Osteopathy

Osteopathy

Tenents:

1. The body is a unit, comprised of Mind, Body, and Spirit
2. Structure and function are interrelated
3. The body is self-healing
4. Diagnosis and treatment are based on the previous three tenents

Brief History:

Osteopathy was founded in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D.. Dr. Still was a frontier doctor from Kansas. He practiced general medicine and was both a soldier and surgeon in the Civil War.  After seeing many die from serious illness, including his own wife and three children, he was determined to find a more effective approach to medicine. After years of studying human anatomy and physiology, observing nature, and with a spiritual foundation, he found an incredible approach to supporting the body’s natural healing ability. Essentially, he took a hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment, leveraging the musculoskeletal system to improve the function of all body systems. He saved countess individuals from infectious diseases of the time that were otherwise claiming lives, i.e. tuberculosis, measles, mumps, and rubella. Despite tremendous ridicule from those who did not understand his approach, he persisted and ultimately started the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri in 1892. Now, over 145 years later, with 34+ accredited osteopathic medical schools, and compromising approximately 25% of the physicians of the United States, the profession continues to follow his lead.

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)

Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is the hands-on application of osteopathic principles. It is used to diagnose and treat many health-related issues. OMM identifies and addresses restrictions in all the tissues, fluids, organs, and physiologic systems of the body. The goal is to restore normal motion, which translates to normal function and health. There are a wide variety of techniques applied, from the very gentle to more direct, but all are applied with little force. Regardless of the technique, patients’ comfort and sense of wellbeing are the most important aspect of any treatment.