knowledge, assessment, and palpatory skills.
These skills are of paramount importance. We have to be able to know what is normal for that person and what feels like a dysfunction or restriction. Each Practitioner eventually develops their own style of practice within this framework.
Osteopathy is guided by these principles:
• A Human Being is a complete dynamic unit of function that includes Body, Mind and Spirit.
• The body possesses it's own inherent self protecting and self healing mechanisms.
• When this normal adaptability is disrupted or overwhelmed, disease may ensue.
• Structure and function are interrelated on all levels.
• Osteopathic treatment is based on understanding and ultilizing these principles.
What are the goals of an Osteopathic Treatment ?
The techniques may be directed toward treatment of any of the components of the musculoskeletal system:
• The bones, joints, fascia, muscles, ligaments, and tendons
• The primary goal is to relieve pain, to improve motion, to help promote change in restrictions in the musculoskeletal system and to help facilitate a sense of deep relaxation and well being in the Client.
(also see Cranial Sacral Therapy).
What Conditions Generally Benefit from this Type of Approach:
• Neck/Back/Shoulder Pain and Injuries
• Joint Pain
• Tension and Migraine Headaches
• Muscle Injuries and Tension
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Carpal Tunnel
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and various other nerve compression syndromes
• Sciatica
• TMJ Pain
• Plantar Facitis/Heel Spurs
• Whiplash
• Sprains /Strains
• Fibromyalgia
• Stress Related