“Osteopathy is the knowledge of the structure, relation and function of each part of the human body applied to the correction of whatever interferes with its harmonious operation.”
– George V. Webster, D.O., 1921
Osteopathic manual practitioners use their palpatory skill to seek out areas of the body that are restricted (not moving normally) or constricted (strangled or squeezed). These areas can be in any of these systems:
- musculoskeletal
- respiratory
- cardiovascular
- digestive
- reproductive
- nervous
Osteopathic manual practitioners seek to identify and then gently ease the restrictions or constrictions so the body can function normally again.
Manual osteopathy is based on 4 basic principles:
- Each structure in the body supports the body’s functions. If a structure is damaged, out of place, or otherwise not working properly, the body will not function at its best.
- The natural flow of the body’s fluids – lymphatic, vascular, and neurological – must be preserved and maintained.
- The human body is the sum of its parts. Its physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive systems don’t work independently -they work in harmony.
- When the body has no restrictions, it has the inherent ability to heal itself.
Osteopathic manual practitioners recognize that a patient is an integrated whole. When all the body’s components are in balance, a person is complete and in total health.
Conditions
Here are some examples of conditions and problems that osteopathic manual practitioners can help treat.
Children’s Issues
- colic
- spitting up
- sucking difficulty
- delayed development
- birth trauma
- otitis media
Pain
- neck pain
- back pain
- sciatica
- headaches and migraines
- jaw pain and TMJ syndromes
- pain resulting from motor vehicle accidents
- pain resulting from over-use and sports injuries
Systemic Problems
- neurological syndromes
- digestive disorders
- genitourinary problems
- chronic infectious disease
- circulatory problems
Pregnancy Issues
- back Pain
- digestive upset
- edema and swelling
Respiratory Illness
- asthma
- bronchitis
- pleurisy
- allergies
Ear, Nose and Throat Problems
- chronic ear infections
- recurrent sore throats
- frequent colds
- glaucoma
- sinusitis
- tinnitus
Note: It is important that you speak with your medical doctor for the complete diagnosis of any medical condition.