Dr Andrew Taylor Still, an American doctor based in Missouri, founded osteopathy in the 1870s. A doctor’s son, he trained at medical school then went into a rural practice where he noticed how his patients’ state of health seemed to relate to the way they used their bodies. He developed the theory that if the structure of the body is properly adjusted, then it is likely to function healthily and be able to heal itself. He observed that things such as bad posture, injuries and psychological stresses, such as anger and depression, put strain on the muscles and bones.
The Theory Behind Osteopathy
Osteopathy is based on the theory that our structure has an important effect on how the body functions. If the body’s musculoskeletal system is injured or misaligned, the body cannot work properly as a whole. Osteopathy aims to identify faults in the structure and put them right – so that the patient can reach optimum health. Osteopaths manipulate muscles and joints to correct structural problems. They frequently use massage as well as manipulation to relax muscle tension and improve overall mobility. Another form of the therapy is cranial osteopathy. This is an extremely gentle form of treatment involving tiny adjustments to the joints of the cranium (the bones of the skull).
Diagnosis And Treatment
On the first visit the osteopath takes a full medical history and makes a physical examination. You will be also be asked to partly undress and perform a series of movements so that your mobility can be assessed. Some osteopathic manipulations will be carried out while you are seated on the edge of a couch, others while you are lying down. These may be quite gentle and massage-like or much firmer. Occasionally you may hear a clicking or cracking sound from the joints as their full range of movement is restored.
The Holistic Approach
Whilst an osteopath is looking to reduce any pain and discomfort you are suffering he will also be trying to establish its cause and may advise you on lifestyle and other factors that could be affecting your health. A change in posture, or an exercise routine to strengthen weak muscle areas, may be suggested to help prevent the problem reoccurring.
I work at a computer all day and get neck and shoulder pain. Could osteopathy help?
Definitely. As well as treating you, an osteopath will probably suggest ways in which you might improve your posture and your working habits. Some large companies employ an osteopath to improve employees’ health – and reduce days off sick.
Is it safe to have treatment during pregnancy?
Yes. Pregnancy can put a strain on the lower back and osteopathy can help your body to adjust.
Osteopathy Is Good For:
- Back and neck pain
- Joint pain
- Sports injuries
- Period pain
- Asthma
- Repetitive strain injury
- Insomnia and depression
- Headaches
- Arthritis
Osteopathy
AVAILABILITY – Widespread
MEDICAL EVIDENCE – Good
Medical ACCEPTANCE – Good
Self Help – Not possible
[...] in the 1890s was Daniel David Palmer, a student of Andrew Taylor Still – the founder of osteopathy. Palmer devised his own approach, putting much more emphasis on the local mechanics of the spine [...]
[...] therapy was developed in the late 1940s by an Austrian osteopath, chiropractor and naturopath called Dr Randolph Stone, who ran a healing practice in [...]
Back pain is most common now a days and this article here is very good for people who are going through this everyday. Thank You!