​Osteopathy is a science, a philosophy, and an art that was discovered by Andrew Taylor Still in 1874. Osteopathy is a very gentle manual medicine that works with your body to assist in its natural ability to heal itself. Treatments focus on restoring balance to all the systems of the body by freeing up restrictions that impede the flow of nerves, arteries, veins, and lymphatics.
Picture “Osteopathy is to me a very sacred science. It is sacred because it is a healing power through all nature.” - Andrew T. Still, Osteopathy, Research and Practice, 1910
  
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Osteopathy recognizes the important link between the structure of the body and how it functions. The practice is based on an extensive understanding of anatomy and physiology and we look at your whole body when we treat you. This includes the:

  • Muscular system
  • Skeletal system (including joints)
  • Blood supply
  • Nerve supply
  • Lymphatic system
  • Connective tissue
  • Internal organs
  • Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)
​Osteopathy focuses on how ALL of these work together as a dynamic unit. As osteopathy treats and sees the body as a whole, a wide range of conditions can benefit from this treatment. Treatments may be preventative, curative, or palliative depending on the case and condition. It is a complete system of health care and because of the gentle application of this therapy, it can benefit people of all ages with many conditions.
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For those who have heard of Cranial Sacral Therapy, this is also Osteopathy, however its focus is solely on the cranium and sacrum. It was developed by an Osteopath, and because of its therapeutic benefits became its own branch of therapy. An Osteopathic Manual Practitioner also practices Cranial Sacral Therapy, but it is included in their overall Osteopathic treatment of the whole body.
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“I want it understood that I look upon the treating of effects as being as unwarranted as it would be for the fireman of a city to fight the smoke and pay no attention to the cause that produces it.” -A.T. Still, Osteopathy Research and Practice, 1910
Osteopathy is based on four fundamental principles:

  1. The body is a dynamic unit of function (mind, body, spirit)
  2. The body is self-healing, self-maintaining, & self-regulating
  3. Structure (anatomy), and function (physiology) are interrelated on all levels
  4. Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function