Osteopathy was founded by Andrew Taylor Still in1874.  Osteopathy is a healing art that  has its main  emphasis on   the diagnosis and treatment of structural and mechanical problems within the body. It recognizes that the selfhealing, selfregulating ability of  the body dependent upon a   number of factors, including favorable environmental conditions (internal and external), adequate nutrition and normal structural integrity. It places special emphasis upon  the  importance of body mechanics, and uses manipulative techniques to detect and correct, faulty structure and function.

In essence the original concept of osteopathy held that:

1. Within the human body there exists a constant tendency towards health. If this capacity is recognized, and if treatment takes its relevance into account, then the prevention and normalization of disease processes is enhanced.
2. The structure of the body is reciprocally related to its function. By this it is meant that any change in structure will alter some aspect of function and, conversely, any alteration in function will result in structural changes.
3. Health is the primary area to be studied in attempting to understand disease.
4. The musculo-skeletal system, which incorporates the bones, ligaments, muscles, fascia etc. forms a structure which, when disordered, may affect the function of other parts and systems of the body. This might be the result of irritation or abnormal response of the nerve and/or blood supply to these other organs or parts.
5. The body is subject to mechanical disorder and is therefore capable of mechanical correction.

What do we treat?

It is a manual treatment based on the deep knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the body.

Its function is to restore the balance of mobility without pain, since the movement is the basis of the complete functioning of our body. And also to enable the normal movement and the regaining of a good articular mobility of the many anatomic structures:

 compact (bones)

 Soft (visceral, fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons ...)

 Fluid (blood, lymph, liquid cerebrospinal...)

The only tools the osteopath uses are the hands and his/her concentration. Osteopathy sees the being as a whole, as a holistic therapy. The most common complaints for which patients consult Osteopaths include:

• Joint pain.
• Muscular aches, pains, strains and pulls.
• Long-standing injuries.
• Upper and lower back pain.
• Frozen shoulders.
• Tennis elbow.
• Stiffness and tension.
• Asthma.
• Problem periods.
• Repetitive strain injury.
• Respiratory problems.
• Sciatica.
• Arthritis.
• Headache and migraine.
• Mobility problems.
• Problems and staying well during pregnancy.
• Child development and illness.
• Sports injuries and sports training enhancement.

 FAQ:

Q: How does Osteopathy work?

A: Osteopathy does not use intrusive methods such as drugs, surgery, or forceful manipulation of the body. The Osteopath uses gentle touch, or palpation, to assess and monitor the source of a patient's condition. Once the cause or causes of the health condition troubling the patient is assessed, the Osteopath treats the patient. The Osteopath works to restore the body's innate ability to function properly and return to good health.

 Q: What is the difference between OMT and Chiropractic Treatment?

A: Chiropractors focus mostly on spinal integrity, using x-rays of the spine to form a diagnosis: osteopaths use palpation (touch) of soft tissues (muscles, ligaments and tendons) and spinal positioning in conjunction with overall postural balance to form a diagnosis:

• chiropractors work mainly on the spine; osteopaths work on the spine but also on the whole body, including peripheral joints
• chiropractors use more manipulative techniques; osteopaths may use manipulation in conjunction with soft tissue and mobilization (stretching of joints) techniques.       

Q: How do we treat?

A: Osteopaths treat the whole person so at the first consultation a detailed case history is compiled, followed by a thorough examination. This may take up to an hour and a half. The main tool for diagnosis and treatment is touch (palpation). The osteopath will also closely observe movement. A wide range of gentle, safe, non-invasive, manual techniques such as deep tissue massage is used in therapy. Patients may be advised on exercise, posture or diet. X-rays are occasionally used to aid diagnosis.Some patients need only one treatment; others have a course of therapy or return periodically for the long-term management of a condition.

Q: What Is OMT?
A: Osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT, is hands-on care. It involves using the hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Using OMT, the Osteopath will move your muscles and joints using techniques including stretching, gentle pressure and resistance.

The following of the treatments, osteopaths can call upon probably the largest selection of techniques of all manual therapies.

         Available Techniques:

The number of techniques available to treat each patient is almost limitless. The technique chosen is determined the body itself and each treatment is unique. Andrew Taylor Still encouraged his students to use touch and precise knowledge of the body to determine treatment, rather than teaching the application of general techniques.

• Articulation
• Soft tissue techniques
• Postural assessments
• Gentle manipulations
• Exercises & stretching
• Strain and counterstrain
• Muscle energy
• Functional
• Structural
• Cranial
• Visceral