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 OSTEOPATHY

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF OSTEOPATHY 
Osteopathic medicine is a unique form of medical practice that emphasizes the holistic wellness of the patient.  It also utilizes a diagnostic and treatment method called osteopathic manipulative medicine, which is a hands-on form of assessing and treating patients. Osteopaths can also utilize all the advantages of conventional medicine such as diagnostic technologies, prescription drugs, and surgery. They can work to facilitate each patient’s best health status by emphasizing prevention and wellness.

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS OSTEOPATHIC REMEDIES MAY BE HELPFUL FOR
Osteopathic doctors are able to treat a number of chronic and acute conditions. Therefore, the scope of Osteopathy's treatable conditions is very broad. It includes, but is not limited to:

- Back, neck, muscular pain
- Headaches
- Sciatica
- Asthma and other breathing disorders
- Menstrual disorders and other women's conditions
- Allergies
- Digestive disorders
- Sinusitis
- Illnesses such as the cold and flu
- General poor health
- Skin conditions
- Depression, anxiety and stress
- Children’s complaints

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF OSTEOPATHY
Andrew Taylor Still is generally acknowledged as the father of osteopathy. As a young boy in the 1830s he endured numerous headaches accompanied with periods of nausea. He finally constructed a low rope swing between two trees, and when a headache came on he would lie on the ground with his neck across the rope, using it as a type of pillow.  He soon observed that a short period of time in this rope swing would completely relieve his headache, and continued to utilize this cure as needed.

Many years later after completing conventional medical training, Still reconsidered his rope swing therapy and realized that he had prevented the activation of occipital nerves, and facilitated the arterial flow of blood through his neck. This intrigued him and led him to believe that peak wellness is only available when all aspects of the body work together harmoniously, as they are all interconnected. He conceived of a revolutionary medical structure that utilizes the holistic functioning of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the patient.

Still believed that illnesses could spring from minute anatomical differences from what is normal, and began to cure illness by providing hands-on treatments, coining his new practice Osteopathy. Further, since modern drugs such as antibiotics had not yet become available, he began examining natural ways to address ailments as well as the body’s own potential to heal. Still viewed this concept of the innate healing ability of the body as a fundamental tenet of osteopathy.

In 1892 Still founded the American Schools of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri. Although the state of Missouri authorized him to provide M.D. degrees, Still instead chose to award Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees (D.O.).  Today numerous osteopathic training schools educate osteopathic physicians.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF OSTEOPATHY
Osteopathic physicians believe that optimal wellbeing is reached when the body is in a state of equilibrium. Osteopathy holds that the structures of the body are engaged in a continuous rhythmic pattern of activity. However, when the natural motion of the body is impeded in some way the organs and tissues are not able to function optimally, and health conditions and diseases may occur. 

Another aspect of osteopathic medicine is the belief that the body is a unified whole comprised of many different systems.  Rather than viewing these systems as independent and separate from other systems, the osteopathic practitioner conceives of the entire body as a single unit made up of interrelated structures. When even the smallest part is disturbed the function of the entire body is affected.

Finally, a third tenet of osteopathy is the belief that the body possesses the innate capability to regulate and heal itself.  Dr. Still believed that within the body is held all necessary remedies to optimal health, and that every cell possesses an intrinsic knowledge of self-regulation and restoration. When the body’s ability to heal and repair itself is negatively impacted by illness or structural issues, the Osteopathic physician can facilitate these innate capabilities to assist the body in quickly restoring itself.

How is it done?
WHAT A SESSION OF OSTEOPATHY IS LIKE
One of the hallmarks of a session with an osteopathic practitioner is that substantial time will be taken with the patient. A first visit may take one hour or more. The practitioner will first take a detailed history including prior injuries and illness, surgeries, dental history, and current health habits and stress levels. He or she will then perform a thorough structural examination, and discuss the presenting problem. Diagnostic tests may also be undertaken. The practitioner frequently will take time to educate the patient on healthful living and ways to prevent illnesses.

Treatments are generally very gentle and frequently involve hands-on treatment. Tissues are encouraged to return to peak functioning. Most patients experience a feeling of relaxation, and many notice an immediate change in their bodies. Others may realize the benefits more slowly and over a period of sessions.

Who does it?
OSTEOPATHIC PRACTITIONERS
The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree is awarded to students who have completed four years of post-graduate training in osteopathic medicine. Generally the first two years of schooling are dedicated to the principles of Osteopathy and the last two years involve practice and direct patient contact. D.O.s thus have similar training to M.D.s, but they also are educated in osteopathic manipulation techniques.

In the United States attainment of the D.O. degree allows for licensure as a medical physician. Nineteen institutions in the United States currently educate osteopathic physicians.