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What is Osteopathy?

At its core, osteopathy is about aligning your structure so your body can function more efficiently. It is a scientifically-based manual therapy that employs a gentle hands-on approach to relieve symptoms the body may be experiencing. The human body has remarkable ways of maintaining homeostasis, some of which we still do not fully understand. However, we do know that when our structure is misaligned, negative symptoms can arise.

Osteopathy is founded on the following principles:

The body is a dynamic unit of function.
The body has the ability to self-heal and self-regulate.
Structure and function are interrelated.
Rational treatment must incorporate the first three principles

Let’s start with the dynamic unit of function. This principle emphasizes how everything in the body is interconnected. Like ripples in water, even slight movements and changes on one side of the body can affect the opposite end. This is why it is essential for the osteopath to gain a comprehensive understanding of all parts of the body to create an effective treatment plan.

What does self-healing and self-regulating mean? Every moment of every day, our body is constantly repairing itself, adapting to changes, and defending against invaders. We are so adept at this process that we often do not think about it until something disrupts our health. When our body ceases to self-heal and regulate, symptoms begin to manifest.

The structure-function relationship pertains to the design of the human body and the purpose of each structure. For instance, consider the structure of a wheel: its round shape allows for smooth and efficient rolling. If the wheel has a flat portion, we would expect to see rigid and bouncy movement as it turns. Similarly, the body contains many "wheels," and restrictions in motion can create "flat spots." By removing mechanical restrictions found in our joints, muscles, ligaments, visceral organs, or fascia, we can restore efficient movement. The release of these restrictions allows blood to flow freely to our cells, nerves to communicate with less obstruction, and the lymphatic system to drain excess fluid and detoxify our blood. It is important to note that each person has a unique structure; therefore, the osteopath must respect these differences and tailor a treatment plan to each individual. With a firm understanding of anatomy, physiology, natural laws, and principles, the classical osteopath recognizes that techniques must be adapted to each body and situation.

The fourth principle is straightforward. It underscores the importance of the first three principles, reminding practitioners to continually apply this rational approach to deliver safe and effective treatment.

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Andrew Taylor Still

Dr. Andrew Taylor Still was the founder of osteopathy and osteopathic medicine. Born on August 6, 1828, in Lee County, Virginia, Andrew was an inquisitive young boy with a keen interest in anatomy and its role in natural health. Growing up with a father who practiced medicine, he became familiar with the prevalent practices of the time, which included methods such as bleeding, purging, and the prescription of concoctions that we would now consider harmful.

Following in his father's footsteps as a physician, Dr. Still struggled to endorse these methods, finding them both ineffective and dangerous. Instead, he began treating patients by physically adjusting their anatomy and achieved remarkable results. He continued to study anatomy "functionally" to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanics of good health and to position the body in a way that promotes healing.

In 1892, Dr. Still founded the American School of Osteopathy, which revolutionized our understanding of the human body and its capabilities. After his passing in 1917, osteopathy began to shift toward a more allopathic model, increasingly focused on the prescription of drugs and surgery—an approach that was not in line with Dr. Still's original vision.

Today, a handful of educators are dedicated to returning osteopathy to its hands-on roots, teaching techniques that benefit future generations.