What is classical osteopathy?
Classical Osteopathy is a gentle form of hands-on manual therapy that views the profession in the most traditional way of body adjustment. The practitioner uses their objective palpation to look at asymmetry, range of motion, tissue quality, and sensorial changes. We work to balance this with a gentle, rhythmic movement which considers the whole body in treatment. We have a deep understanding of human anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology to help determine the root cause of symptoms. A Classically trained Osteopath will use the principles, outlined by the founder Andrew Taylor Still, to give an individual treatment based on what the patient needs that day.
Osteopathy encourages homeostasis by gently removing structural and mechanical obstructions within fascia, muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics, that interfere with body functions rather than high-velocity thrusting. We guide, not force, the bones and tissues which allows for a stabilised treatment that lasts. Our aim is to create a more functional structure by bringing balance to the anatomy which allows the body can self heal and regulate; this allows the body to overcome illness and improve the body’s ability to handle the stresses of life.
Philosophy
Andrew Taylor Still M.D. DO, the founder of Osteopathy, developed four principles that govern how we apply and consider throughout treatment.
1. The body is a dynamic unit.
This means that all parts of our body connect to other structures. If someone asks you to move your bicep, it is impossible to move that one muscle without moving other structures. We consider all of the structures in relation to your area of concern. For example, if one has a hip injury, the leg, knee, pelvis, lower back, and abdomen will be affected.
2. The body possesses self-healing and self-regulating mechanisms.
When the body is healthy we all have the inherent capacity to self-heal and self-regulate. When there are abnormal positions of joints and structures, the body has to compensate to heal itself resulting in dis-ease. Our body contains all of the neurotransmitters, hormones, chemicals, and immune properties that are required to function which are turned on and off by feedback mechanisms. When the body is regulated, all systems (digestive, elimination, respiratory, and cardiovascular) work efficiently. When the body is dysregulated these systems won't work properly causing a plethora of new symptoms.
Andrew Taylor Still M.D & Doctor of Osteopathy - Founder of Osteopathy
3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
The body is best equipped for healing and adapting to life's stresses when it is structurally sound. Osteopathy examines the body's structure, which will directly affect the normal physiological processes since they are interrelated. To be healthy, the body needs to have the ability for blood, lymph, and nerves to flow freely. The osteopathic manual practitioner considers asymmetry, tissue texture change, and range of motion to determine where to start seeking the origin of the problem.
4. All treatment considers the preceding 3 principles.
When we give a patient an assessment and treatment we gather information from these principles. We then apply the laws of Nature to determine the order of what we need to correct. An example of this is drainage precedes supply. Have you ever had a clogged sink drain? The clog must be removed before the sink can drain without overflowing. If one presents with a hip problem and there is cold, boggy tissue, or fluid-filled tissue the clog must be taken care of before new blood containing nutrients and freshly oxygenated blood to the area which promotes the body to self-heal. Osteopathic manual practitioners have the mind of an engineer, the tools and systems understanding of a mechanic, and the wisdom of a philosopher.