What is Osteopathy?

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 Osteopathy is a manual form of therapy that emphasizes the relationship between the structure and function of the human body. Osteopathy follows a belief in the body’s ability to self-heal and self-regulate, that if one system is out of balance, it will affect other systems as well. The goal of Osteopathy is to realign the body back to its natural rhythm (state of health).

Osteopathy is based upon four basic principles:

• The body is a dynamic unit. The person is a unit of body, mind and spirit.
• The body is capable of self regulation, self healing and maintenance. 
• Structure and function are interrelated. 
• Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self regulation, and the interrelation of structure and function. 

Osteopathic Manual Practitioners recognize a person as an integrated whole. Osteopathic treatments often include treating the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, visceral, reproductive and nervous systems sometimes even within the same treatment. 

When all of the body’s components are in balance, a person is complete and in total health. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners work to maintain, improve and restore the normal physiological function of interrelated body structures and systems, enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners become the 'facilitators to health'. 

The history of osteopathy dates back to the 1870's. First introduced by founder Dr. A.T. Still in Kirksville, Missouri. He was a medical doctor who discovered the link between body, mind and spirit. He saw osteopathy as a science, a philosophy, and a practice. 

Every body is different and arrives to pain in a different way and therefore, each treatment is designed for you and your specific needs.

In general, osteopathic treatments are not painful and incorporate gentle movements that are often slow and rhythmic. Sometimes these movements are about easing the structure into proper positioning. Some gentle adjustments may also be part of the treatment. There may be some tender points uncovered during the treatment. Osteopathic treatments may consist of soft tissue (muscles) manipulation, working with and within the fascial layer, muscle energy work, skeletal work (bone), joint work, mobilizations, cranial sacral work, visceral manipulations, breath work with the diaphragm, and even some stretching. 

Your first treatment will consist of a health history intake with many questions centred around your health and primary complaint(s). A physical assessment will take place followed by a hands on treatment. The first session is often a mix of assessment and treatment as the practitioner gets to know your body and its restrictions an/or ease of movements. 

Subsequent visits will begin with a shorter assessment leading to the treatment. 

The frequency of visits is based on your assessment, but generally progress should be felt within the first 4 treatments. 

The first follow up visit is usually booked within 7-10 days from the initial visit.  Each subsequent visit after that is often scheduled within 7 days.  Again, usually by the 4th visit, there is marked progress and further sessions are depending. Many people chose to schedule 'well visits' or regular maintenance ranging from 4 weeks to 8 weeks apart. And some prefer to just book when they feel a tweak or a twinge. Each person is individual and it all depends on how quickly the body responds and what exactly you are looking for from the treatments. Some issues are acute and require less time, some issues are long withstanding issues and require more treatments to unwind the new patterns the body has taken on. 

The goal is always to hand you back your health, not to keep you dependent on coming in for treatments!